The Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia (Malé Declaration) is a landmark intergovernmental agreement adopted in 1998 to address the growing issue of air pollution in South Asia. Signed by eight countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka—the declaration is the first regional initiative of its kind in South Asia to tackle transboundary air pollution. It was established under the auspices of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP), with technical and financial support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The declaration aims to foster regional cooperation, build capacity, and promote policy measures to mitigate air pollution and its transboundary impacts in one of the world's most polluted regions.

The implementation of the Malé Declaration has been carried out in phases. Phase I (1999–2001) focused on establishing an intergovernmental network and conducting baseline studies to identify gaps in air pollution monitoring systems across member countries. These studies provided critical insights into existing policies and laid the groundwork for future initiatives. Phase II (2001–2004) expanded monitoring capabilities by setting up national action plans and initiating pilot projects to assess air quality trends. Phase III (2005–2008) further strengthened regional collaboration through capacity-building workshops and technical training programs. In Phase IV (2010–2013), the focus shifted toward enhancing regional cooperation by integrating monitoring data into policymaking processes and promoting public awareness about air pollution.

Currently, the Malé Declaration is in its fifth phase, which began in 2014. This phase emphasizes policy measures to control emissions of air pollutants, including Short-lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs), such as black carbon and methane. The aim is to ensure the sustainability and ownership of the declaration within the region while addressing emerging challenges posed by rapid urbanization and economic growth. The initiative also seeks to align its efforts with global frameworks like the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), which provides financial and technical support for reducing SLCPs. 
 

The Malé Declaration’s work on air pollution includes two critical components. First, it facilitates regional cooperation by enabling member countries to share data, methodologies, and expertise on air quality monitoring. Second, it promotes evidence-based policymaking by integrating scientific research into national strategies for air quality management. This includes using standardized methodologies for monitoring pollutants like PM2.5 and ozone across borders. The declaration has played a key role in raising awareness about the health, economic, and environmental impacts of air pollution in South Asia. Recognizing that air pollution does not respect national boundaries, the Malé Declaration emphasizes transboundary cooperation as essential for achieving clean air across South Asia.

SACEP Member Countries Reaffirm Commitment to Revitalize the Male Declaration for Cleaner Air in South Asia

On 11th June 2025, Member Countries of the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) convened for a significant regional meeting under the banner of the Male Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia – Ambition to Action. The session marked a renewed collective commitment to improving air quality and strengthening environmental cooperation across the region.

The meeting, organized by the Secretariat of the Male Declaration, SACEP, with technical support from AIT RRCAP, brought together representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Discussions focused on addressing shared air pollution challenges and advancing regional strategies to protect public health and the environment.

First adopted in 1998 at the 7th Governing Council Meeting of SACEP in Malé, Maldives, the Male Declaration has been a cornerstone of regional cooperation on transboundary air pollution.

During the meeting, country delegates highlighted the urgent need to revitalize the Declaration’s mechanisms and operational activities, particularly in light of increasing threats posed by deteriorating air quality, climate change, and related health impacts. They expressed strong support for SACEP’s leadership in strengthening institutional frameworks, enhancing technical capacity, and improving regional monitoring and data-sharing systems.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Norbu Wangchuk, Director General of SACEP, underscored the need for renewed political will and strategic partnerships to breathe new life into the initiative. He reaffirmed SACEP’s full commitment to working with Member States to transform the Male Declaration into a more dynamic, action-oriented instrument that delivers tangible environmental outcomes through collective regional efforts.