The Emerging Issues Component, together with partner agencies, will assist to respond to emerging issues in the region.

Project Development & Implementation :
a) Initiatives under implementation stage
• Dust and Sandstorms (DSS) in Northeast Asia- An inter-agency response and a phased program for development of monitoring and early warning network have been formulated. ADB is chairing the partnership which also includes ESCAP and UNCCD. UNEP is assisting with the actual establishment of monitoring and early warning system.

b) Initiatives under project development stage
• Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)- Climate change has increased the temperature in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, and the increase in temperature has led to the retreat of glaciers and to significant increase of glacial lakes. Initial studies on GLOF have been completed. A proposal for development and pilot testing of adaptation measures in Himalayas and Central Asian Mountain region has been formulated.
• Waste management, including electronic waste- Disposing of unwanted electronic products is becoming an emerging environmental issue in the region. Assessment of regional approaches to waste management is planned. Guidelines for national and sub-regional level inventories for e-waste has been proposed, as well as capacity building initiatives for technical and legal tools.
• Promote Prevention Policies- Urbanization is the mega-issue of the region. This rapid urbanization has put significant burdens on the urban environment including deteriorating water quality, air pollution, increasing traffic congestion, as well as increasing solid wastes and sanitation problems. In partnership with governments and experts, UNEP will work on pilot demonstration projects for eco-house and eco-transport to promote sustainable cities.

c) Initiatives at conceptual stage
• Sustainable Development Pathways- Many of the countries have responded to WSSD through innovative policy approaches such as circular economy, 3Rs, self-sufficient economy, and Gross National Happiness. These innovative paths towards sustainable development are proposed to be researched, analyzed, documented, and disseminated widely.
• Environment Security- The population and urbanization pressures have put enormous strains on food, water and energy. The demand is exceeding supply within nations. The proposed study will look back 15 years and look ahead 30 years to provide inputs for policy setting.
• Environment and Health: Health impacts of environmental degradation are becoming an emerging issue in the region. There is need to promote coordinated intervention at national and regional levels to reduce the adverse impacts of environmental deterioration on human health in the region.

Once the capacity and network to address the issue are better developed in the region, the projects on Emerging Issues will be transferred to the Secretariat. Currently the RRC serves as Secretariat for three networks on Emerging Issues: Atmospheric Brown Clouds (ABC); Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and Its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia (Malé Declaration); and Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET).

ABC Secretariat: Preliminary assessment was completed based on the INDOEX research. The potential impacts caused by aerosols and particulates on human health, on food security and the water budget were disseminated. UNEP is actively assisting with observation stations, impact assessment, and capacity building.

Malé Declaration Secretariat: Malé Declaration was adopted by South Asian countries in 1998. During Phase I (1998-2000) a network was established, baseline studies were completed and action plans drawn up. Consequently, a capacity building programme was initiated in Phase II of the implementation programme which included strengthening the monitoring network and training. Phase III activities (2006 – 2007) will continue to promote monitoring and initiate impact assessment studies.

EANET Secretariat: EANET has been established as an important initiative for regional cooperation on acid deposition among the countries in East Asia. After the successful implementation of the preparatory phase activities during 1998-2000, EANET started its activities on regular basis in 2001. It is proposed to further strengthen EANET in the form of an appropriate instrument for financial contribution by the member countries. Development of Five-Year Medium Term Plan is also proposed.