Southeast Asia has more than 60% of the world’s tropical peatlands covering about 25 million hectares. These peatlands are critical in regulating global climate, conserving biodiversity and sustaining water resources and local livelihoods. However many peatlands in the region are being affected by exploitation and unsustainable management practices. Large scale peatland drainage and conversion is responsible for much of the fires and transboundary haze which is one of the most serious regional environmental problems in Southeast Asia.

Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States adopted the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy 2006-2020 (APMS) and updated it in 2013 to provide guidance for collaborative action. Although good progress has been made, recent large scale transboundary haze events have indicated efforts need to be enhanced further. In September 2013, ASEAN Ministers responsible for the environment endorsed the establishment of a long term multi-stakeholder ASEAN Programme for the Sustainable Management of Peatland Ecosystems 2014-2020 (APSMPE).

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