ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution
150px Flag of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Signed	10 June 2002
Location	Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Effective	25 November 2003
Condition	Ratification by at least six ASEAN member states
Parties	10 ASEAN member states
Languages	English

The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution is a legally binding environmental agreement 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 force 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 haze has been a recurring environmental issue in the region, particularly affecting countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.

Objectives

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

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

Key Provisions

The agreement includes several key provisions:

• **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.
• **Technical Cooperation**: Facilitation of technical cooperation and capacity building among ASEAN member states.
• **Public Awareness**: Promotion of public awareness and education on the causes and impacts of haze pollution.

Implementation

The implementation of the agreement is overseen by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, which coordinates efforts 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**: Difficulties in enforcing compliance with the agreement's provisions.
• **Coordination**: Need for improved coordination among member states and relevant stakeholders.
• **Resource Allocation**: Limited resources for monitoring and response activities.

Also see

• ASEAN
• Environmental issues in Southeast Asia
• Air pollution
• Forest management
• Sustainable agriculture