Southeast Asian groups are urging governments at the United Nations conference in Colombia to address the threats that expanding fossil fuel projects pose to the region’s biodiversity.

The 16th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) in Cali, Colombia, focuses on biodiversity protection. 

Southeast Asian civil society organizations emphasized the need to prioritize the Coral Triangle, a key marine biodiversity hotspot spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Timor Leste. 

This region, one of the richest ecosystems globally, faces significant threats from fossil fuel activities.

Gerry Arances, Executive Director of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) in the Philippines, highlighted the risks linked to LNG expansion. 

“Contrary to claims that LNG is a clean energy alternative, its entire life cycle—from extraction to transport and combustion—contributes significantly to environmental and climate degradation. Increased shipping activities associated with these projects risk severely disrupting marine biodiversity and coastal communities,” he said. 

Arances, who co-convenes the Southeast Asia Working Group on Just Energy Transition, noted that addressing these activities aligns with CBD COP16’s agenda on biodiversity protection.

By the end of 2023, Southeast Asia had planned 139 GW of new gas power projects—over a quarter of Asia’s total planned capacity. This expansion threatens marine ecosystems and millions of livelihoods reliant on the region’s fisheries and tourism.

Despite these concerns, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines have invested over $30 billion in LNG infrastructure, promoted as a cleaner alternative. Currently, 19 LNG terminals operate within the Coral Triangle, primarily in Indonesia and Malaysia.

“The breathtaking seascapes and marine life in the Coral Triangle are in peril. The rapid expansion of fossil fuels threatens not only climate stability and critical ecosystems but also the well-being of indigenous and local communities,” said Muhammad Reza, National Coordinator of The People’s Coalition for the Right to Water (KRuHA) in Indonesia.

In Malaysia, climate watchdog RimbaWatch criticized the government’s focus on fossil gas development. “Instead of prioritizing renewable energy, Malaysia is expanding fossil gas operations in the biodiverse waters off Borneo’s coast,” said Adam Farhan, Director of RimbaWatch. 

The groups urge stronger commitments to halt fossil fuel expansion, advocate for renewable energy, and emphasize international cooperation.