The ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution (AATHP) is a landmark environmental treaty aimed at addressing the recurring issue of haze pollution in Southeast Asia. Signed on June 10, 2002, and entered into force in 2003, the agreement was a direct response to the devastating haze crisis of 1997-1998 caused by widespread forest fires in Indonesia. These fires, often linked to land clearing for agriculture, created severe transboundary air pollution that affected several ASEAN member states. The agreement has since been ratified by all ten ASEAN nations, making it the first legally binding regional pact of its kind to tackle transboundary haze pollution through monitoring, prevention, and coordinated responses.

The AATHP’s primary goal is to prevent and mitigate haze pollution caused by land and forest fires. To achieve this, it emphasizes collaboration among member states through national initiatives and regional cooperation. One of its key mechanisms is the establishment of the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control (ACC), which facilitates communication and coordination between national monitoring centers and focal points. The ACC also oversees the implementation of standard operating procedures for monitoring, assessment, and joint emergency responses during haze crises. Additionally, the agreement incorporates measures such as the Roadmap on ASEAN Cooperation towards Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, which outlines long-term strategies for achieving a haze-free region.

By fostering regional collaboration, the AATHP aims to mitigate the effects of haze pollution and uphold citizens’ rights to clean air. It also serves as a platform for capacity building and knowledge sharing among member states, enabling them to adopt best practices in fire prevention and sustainable land management.