Overwhelming support at AIF HF-SLM’s third consultation hybrid workshop

Author: MAHFSA-GEC  |   April 13, 2023  |   Initiatives

With the impending and real threat of El-Nino and haze looming at our doorstep, representatives from 10 ASEAN Member States (AMS), private sectors and ASEAN Secretariat recently convened for a Third Consultation Workshop for the Development of the ASEAN Investment Framework for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management (AIF-HFSLM).

The two-day session hosted on March 28 and 29, 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia on hybrid mode, aimed at being a sharing platform to update on the progress of the development of AIF including links with the ASEAN Haze- Free Roadmap and ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS). The workshop was also aimed to seek guidance from AMS and other stakeholders on elements and strategies to be included in the Investment Framework.

The valuable feedback and insights gained from the workshop will be pivotal in enhancing and finalising the AIF document. The Framework serves as a tool to help build multi-stakeholder partnerships and enhance availability of resources to stop large-scale burning of forests, peatlands, and agricultural residue by establishing socially and economically viable alternatives.

The 103 workshop participants also reviewed current investments towards a haze-free ASEAN, as well as future opportunities for investments and financing for HFSLM, while the workshop organised under the Measurable Action for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management in Southeast Asia (MAHFSA) Programme saw the discussion on modalities and mechanisms for enhancing resource mobilisation and investment.

Among the 45 in-person and 58 online participants included the Task Force members development of the new ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS), as well key representatives from development assistance agencies, private sector, universities and NGOs.

The workshop also presented a timely opportunity for the collection of further input to support ongoing AIF development process, particularly projects currently in the pipeline as well to formulate new ideas related to creating a haze-free ASEAN. The platform was also an ideal medium for engagement of AMS and stakeholders in the development process, while enabled key players enter into further deliberation and consultation for the enhancement of the revised AIF draft.

The March workshop is follow-up to three workshops held in 2022: The Initial Investment Framework Workshop (Jan 11) through online platform, and the First and Second Consultation Workshops hosted in Singapore and Bangkok, Thailand on September 7 and September 22 respectively.

The AIF-HFSLM was developed as an effort to embark cohesive action at sufficient scale, in an integrated manner across various locations and involving most stakeholders, following the initial response of the 10 AMS to address the increasing threat of transboundary smoke haze that has adversely impacted parts of these AMS at varying degrees. The initial AMS plans and mechanisms developed include the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP), APMS and ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap.

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