Tourism is a Tool, not a Target: BEDO Forum Leads Mainstreaming Biodiversity-Based Tourism in Thailand

Eco-tourism in Southeast Asia is helping restore reefs and support local livelihoods, with tourists joining coral planting and philanthropy backing sustainable community efforts.

Carol Liew on Asia’s family foundations as ‘trust-based philanthropy’ and a moment of opportunity amid global shifts

The 30×30 Southeast Asia Ocean Fund has exceeded its initial $5 million goal and announced its first three grant partners supporting marine conservation in Indonesia and the Philippines. The fund backs community-led efforts to protect 30% of Southeast Asia’s seas by 2030, in line with global biodiversity goals.

Asian philanthropy’s flexible and collaborative approach offers inspiration for Danish foundations, say ECCA and AVPN leaders. They urge cross-regional partnerships to tackle global challenges like climate and biodiversity.

Under the Gates programme by Trampolene, tertiary-educated adults with autism are being trained and placed in engineering roles. With tailored support and job coaching, 42 participants have been trained and 18 placed in employment, promoting inclusive hiring and long-term job retention.