On March 27-30, ASU Center for Biodiversity Outcomes (CBO) researchers will lead a workshop in Myanmar to identify ways in which biodiversity conservation can enhance human well-being (e.g. food security, climate regulation, flood protection) in the country. This workshop is part of CBO’s Ecosystem Services and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) project, supported by the Science for Nature and People Partnership.

Myanmar is a biodiversity hotspot, abundant in unique species and ecosystems. 2015 democratic elections in this country have led to rapid political, social and economic change. In recognizing that their social and economic success depends on their natural wealth, last year Myanmar stated its commitment to the United Nation’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.

Penny Langhammer and Leah Gerber will lead the workshop. It will be targeted to policy experts, government decision makers, scientists and civil society organizations. Their work together will yield a better understanding of how KBAs can support Myanmar’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

This project represents an exciting collaboration between CBO and the Wildlife Conservation Society, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, World Wildlife Fund, BirdLife International and Conservation International.