JAKARTA, 25 March 2026 – The ASEAN Secretariat is pleased to announce the release of The ASEAN Magazine, Issue No. 49–50, titled ASEAN’s Roots and Reefs: Nature’s Strongholds.
This edition opens with reflections from Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development, Chair of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Council. Secretary Gatchalian outlines the Philippines’ Chairship priorities for the year ahead under the theme Navigating Our Future Together, emphasising on social resilience, inclusive development, innovation, and environmental cooperation.
The issue also highlights ASEAN’s growing role in environmental diplomacy. A key feature explores the region’s first dedicated ASEAN Pavilion at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, illustrating how ASEAN is linking climate action and biodiversity conservation through Nature-based Solutions, while advancing environmental, social, and economic sustainability across the region.
As one of the world’s richest regions in biodiversity, Southeast Asia carries a profound responsibility to protect its natural heritage. This edition features reflections on ASEAN’s biodiversity journey, the 20th anniversary of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, and the urgent need to respond to the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Through stories of roots and reefs, policy and partnership, challenges and progress, this issue invites readers to explore ASEAN’s collective effort required to safeguard our region’s natural world.
The ASEAN Magazine Issue No. 49–50 is available at: https://asean.org/serial/aseans-roots-and-reefs-natures-strongholds/
The ASEAN magazine can also be accessed through ASEAN’s official platforms:
- Website: https://theaseanmagazine.asean.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theaseanmagazine
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaseanmagazine
- X: https://x.com/theaseanmagz
The ASEAN Magazine is an official publication of the ASEAN Secretariat, produced by the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Analysis Division.