Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP)

The Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) is an alliance of 105 conservation organisations (50 based in Southeast Asia), established by the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Its aim is to bring emergency conservation attention to Critically Endangered land and freshwater vertebrate species in Southeast Asia.

At A Glance

The Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) is an alliance of 105 conservation organisations (50 based in Southeast Asia), established by the IUCN Species Survival Commission. Its aim is to bring emergency conservation attention to Critically Endangered land and freshwater vertebrate species in Southeast Asia.

This region is characterised by high levels of biodiversity, unique species, and intense threats from over-harvesting and habitat loss. Numerous species are therefore at risk of being lost forever. As of May 2020, 227 Southeast Asian non-marine vertebrates were classified as Critically Endangered on The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Sadly, there are likely many more species that meet the criteria of Critically Endangered that are yet to be assessed. Despite this, coordinated efforts to save these species has been minimal.

ASAP works across four strategic interventions:

Catalysing conservation: Most ASAP species are not receiving essential conservation attention. ASAP pinpoints gaps in conservation efforts and creates an enabling environment for effective action.

Increasing funding: ASAP advises on funding priorities, and leverages funding opportunities for ASAP species conservation.

Strengthening capacity: ASAP identifies the needs and engages with capacity building and training providers to build targeted conservation capacity.

Promoting species: ASAP communicates with key audiences to bring awareness of and drive action for ASAP species conservation.