The Opportunity

GEA aims to empower Asia’s most vulnerable populations to actively participate in the global and, most importantly, local response to climate change, biological diversity loss, and ecosystem decline. We are working with partners across Asia in addressing information deficiency and community empowerment barriers to inclusive engagement.

In the era of the COVID-19 crisis, the urgency of collective action is more apparent than ever. There is an opportunity to learn from gaps and inequalities in the global pandemic response to address climate change and biological diversity loss in a more equitable and comprehensive manner. Yet a range of technical, legal and governance impediments currently stand in the way of more inclusive and effective responses.

A paradigm shift is urgently needed to increase access to scientific data and awareness of pressing global threats. Giving vulnerable populations an informed voice will spark an enriched pursuit of science-based, action-oriented approaches to climate and ecosystem resilience. The most vulnerable can gain economic and social opportunities through information and tools enhancing their capacity to participate in and contribute to the resilience of the natural world.