The transboundary haze pollution agreement was established in 2002 by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to tackle the recurring problem of haze pollution caused by land burning in the region. The agreement aims to prevent, monitor and mitigate the effects of transboundary haze pollution.
The agreement has been signed by all ten ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. It establishes a framework for cooperation and coordination among the member states to address the issue of haze pollution.
The main objective of the transboundary haze pollution agreement is to reduce the incidence and severity of transboundary haze pollution through cooperation among member states. The agreement recognizes that the issue of haze pollution is a regional problem that requires a regional solution.
Under the agreement, member states are required to take measures to prevent forest fires and other types of land burning that could cause haze pollution. They are also required to monitor and report on the extent of haze pollution and its impact on human health and the environment.
The agreement establishes a regional haze monitoring system to provide accurate and timely information on the occurrence of haze pollution. Member states are required to share data and information on haze pollution and coordinate their response to the problem.
The transboundary haze pollution agreement also provides for the establishment of a joint committee of national focal points to oversee the implementation of the agreement. The committee meets regularly to review progress and make recommendations for further action.
Since the establishment of the transboundary haze pollution agreement, there has been a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of haze pollution in the region. However, challenges remain, particularly in Indonesia, where forest fires caused by land burning for agricultural purposes continue to be a major source of haze pollution.
In conclusion, the transboundary haze pollution agreement is an important regional initiative to address the problem of haze pollution in Southeast Asia. It provides a framework for cooperation and coordination among member states to prevent, monitor and mitigate the impact of haze pollution on human health and the environment. While challenges remain, the agreement has already made a significant difference in reducing the incidence and severity of haze pollution in the region.