# How Southeast Asia Can Safeguard Nature While Unlocking $2 Trillion Annually

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/environment/302325-how-southeast-asia-can-safeguard-nature-while-unlocking-2-trillion-annually
- Published: 2026-05-01T01:53:00+07:00
- Author: The World Economic Forum

Investing in Southeast Asia’s biodiversity offers immense economic and environmental
rewards, according to scientists. They estimate that preserving and restoring natural
ecosystems in the region could generate over $2.19 trillion annually.

This significant economic windfall would be accompanied by crucial benefits for 
climate change mitigation. Protecting forests, wetlands, and coral reefs not only
safeguards countless species but also enhances carbon sequestration, reduces the
impact of extreme weather events, and supports sustainable livelihoods. This highlights
biodiversity as a powerful and cost-effective solution for both development and 
climate resilience in Southeast Asia.

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**Overview**
A study by the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) asserts that Southeast
Asia could generate up to $2.19 trillion annually by investing in the protection
of its biodiversity and natural infrastructure. While the region’s ecosystems face
unprecedented threats from habitat loss and extinction, the research demonstrates
that conservation is not merely an environmental imperative but a significant economic
opportunity. By prioritizing nature-positive initiatives, Southeast Asian nations
can create jobs, boost local incomes, and establish the region as a global model
for sustainable development.

## Key Points

 * **Economic Potential:** Investing an initial $10 billion, scaling to $46 billion
   by 2030, could yield annual economic benefits exceeding $2.19 trillion through
   job creation and socio-economic growth.
 * **Proven Success Models:** Projects like Cambodia’s Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
   and Malaysia’s Tun Mustapha marine park illustrate that conservation efforts 
   can simultaneously reduce deforestation and over-fishing while increasing local
   incomes and food security.
 * **Urgency of Action:** The report emphasizes that biodiversity conservation must
   move beyond being viewed as a “nice to have” and be integrated into national 
   economic strategies to mitigate the risks associated with environmental collapse.
 * **Need for Granular Strategy:** Experts, such as Dr. Teckwyn Lim, suggest that
   to make these findings actionable, further research is required to develop country-
   specific strategies that account for the diverse socio-economic landscapes across
   the region.

While the regional potential is significant, experts suggest that a country-specific
approach is necessary to account for the diverse economic and environmental landscapes
of individual nations. This tailored strategy allows policymakers to design initiatives
that align with local priorities, address unique challenges, and leverage specific
opportunities. By doing so, nations can maximize the benefits of development while
minimizing potential risks and ensuring sustainable growth.

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[Source link ](https://www.weforum.org/stories/2022/07/southeast-asia-biodiversity-nature-economy/?rand=55375)