South Asian countries have agreed to strengthen cooperation on reducing air pollution during the 17th regional government meeting on the Male’ Declaration held in Male’ City.
The two-day meeting on reducing air pollution and its cross-border impacts in South Asia was jointly organised by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) and the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the Male’ Declaration and improve cooperation among South Asian countries in finding sustainable solutions to regional air pollution. Participating countries held extensive discussions on a work programme for the next five years under the declaration.
Participating countries recognised air pollution as a major regional challenge and reaffirmed their commitment to joint action. Countries also agreed to enhance air quality monitoring and information sharing using modern technology.
The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy said hosting the meeting in Male’ reflects the Maldivian government’s commitment to environmental protection and stronger regional cooperation.