Environmental leaders from the Mekong sub-region have reaffirmed their commitment to reducing transboundary haze pollution as part of the region's ongoing efforts to tackle environmental challenges. During the 13th Meeting of the Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution, held in Siem Reap on December 4, high-level representatives from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam gathered to discuss their joint progress and challenges. The committee noted the ambitious target of a 35 percent reduction in hotspots by 2024, with a further 40 percent target set for 2025. The meeting acknowledged that climate change has made the issue more complicated, with frequent droughts and extreme weather events exacerbating the risks.

The participants also emphasized the need for stronger national action plans, prioritizing fire prevention, monitoring, and suppression to minimize transboundary haze. The committee noted complementary efforts such as Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar's Clear Sky Strategy and Cambodia’s Blue Sky Strategy, highlighting the importance of cross-border cooperation. With climate change causing more frequent and severe wildfires, the committee members stressed the urgency of collective action to protect public health, economic stability, and ecosystems in the region.

Looking ahead, the committee discussed advances in satellite monitoring tools, including the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS) to enhance fire and haze detection. These tools, alongside enhanced regional cooperation, are expected to support the sub-region’s efforts in mitigating the impact of haze. The meeting also addressed the potential impacts of La Niña conditions, forecasting an escalated situation for the dry season from December 2023 to May 2024. The committee will continue to review and refine strategies to manage the risks and protect the health and environment of the Mekong sub-region.

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