ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution is a regional environmental treaty established by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to address the issue of transboundary haze pollution in Southeast Asia. The agreement was signed on 10 June 2002 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and came into effect on 25 November 2003.

Background

Transboundary haze pollution in Southeast Asia is primarily caused by land and forest fires, often resulting from slash-and-burn agricultural practices. These fires produce thick haze that can travel across national borders, affecting air quality and public health in neighboring countries. The issue gained international attention in the late 1990s, particularly during the 1997 Southeast Asian haze, which was one of the worst environmental disasters in the region's history.

Objectives

The main objectives of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution are:

1. To prevent and monitor transboundary haze pollution as a result of land and/or forest fires. 2. To establish operational mechanisms to monitor and mitigate the impact of such pollution. 3. To strengthen regional and international cooperation in addressing transboundary haze pollution.

Key Provisions

The agreement includes several key provisions aimed at addressing transboundary haze pollution:

• Monitoring and Assessment: Establishment of a regional monitoring system to assess the extent and impact of haze pollution.
• Prevention: Implementation of measures to prevent land and forest fires, including promoting sustainable land management practices.
• Response: Development of national and regional emergency response plans to address haze pollution incidents.
• Cooperation: Promotion of collaboration among ASEAN member states and with international organizations to enhance capacity building and technology transfer.

Implementation

The implementation of the agreement is overseen by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, which facilitates cooperation and coordination among member states. Each member state is responsible for implementing national policies and measures in line with the agreement's objectives.

Challenges

Despite the agreement, challenges remain in effectively addressing transboundary haze pollution. These include:

• Enforcement: Difficulty in enforcing compliance with the agreement's provisions, particularly in countries with limited resources.
• Coordination: Need for improved coordination among member states and with non-state actors.
• Economic Pressures: Economic incentives for land clearing and agricultural expansion can conflict with environmental protection efforts.

Significance

The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution represents a significant step towards regional environmental governance. It highlights the importance of collective action in addressing environmental issues that transcend national boundaries.

Also see

• ASEAN
• Southeast Asian haze
• Environmental issues in Southeast Asia
• Air pollution
• Sustainable development

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