The 1st Southeast Asian Biodiversity and Climate Change Policy Forum was held on 7 January 2020 at the University of the Philippines College of Law. Organized by the Institute of International Legal Studies in partnership with Parabukas, the Forum examined the role of policy and cooperative action at this critical juncture for the planet. Professors Royal Gardner and Erin Okuno of Stetson University in Florida, U.S.A., spoke on vulnerable terrestrial and marine ecosystems that provide valuable ecosystems services but usually receive less attention, investments, and resources. In particular, Professor Garder discussed wetland ecosystems in Southeast Asian in the context of the climate change and biodiversity nexus, while Professor Okuno spoke on the state of coral reefs during the climate crisis.

The Forum likewise served as an opener for this year’s Stetson International Moot Court Competition Southeast Asia Regional Rounds, which the University of the Philippines hosted for the 7th consecutive year.

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