Media Release of the 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution

September 26, 2012

Location: Bangkok

On September 26, 2012, in Bangkok, Thailand, Ministers responsible for the environment from ASEAN Member States (AMS) convened for their 12th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment and the 8th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. During this gathering, the Ministers conducted a comprehensive review of regional environmental cooperation, with a specific focus on actions related to environmental sustainability outlined in the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Blueprint. Additionally, they explored innovative initiatives aimed at advancing regional environmental collaboration.

The Ministers collectively endorsed the Bangkok Resolution on ASEAN Environmental Cooperation, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening ASEAN’s regional cooperation on natural resources and environment to foster sustainable development and regional integration. They also emphasized their dedication to achieving the goals of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC). Among their commitments were the pursuit of a balanced approach between economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability, support for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and acceleration of the implementation of outcomes from the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. Moreover, the Ministers pledged active engagement in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and collaboration with Dialogue Partners to address emerging global environmental issues.

Furthermore, the Ministers adopted the ASEAN Action Plan on Joint Response to Climate Change, designed to implement the ASEAN Leaders Statement on Joint Response to Climate Change from the 16th ASEAN Summit in April 2010 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. They also expressed their intent to issue a Joint Statement for the Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP-11) in October 2012, outlining ASEAN’s position toward a positive and equitable outcome at CBD COP11.

In addition to reaffirming their commitment to the three objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which encompass the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and equitable sharing of benefits, the Ministers encouraged CBD Parties to develop domestic measures related to Access and Benefit Sharing, aligning with the Nagoya Protocol.

The Ministers approved the designation of U Minh Thuong National Park in Vietnam and Nat Ma Taung National Park in Myanmar as the 31st and 32nd ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHP), respectively, aimed at promoting awareness, appreciation, enjoyment, and conservation of ASEAN’s natural heritage through a regional network of protected areas.

They also assessed efforts to address land and forest fires in the region and associated transboundary haze pollution. While they acknowledged progress in implementing the Work Programme of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and related strategies, they expressed serious concern over the significant increase in hotspots reported in 2012.

Recognizing the impact of weather conditions on hotspot activities, the Ministers pledged vigilance and continuous monitoring. They noted contributions to the ASEAN Transboundary Haze Pollution Control Fund by some ASEAN Member States and discussed projects aimed at rehabilitating and sustainably using peatland forests in Southeast Asia.

The Ministers acknowledged the completion of the ASEAN Environmentally Sustainable Cities (ESC) Model Cities project and expressed appreciation to the Government of Malaysia for hosting the ASEAN Eco-schools Award 2012, which celebrated primary and secondary eco-schools from ASEAN Member States.

To foster international collaboration, the Ministers planned to meet counterparts from China, Japan, and South Korea at the 11th ASEAN Plus Three Environment Ministers Meeting and engage with counterparts from East Asia Summit participating countries at the 3rd East Asia Summit Environment Ministers Meeting. Lastly, they confirmed their intention to reconvene in Indonesia in October 2013 for the 14th Informal ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on the Environment.

Share this