A year of impact together: 2025 highlights from ASAP
December 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back on a year shaped by growth, collaboration and tangible progress across the ASAP network. From courageous leadership to conservation action on the ground, there is much to be hopeful for as the year comes to an end. Here, we’re sharing just a few of our highlights from the year:
Nurturing leadership: NOW Leaders graduation and launch of the NOW Collective
2025 was a landmark year for the Network of Women (NOW) programme. We officially launched the NOW Collective – a vibrant alumnae community where members share knowledge, support one another and strengthen their impact through peer learning and collaboration.
In November, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the third cohort of NOW Leaders. Over 70 guests attended the uplifting online event filled with inspiring stories, reflection and hope. These remarkable women will now continue their leadership journeys as part of the NOW Collective.
Building stronger foundations: organisational development support for Partners
Strong, resilient local organisations are at the heart of lasting species conservation. In 2025, we were pleased to launch our new organisational development programme—an initiative designed to support Partners to thrive, not just survive
Through long-term, tailored support in areas such as strategic planning and financial sustainability, the programme empowers local teams to build the foundations they want for long term conservation success.
Our first Partner to join the programme is BISA Indonesia, whose work to protect the Javan Blue Flycatcher is driven by deep local commitment and expertise.
“ For us, this is a big opportunity to professionalise BISA and prove that small organisations can become strong and impactful.”
Catalysing action: increasing the investment
Renewed commitments from existing donors and support from new funders signalled strong confidence in ASAP’s strategy. This growing group of supporters enabled us to channel increased resources to Partners.
Thanks to this backing, this year’s grants supported the relocation of Critically Endangered birds to a new sanctuary after detection of bird flu, bolstered a community-based programme to protect rare freshwater turtles, and created new pathways for breeding threatened toads. Together, these efforts are enabling rapid response, strengthening conservation action, and unlocking new opportunities for impact.
Connecting globally: ASAP at the World Conservation Congress
In October, the global conservation community gathered in Abu Dhabi under the banner of powering transformative conservation. Amid this energy, ASAP’s Director, Nerissa Chao, joined sessions where she spoke about the importance of small grants the catalytic impact they can have for often-overlooked species on the brink of extinction and the role they play in ensuring funding gets to local organisations on the ground.
The congress offered a rare chance to connect face-to-face with Partners, donors, and fellow conservationists from around the world. These conversations sparked new ideas, deepened relationships and gave a sense of collective determination.
ASAP Director, Nerissa Chao with Ha Thang Long, Chairman of GreenViet, Sheherazade, Co-Executive Director of PROGRES, and Sonja Luz, CEO of Mandai Nature. Images: Wai Kit
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a meaningful difference for Southeast Asia’s most threatened species.
If you would like to learn more about funding our work and help extend this impact to more species and communities across the region, please get in touch.
