Environment

“We should use this declaration as it is, a commitment by 11 member states of ASEAN including Timor-Leste after its official admission in October 2025. This declaration is our regional standard. As a next step, we have to do a gap analysis to make sure what we say on paper will become a reality.”

The strong claims of effective waste management by the Western and some developed countries came into question after Indonesia experienced an influx of foreign waste coinciding with China’s decision to close its doors. 

After years of deliberation, ASEAN is set to adopt the ASEAN Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean, Healthy, and Sustainable Environment (ADER) at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. Marking the region’s first dedicated framework on environmental rights within ASEAN’s human rights system, ADER is the result of over two years of collaboration between AICHR and ASOEN and with inputs from region-wide CSOs.

Healthy river ecosystems are vital for life. This article presents an innovative approach that fosters positive impacts on the ecological health of rivers, promoting the long-term sustainability of both social well-being and riverine environments.

The Philippines generates some 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and 20% of that goes to the ocean, according to the World Bank. “Sachet economy" and "high dependence" on single-use plastics continue to worsen the alarming levels of marine plastic pollution. The country is urged to enforce implementation of sufficient waste management system. 

Climate Fresk was created in 2015 by Cedric Ringenbach, a French engineer and professor specialising in energy transition. This board game encourages discussion on environment and climate related issues, especially for young people.

Located at the tip of the Philippines, and approximately 118 miles from Taiwan, with almost identical weather, the Ivatans of Batanes have learned to adapt their ways of life while inhabiting the most typhoon-prone islands in the country. 

From New Delhi to Bangkok to Seoul, Asia is facing the world’s most serious air pollution catastrophe.  Experts say this poor air quality becomes fatal with the onset of heat waves and drought from climate change, but citizens are coming up with their own solutions to tackle the dirty air.