The ‘Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and its likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia’ is an intergovernmental network involving Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, the Republic of Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Since its inception in 1998 the Malé Declaration National Focal Points (NFPs) and National Implementing Agencies (NIAs) have worked on a comprehensive set of activities, funded by the Swedish International Development Co-operation Agency (Sida), to build capacity in South Asia for the assessment of air pollution impacts and prevention and control options. The programme was very ambitious from the outset and considerable progress has …

This report presents the data generated by the participating countries over the last three years (2009-2011) with a goal to share the results of monitoring as well as to evaluate the data generated specially with respect to trends if any. It is expected to provide an important basis for a common understanding of the present status of monitoring and the environment in the countries as well as the matters needing future attention.

This report summarises the content discussed during the consultation workshop held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The workshop started with welcome remarks and Keynote Address delivered by representatives from UNEP, U.S. EPA, ICIMOD, and the Ministry of Environment, Nepal. The internationally renowned climate scientist and Chair of the ABC-International Science Team, Prof. Ramanathan, delivered the Keynote address. In his address, Prof. V. Ramanathan, expressed the need to formulate strategies for reducing black carbon emissions as the present scientific understanding of short-lived pollutants is sufficiently advanced to support appropriate policies and actions. He further mentioned in his address that black carbon emissions carry …

A thick haze is clearly discernible by NCO-P web-cam images taken on April 7 during morning and afternoon conditions, testifying the extension of Atmospheric Brown Cloud up to high Himalayas. Unusually high AOD values were detected at the NCO-P station by the in-situ AERONET measurements; high AOD values also characterized Kathmandu and Pohkara site. Aerosol profiles by CALIPSO confirm the extension and the strength of this event.

The primary aim of this book on Air Pollution Promoting Regional Cooperation is to facilitate the training of governmental decision-makers to further develop cooperation aimed at regional intergovernmental agreements or legal instruments. The book may also find readers among other policy-makers and scientists, as well as university students involved in environmental matters. Practiced negotiators may also benefit from reading selected sections. The book lays down the foundations that will enable potential negotiators to understand the principles of air pollution in its various forms and its effects, how agreements have been and can be developed, before presenting some practical suggestions on …