MESSAGE MINISTER OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT THAILAND

ASEAN inaugurated its environmental cooperation in 1977. Our cooperation has been enhanced and expanded over the years. One of our efforts to raise awareness of the environment among ASEAN member countries is designating the ASEAN Environment Year. This initiative started in 1995 and since 2000 will be held every three years.

This year the theme “Together Towards Sustainable Development “highlights the strong commitment of ASEAN in working together to achieve sustainable development in the region. This theme is timely as it promotes regional implementation of the outcome of the WSSD. ASEAN has undertaken and will carry out various measures and action plans to promote economic development in the region while maintaining environmental quality and resource sustainability for our future generation. ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on Environment (SPAE) recognizes that environmental problems are beyond national boundaries, and that the problems cannot be solved unless we work collectively. In implementing the SPAE, ASEAN has made significant progress in dealing with trans-boundary issues. Last year, ASEAN member countries signed the ASEAN Agreement on Trans-boundary Haze Pollution, which is under the process of ratification. The Agreement called for both national and regional actions in solving the problems. We also adopted the criteria for marine water quality and marine protected areas to conserve our common sea areas.

Thailand commits herself to taking the leading role in ASEAN to undertake all necessary steps to achieve ASEAN Vision 2020, the Hanoi Plan of Action and the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Action on Environment. Thailand has been guided by the philosophy of “sufficiency economy” pronounced by His Majesty King Bhumipol. This philosophy has been implemented through Royal Initiated Projects in the areas of sustainable agriculture, soil conservation and water resources. We are pleased to exchange experiences in these fields with other member countries.

In conclusion, I would like to reaffirm that Thailand will join other member countries in carrying out activities both at national and regional levels to promote ASEAN Environment Year 2003. I congratulate the Government of the Kingdom of Cambodia for hosting the launch of this important event and look forward to a successful implementation of the ASEAN Environment Year 2003.

H.E. MR. PRAPAT PANYACHATRAKSA
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment
KINGDOM OF THAILAND