In the southern Peruvian Andes, Efraín Samochuallpa Solis can often be found working with the residents of the Cordillera de Vilcanota region, near his birthplace, to preserve its natural resources.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo recently established the 120,457-hectare Mount Mantalingahan Protected Landscape on the island of Palawan.

In the waters beyond the breaking surf, the sea pulses with some of the richest marine life on the planet, ranging from spiny lobsters and sea urchins to yellowfin tuna and sardines.