Coping with the environmental impacts of rapid urbanization and industrial growth remains a significant challenge for Asia. While many governments have developed legal and institutional frameworks, implementation and enforcement of environmental laws remains weak due in large part to technical, financial, and human resource limitations. Common challenges include: overlapping and fragmented authority, limited interagency coordination, incomplete decentralization, lack of standardized procedures, weak human and institutional capacity, limited public outreach and involvement, and insufficient program data and performance indicators.
In 2005, environmental agency leaders from 13 Asian countries established the Asian Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN) to promote improved compliance with environmental legal requirements in Asia. AECEN accomplishes this task through the exchange of innovative policies and practices among member enforcement agencies. Read more on the founding workshop establishing AECEN in 2005.
AECEN Mission
The mission of AECEN is to promote improved compliance with environmental legal requirements in Asia through regional exchange of innovative policies and practices.
Members
Members are national and sub-national agencies from Asian countries committed to improving compliance and enforcement through regional cooperation and information exchange. Members presently include environmental agencies from: India, Indonesia, Japan, People’s Republic of China, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Governance
An Executive Committee, composed of representatives from members and sponsoring development agencies and donors, serves as the governing body of the Network. The Executive Committee will have no more than nine members, which will include representatives from seven member countries (two from South Asia, three from Southeast Asia, and two from East Asia) and two international development agencies.
Secretariat
The AECEN Secretariat works with members to support the design and implementation of country and regional activities. Through an integrated mix of technical assistance, program coordination, small grants, and exchanges, the Secretariat supports the various activities of the Network. The Secretariat also provides an information support and coordination function, including assisting the AECEN Executive Committee to implement the Network’s work program and organizing the AECEN Annual Forum.
United States Agency for International Development (USAID) - Through its regional program Environmental Cooperation-Asia (ECO-Asia)  , USAID works to promote the adoption and implementation of improved environmental laws, polices and institutional arrangements in seven Asian countries – Cambodia India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. USAID is playing a key role in supporting the establishment of AECEN.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) - A multilateral development finance institution, promotes economic and social progress by fighting poverty in Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, ADB is a multilateral development finance institution owned by 59 members, mostly from Asia and the Pacific. ADB is playing a key role in supporting the establishment of AECEN.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people. EPA employs 17,000 people across the country, including its headquarters offices in Washington , DC , 10 regional offices, and more than a dozen labs. EPA is led by the Administrator, who is appointed by the President of the United States . EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education and assessment efforts by developing and enforcing regulations; offering financial assistance; performing environmental research; sponsoring voluntary partnerships and programs; furthering environmental education; and publishing information.
Other Partners
|
