EDITORIAL - A problem for Asean

With economic integration finally looking like a sure thing by yearend for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, perhaps the grouping can deal decisively with the forest fires that each year spawn choking haze not only at the points of origin in Indonesia but also in neighboring countries.

The haze has become an irritant between Indonesia and its neighbors Malaysia and Singapore, which lie closest to the forests where Indonesian villagers still employ the slash-and-burn method of clearing lands for farming.

Slash-and-burn is also employed in the Philippines, where it is called kaingin, and Filipinos are familiar with its consequences. Apart from the difficulty of preventing the fires from spreading, kaingin destroys the sustainability of the soil and is a major reason for the rapid depletion of the country’s forests.

In the areas worst hit by the haze, residents are suffering from respiratory illnesses and other afflictions arising from choking air pollution. This is particularly galling for Singapore, which puts a premium on maintaining a clean and green environment.

The haze has forced the suspension of classes and cancellation of some flights in Singapore and Malaysia. It has affected business including the travel industry in the two countries. Within ASEAN, Malaysia normally has the highest tourist arrivals while Singapore ranks third after Thailand.

Last week the haze reached Mindanao, with the same impact on flights, business, schools, travel and public health. And most recently, a light haze has lowered visibility at the NAIA. Weather experts aren’t sure if it was blown to Manila from Indonesia because the prevailing winds are moving in another direction, but they also don’t think the haze is due to ordinary pollution in Metro Manila.

How hard is it to stop the annual orgy of cutting and burning down trees in Indonesia? The problem will persist if authorities keep looking the other way. Most of the forests are being cleared to make way for palm trees for the production of biofuel. Orangutans and other endangered species have been pushed out of their natural habitats, but with global demand for biofuels on the rise, the trend is expected to continue.

ASEAN has been slow in tackling the problem. Now, with the haze reaching one of its worst levels ever, the grouping should confront a problem that has a heavy impact on the economy and public health. The haze should be high on the agenda of the ASEAN Economic Community.