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Transboundary and Global Environmental Issues: The Role of asean
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2012
Abstract
This contribution focuses on the challenges that regional organizations face as they are increasingly confronted with, and need to respond to, transboundary and global environmental problems. Ever more frequently, environmental issues that begin as matters of national concern rapidly become transboundary in scope. As exemplified by the outbreak of avian flu, integrated national, regional and international efforts are necessary to tackle transboundary environmental issues which, by their very definition, call for a coordinated effort. This article will concentrate on the impact of transboundary environmental challenges on the objectives and functions of the Association of South East Asian Nations (asean).
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References
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42 Except transboundary environmental pollution under the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (see Section 3.1 below), and a few other types of pollution.
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49 Currently under Part II, section 2.D of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint (‘Managing and Preventing Environmental Pollution’).
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53 ‘Haze: Why Jakarta Should Accept International Help’, ibid.
54 Ibid. Asmady was not the only one to voice her discontent. Indonesia’s displeasure was also voiced by its Industry Minister, Fahmis Idris, as reported:
Indonesia’s Industry Minister, Fahmi Idris, is still upset at Singapore’s decision to raise the haze issue at the United Nations General Assembly last month. To register his protest at the move, Mr Fahmi boycotted a meeting of the Indonesia–Singapore joint steering committee on the Batam, Bintan and Karimun special economic zones, according to Antara news agency, ‘I did not attend the meeting in protest of Singapore’s step to table the haze issue at the UN General Assembly, though Singapore has previously agreed to tackle the problem at ASEAN (Association of South-east Asian Nations) level,’ said Mr Fahmi, who stayed away from last Friday’s meeting.
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71 Of course, the Indonesian haze problem predates the first pillar.
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