The ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) commemorated two decades of championing biodiversity conservation with a milestone celebration on September 25, 2025. The event, “Harmony for Biodiversity: The 20th Anniversary of the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity,” gathered government leaders, conservation advocates, media professionals, and partner organizations from across Southeast Asia to recognize their contributions to biodiversity conservation and sustainability.

On behalf of the Asian Institute of Journalism and Communication (AIJC), President Therese San Diego Torres received the Certificate of Recognition from ACB. Past collaborations include the first ASEAN-wide Photo Contest on Biodiversity (2009), managed by AIJC to highlight ASEAN’s rich biodiversity and raise regional awareness through photography, and the ASEAN Champions of Biodiversity (2010–2011), a recognition program that promoted leadership and public engagement in biodiversity conservation, with AIJC providing project management and technical support.

Dr. Jerome L. Montemayor, ACB Executive Director, said the recognition signifies the opportunity to renew the partnership between ACB and the Institute.

The honorees also included the New Zealand Embassy in Manila, represented by H.E. Ambassador Catherine McIntosh; CORA Philippines, represented by its Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus; as well as veteran journalist and documentarist Howie Severino.

Established in 2005, ACB is an intergovernmental organization that fosters cooperation among the 10 ASEAN Member States and global partners to promote biodiversity conservation and sustainability.