2018-保障未来_亚太地区（英文版）-1mb

Summary of UN Environment's Work in Asia and the Pacific

Core Content

The Asia and Pacific region is the fastest-growing economic region in the world, yet it faces significant environmental challenges. With a population of over 4.5 billion, it is home to nearly 60% of the global population and includes both the smallest and poorest countries as well as the largest and richest. The region is also among the most vulnerable to climate change, with seven of the ten countries most at risk located here. UN Environment plays a pivotal role in supporting sustainable development, climate resilience, and environmental protection across the region.

Main Challenges

• Climate Change Vulnerability: The region is highly susceptible to climate impacts, with seven of the ten most vulnerable countries located here.
• Marine Pollution: 60% of global marine litter comes from five Asian countries.
• Plastic Waste: Only 9% of global plastic is recycled, with significant impacts on ecosystems.
• Chemical Waste: Over one million tonnes of hazardous waste is generated daily, and chemical production is expected to rise.
• Resource Use: Consumption of materials has nearly doubled since 2000, with projections of doubling again by 2030.
• Biodiversity Loss: The region contains 17 of the 36 global biodiversity hotspots, with many species facing threats.

Key Initiatives and Programmes

1. Climate Action and Adaptation

• National Adaptation Plan (NAP-GSP): Trained over 1000 officials from 50 countries to improve climate adaptation planning.
• Low-Carbon Development Strategies: Supported Small Island Developing States (Maldives, Tuvalu, Niue, Nauru) to develop low-carbon strategies.
• Capacity Building for Transparency: Helped four countries (Laos, Myanmar, Pakistan, Thailand) improve climate reporting systems.
• Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA): Assisted countries in enhancing resilience of natural ecosystems and communities.
• Green Climate Fund (GCF): Supported Myanmar, Vietnam and Vanuatu to access financing for climate resilience.

2. Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

• Clean Seas Campaign: Launched in 2017, with over 50 countries signing on, and 90,000 individuals and companies pledging to reduce plastic waste.
• Single-Use Plastics Pledge: Over 60 countries have committed to phasing out single-use plastics.
• Green Fins Programme: Certified over 500 tourist operators to reduce environmental impact of diving and snorkeling activities.
• Plastic Waste Art Exhibit: Organized in 12 cities during World Environment Day 2018 to raise awareness about plastic pollution.

3. Sustainable Consumption and Production

• SWITCH ASIA Programme: Funded by the European Union, supports SCP policies in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
• Policy Tool-Kits: Provided support to Mongolia for circular economy integration and sustainable development indicators.
• Sustainable Tourism: Promoted sustainable tourism in Bhutan through Green Hotel Guidelines.

4. Sustainable Food Production

• Sustainable Rice Platform: Reduces methane emissions from rice production and trains hundreds of farmers in sustainable practices.
• Think.Eat.Save Campaign: Encourages global reduction of food loss and waste through consumer education and pledges.

5. Biodiversity Protection

• Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project: Protects endangered dugongs in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor Leste, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands.
• Convention on Biological Diversity: Supports countries in implementing obligations under the Nagoya Protocol and other biodiversity-related treaties.
• Gender Inclusive Biodiversity Planning: Works with Lao PDR and Myanmar to ensure women's voices are included in biodiversity strategies.

6. Environmental Enforcement and Legal Support

• Asia Environmental Enforcement Award: Recognizes individuals and groups who fight environmental crime.
• Regional Enforcement Network for Chemicals and Waste: Prevents transboundary movement of harmful substances and hazardous wastes.
• Greening the Judiciary: Trained legal stakeholders in Pakistan and supported judicial capacity building on environmental laws.
• Environmental Law Clinic: Set up in China to support public interest environmental litigation.

7. Women's Empowerment and Clean Energy

• Women's Livelihoods through Clean Energy: Partnering with UN Women and the Government of Sweden, supports women-led clean energy initiatives in Bangladesh, Cambodia and Vietnam.
• Gender Analysis: Informed the Myanmar Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2030, highlighting women's adaptive roles in agriculture and resource management.

8. Sustainable Finance

• Green Finance: Promotes changes in regulatory frameworks, clean technologies and green bonds to support sustainable development.

Key Information

• The region accounts for nearly half of global greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Clean Seas Campaign has been instrumental in reducing marine litter.
• Ecosystem-based adaptation is a key strategy for enhancing climate resilience.
• The Sustainable Rice Platform aims to reduce methane emissions from rice production.
• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has supported over 4,500 projects globally.
• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol could prevent up to 0.5°C of warming by 2100.
• Women play a vital role in biodiversity and climate adaptation, yet their contributions are often overlooked in policy-making.