Regional Dialogue on Transformative Action to End Open Burning of Waste in South Asia

The Regional Dialogue on Transformative Action to End Open Burning (OWB) of Waste in South Asia was held on September 6–7, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal. The event was co-organised by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), in collaboration with the Department of Environment (DoE), Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal, and Health Environment and Climate Action Foundation (HECAF360). The dialogue forms part of the wider “Transformative Action to End Open Burning of Waste” project, which aims to assess the status of open waste burning (OWB), strengthen institutional capacities, and develop a regional roadmap for action in Asia. The regional dialogue on ‘Transformative Action to End Open Burning of Waste in South Asia’ was conducted in conjunction with the regional workshop of the Global Alliance (GAIA) for Incinerator Alternatives.

The South Asia dialogue convened senior policymakers, academics, civil society groups, GAIA members, local authorities, and development partners to review and refine the draft regional roadmap on OWB in the South Asian context. Delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka participated, sharing experiences, policy innovations, and lessons learned. The workshop underscored the urgency of coordinated action, particularly in light of the severe air pollution challenges faced by the Indo-Gangetic Plain and other hotspots in the region.

Recognising these threats, South Asian countries have begun taking steps to address OWB. Regional frameworks such as the Malé Declaration on Control and Prevention of Air Pollution and its Likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia, the Roadmap for Sustainable Waste Management and Resource Circulation in South Asia (2019–2030) and the newly endorsed Jaipur Declaration on 3R and Circular Economy (2025–2035) collectively provide strategic direction for advancing resource efficiency, pollution control, and sustainable development across the region. The dialogue concluded with the launch of the ‘Kathmandu Declaration’, adopted by the participants.

Background

South Asia generates over 70 million tons of solid waste annually, with only 44% formally collected. The remainder is often mismanaged through open dumping, littering, or burning. OWB is one of the most critical challenges, releasing particulate matter (PM2.5), black carbon, greenhouse gases, and toxic pollutants. These emissions exacerbate climate change, degrade air quality across borders, and pose severe public health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

In 2023, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka were identified among the world’s most polluted countries, each exceeding the levels of the WHO on PM2.5. Densely populated areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain often record levels more than several times the WHO safe threshold. Despite regional frameworks and national initiatives, OWB persists due to weak enforcement, infrastructure gaps, limited awareness, and socio-economic pressures.

The Regional Dialogue in Kathmandu was convened to address these challenges and refine a South Asia-specific roadmap for transformative action against OWB.

Intent

This workshop aimed to bring together policymakers and key stakeholders from South Asia, where OWB is widespread, to discuss the current situation of OWB and recommend actions to improve it across South Asian countries. These recommended actions will be further incorporated into the development of a comprehensive roadmap to end OWB in the Asian region. The workshop was conducted to achieve the following objectives:

• To review and get any comments from the participants to improve the draft regional roadmap for Asia to end the Open Burning of Waste.
• To strengthen regional efforts and institutional capacity of key stakeholders in South Asia to mitigate OWB, aiming to reduce air pollution, mitigate climate change, and improve public health.
• Advance sustainable and green solutions in the region of South Asia through the enhancement of integrated solid waste management towards zero waste and circular economy.

Recognising the challenge in the region of addressing the OWB issue, the workshop discussion focused on OWB under six key areas highlighted in the ‘Regional Road map on End OWB in Asia’

• Policy Implementation and Enforcement
• Institutional Coordination, Regional Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
• Enhancing Monitoring, Validation and Data collection & sharing
• Strengthening Public Awareness and Community Engagement
• Addressing Financial Constraints
• Waste Management Infrastructure and Technology Development

Additionally, the workshop emphasised the critical roles of gender, youth, and the informal sector in achieving sustainable solutions and transformative actions to stop OWB. These groups are integral to waste management and circular economy systems but are often underrepresented in formal policy discussions. Addressing their inclusion is essential for fostering equitable and practical solutions.