Development of the regional policy process for air pollution in South Asia, southern Africa and Latin America

Abstract

Projections indicate that large increases in emissions may occur in developing countries during the next twenty to fifty years if current development patterns persist. This paper describes the development of co-operation regarding air pollution issues in three sub-regions of three continents. Experiences gained through activities within a programme on Regional Air Pollution in Developing Countries are used to illustrate progress. The sub-regional process in South Asia developed through a series of meetings that led to the Male Declaration. In southern Africa a policy dialogue led to the Harare Resolution targeted towards progress in the SADC region. A policy dialogue in Buenos Aires concentrated on issues related to regional harmonisation of legal frameworks in the Mercosur region. In all regions the link between scientific information required to support decision making has been emphasised. The sub-regional policy processes are analysed in relation to availability of required scientific information and compared to the process that led to protocol development in Europe.