Bangkok--14 Nov--UNISBKK
In its drive to improve Asia’s air quality, the Clean Air Initiative-Asia (CAI-Asia)’s strategic directions will include enlisting more support from the private sector and general public, said Sophie Punte, the new executive director of the CAI-Asia Center, during the Better Air Quality (BAQ) 2008 workshop in Bangkok.
Ms. Punte previously worked for the United Nations Environment Programme in Bangkok. She led an energy efficiency and climate change project for Asian industry, working with partner organizations in nine countries.
To reinforce the new emphasis, Ms. Punte said CAI-Asia had appointed two new members to its board of trustees. Cielito Habito, former chief of the Philippines’ National Economic Development Authority and chairman of the Commission on Sustainable Development, will bring economic expertise and a host of private sector contacts. David Guerrero, chairman and chief creative officer of a major advertising firm in the Philippines, will advise with public campaigns on air pollution.
CAI-Asia is a multi-stakeholder network of organizations and individuals committed to promoting clean air. Its members include over 120 government agencies, non-government organizations, research institutes, international organizations, and private sector firms.
“From the beginning, we have been trying to involve lots of people. The motto has always been, ‘The door is open.’ If people have ideas, we will bring them in,” said outgoing executive director Cornie Huizenga, who will remain as CAI-Asia’s vice chair of the Board of Trustees and will focus on fund-raising and outreach activities.
A strategic goal is to promote a co-benefits approach to urban air quality management and greenhouse gas reduction in Asian cities. “There are cost savings and other efficiencies to be gained from the air quality management and climate change communities working more closely together and communicating with policy makers,” said May Ajero, air quality program manager for the CAI-Asia Center.
CAI-Asia has two major programs on air quality and sustainable urban transport and an online portal with air quality data for Asian cities. To enhance its outreach and effectiveness, the Manila-based CAI-Asia Center works closely with seven country networks in China, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. A country network will soon be established in India.
“The value of our work is in what we do when we go back to our countries,”
Elizea Gozun, chairman of the CAI-Asia Partnerhip, told the meeting. “While much has been done since 2001, much still needs to be done.”
Media enquiries:
Ian Gill,