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Less than 8 per cent of the population of Asia and the Pacific enjoyed healthy air – within the World Health Organization (WHO) Guideline – in 2015. That means that around 4 billion people, the other 92 per cent of the population, spread unevenly across the region and with the highest numbers living in South and East Asia, are exposed to levels of air pollution that pose significant risks to their health.

Asia-Pacific is at the forefront of global discussions on sustainable development and the melding of environment and economic policies. From access to clean water to biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture - community involvement and investment when solving environmental challenges is crucial to managing local resources. In order to move towards and realise sustainable development on a larger scale, proven-successful practices at the grassroots should be contextualized and replicated across Asia-Pacific. As a group of regional experts, the Asia-Pacific Forum for Environment and Development addressed critical issues facing the region and proposed new models for equitable and sustainable development. Two programmes resulted from the forum, the APFED Showcase Programme and the APFED Awards.

Asia-Pacific faces major environmental issues, from climate change and biodiversity conservation to resource resilience and water security. As the greatest consumer of natural resources, the region is experiencing the effects of increased waste and pollution as they take a massive toll on resource availability, livelihoods and quality of life for many families. Addressing the challenges that come with climate change appears enormous and often insurmountable outside of top-down global and regional actions. Yet, local governments and communities in the region are facing these challenges head on by developing and utilizing innovative solutions to climate change and many other environmental issues.

Suva Declaration on Climate Change - Issued at the 3rd PIDF Leaders Summit, 2-4 September 2015, Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva, Fiji

Tonga is one of the many islands that are endowed with unique resources and derives much of its economic, environmental and social well-being directly or indirectly from its environment. Tonga harbours numerous special ecosystems: from the peak of Mt. Talau in Vava'u, to the serenity of Vai Lahi in Niuafo'ou; the vulnerability of the Ha'apai Group to 'Eua's National Forest and to the Fanga'uta Lagoon in Tongatapu.

Local communities and indigenous people make substantial contributions to global conservation efforts and sustainable development. While these communities are often the primary resource stewards who rely on ecosystem to meet food security, livelihood and health needs, their contribution to the achievement of global conservation targets have not yet been fully recognized.

French Polynesia is a veritable oasis of life, thousands of kilometers from the closest continent. The marine biodiversity is not itself exceptional, but the isolation of the Polynesia archipelagos has contributed to protecting resources and maintaining an abundant marine life. The clarity of the water contributes to the approachability of marine species. Observation of cetaceans by tourist operations began in the 1990s, and has now become a major commercial activity in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is a veritable oasis of life, thousands of kilometers from the closest continent. The marine biodiversity is not itself exceptional, but the isolation of the Polynesia archipelagos has contributed to protecting resources and maintaining an abundant marine life. The clarity of the water contributes to the approachability of marine species. Observation of cetaceans by tourist operations began in the 1990s, and has now become a major commercial activity in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is a veritable oasis of life, thousands of kilometers from the closest continent. The marine biodiversity is not itself exceptional, but the isolation of the Polynesia archipelagos has contributed to protecting resources and maintaining an abundant marine life. The clarity of the water contributes to the approachability of marine species. Observation of cetaceans by tourist operations began in the 1990s, and has now become a major commercial activity in French Polynesia.

French Polynesia is a veritable oasis of life, thousands of kilometers from the closest continent. The marine biodiversity is not itself exceptional, but the isolation of the Polynesia archipelagos has contributed to protecting resources and maintaining an abundant marine life. The clarity of the water contributes to the approachability of marine species. Observation of cetaceans by tourist operations began in the 1990s, and has now become a major commercial activity in French Polynesia.