Development of the regional policy process for air pollution in South Asia, southern Africa and Latin America

Projections indicate that large increases in emissions may occur in develop ing countries during the next twenty to fifty years if current development patterns persist. This paper describes the development of co-operation rega rding air pollution issues in three sub-regions of three continents. Experi ences gained through activities within a programme on Regional Air Pollutio n in Developing Countries are used to illustrate progress. The sub-regional process in South Asia developed through a series of meetings that led to t he Male Declaration. In southern Africa a policy dialogue led to the Harare Resolution targeted towards progress in the SADC region. A policy dialogue in Buenos Aires concentrated on issues related to regional harmonisation o f legal frameworks in the Mercosur region. In all regions the link between scientific information required to support decision making has been emphasi sed. The sub-regional policy processes are analysed in relation to availabi lity of required scientific information and compared to the process that le d to protocol development in Europe.