Since its establishment in 1968, SEAMEO BIOTROP has stood as an esteemed legacy institution within the SEAMEO family. As we embark on the first year of our 11th five-year development plan, our renewed commitment to tropical biology’s significance is evident, more so as we endeavor to accentuate its true value within Southeast Asia. Our strategic approach, framed under three pillars: ecosystem conservation, sustainable biodiversity utilization, and fortifying resilience against global climate change, embodies our goals for connectivity, sustainability, and transformation in this ever-evolving world.

The lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic status is not just a beacon of hope but also an affirmation of our resilience and adaptability. This event provides a fresh impetus for us to foster greater connectivity, drive sustainability initiatives, and catalyze transformative actions that resonate with our regional mandate.

In alignment with our 11th Five-Year Development Plan, our ambition is unwavering: SEAMEO BIOTROP aims to set the gold standard for sustainable biodiversity management in Southeast Asia. With the introduction of our meticulous SEABID strategies and the comprehensive 7 + 1 Flagship programs, we’ve carefully designed our trajectory to adhere to SMART principles, guaranteeing our aspirations are both lofty and realizable.

As I conclude, it is imperative to convey my deepest gratitude to the Government of Indonesia, our SEAMEO member countries, and the entire SEAMEO BIOTROP fraternity. Your unwavering support and collaboration form the bedrock upon which our institution stands. It’s your ceaseless commitment that fuels our shared vision - making SEAMEO BIOTROP the lighthouse of biodiversity
expertise in Southeast Asia.