IUCN, Asia Regional Biodiversity Programme

The South Asian region can be considered a herpetofaunal "hotspot" with its high degree of species richness and diversity of amphibian and reptilian fauna. Unfortunately, high population density and population growth are putting enormous pressure on the region's natural resources and ecosystems, and as a result five amphibian species and 31 reptilian species from this region are listed as globally threatened in the 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Documents nationally threatened fauna and flora of Sri Lanka. The lists were prepared using new national criteria. According to the lists, a total of 560 species of fauna and 690 species of plants are found to be highly threatened or threatened.

This regional session of the GBF brought together over 120 participants from 22 countries, ranging from indigenous comunity representatives to members of intergovernmental organisations. It was designed to feed directly into the deliberations of the CBD, in particular the discussion of SBSTTA (Jan-Feb 2000). Selected themes reflected key SBSTTA5 agenda items, and also highlighted regional concerns. Workshops included topics on sustainable use, the ecosystme approach to conservation, and alien and invasive species

The outcome of a workshop to discuss collaborative management in the Asian context, and to review the related legislative framework, strengths, weaknesses and institutional capacity. This book contains full background information on the workshop, and outline of the key conclusions, and recommendations for future action to carry forward the collaborative management agenda in the Asian region as whole