The ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre has forecasted that the prevailing La Niña is expected to gradually weaken and return to neutral conditions in the third quarter of 2008. This could lead to drier periods and the possibility of escalating hotspot activities during the coming dry season. In view of this, the MSC recognises the urgency and importance for continued preparedness and collaboration to tackle land and forest fires and transboundary haze pollution. The MSC agreed that Member States should be vigilant and undertake concrete actions, particularly on preventive and mitigation efforts.

The MSC expressed satisfaction with the significant progress made by Indonesia in implementing its Plan of Action in Dealing with Transboundary Haze Pollution. The MSC noted that Indonesia’s efforts under the Plan of Action and wetter weather conditions in 2007 have reduced the number of hotspots by 51% in both Sumatra and Kalimantan (with data from ASEAN Specialised Meteorological Centre and Indonesia), compared to 2006. This has slightly exceeded the 50% target set.

Under its National Action Plan on Climate Change, Indonesia has targeted to reduce the number of hotspots by 50% in 2009, 75% in 2012 and 95% in 2025, with the 2006 figures as the baseline. The targets will be used as guidance for both central and local governments in implementing their activities.

The MSC noted that relevant central and local government agencies as well as the private sector in Indonesia had significantly increased the budget allocation for land and forest fire control for 2008 amounting to more than 800 billion Rupiah.

The MSC noted the significant progress of collaboration between the governments of Indonesia and Singapore for Muaro Jambi Regency including capacity development for Jambi provincial government officials, socialisation workshop for local community, and development of a fire danger rating system.

The MSC noted the progress for the signing of MoU for collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia in Riau Province which is in its final stage; following which capacity building programmes on zero burning techniques, an early warning system, peatland management activities will be carried out in collaboration with various stakeholders in Riau Province.

The Ministers are scheduled to meet again on 26 June 2008 in Singapore.