i. seek congruence on environmental quality standards in ASEAN;

ii. develop common contingency plan to deal with pollution resulting from maritime disasters;

iii. deal with issues of transboundary pollution;

iv. develop cooperation efforts in the conservation of biological diversity;

v. assess economic matters pertaining to environmental and resource management;

vi. increase environmental education and awareness in the region; and

vii. make the necessary changes to ASEP III in line with the functions of ASOEN.

2 To undertake these important and challenging tasks and implement the provisions of the Kuala Lumpur Accord it was agreed that ASOEN memberships shall be composed of appropriately designated senior officials of Environment Ministries or equivalent agencies of respective ASEAN countries, and/or others specifically designated by the Environment Ministers or Heads of equivalent agencies of the ASEAN member countries". This signifies the seriousness and determination ASEAN attaches to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development through joint cooperative endeavours.

3 Six Working Groups were established by ASOEN to plan and implement project activities in their respective field of environment, and the chairmanship of each Working Group was assigned to each member country. The tenure of office of the chairman of ASOEN and the chairman of Working Groups would be for 3 years. The coordination of projects under the purview of the various Working Groups is the responsibility of the respective Working Group Chairman. With immediate effect, the ASEAN Environment Newsletter becomes the responsibility of the ASEAN Working Group on Environmental Information, Public Awareness and Education.

For more information, please refer to the project details