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For all the stronger laws and enforcement powers, experts agreed that Singapore cannot solve the haze problem on its own.<\/p>\n
Asst Prof Tan-Soo said the ultimate goal should be to change the economic incentives and land-management practices that contribute to the fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cUltimately, the goal should be to improve transparency and change land-management practices at source, rather than simply reducing Singapore’s exposure to companies associated with deforestation,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He and Prof Quah pointed to a need to make non-burning land management methods and forest conservation more economically viable.<\/p>\n
This could involve supporting fire-free land preparation, developing commercially viable forest-based businesses, and creating credible financing mechanisms that reward conservation, said Asst Prof Tan-Soo.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Prof Quah suggested that countries affected by the haze could establish a shared fund to purchase machinery and equipment for farmers and plantations in Indonesia, reducing their reliance on fire to clear land.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe setting up of this fund and the cost sharing can be likened to a form of foreign aid from victim countries to Indonesia itself,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
But regional cooperation should not come at the expense of accountability, Assoc Prof Tan cautioned.<\/p>\n
He pointed to the principle of customary international law that countries have a responsibility not to cause environmental harm beyond their borders.<\/p>\n
\u201cA country has the sovereign right to exploit its natural resources within its territorial boundaries. However, that sovereign right does not justify its actions and activities that cause harm or damage to another country. If it does, it is legally liable,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot lose sight of this important customary international law. Otherwise, the haze crisis will continue with a patent lack of responsibility and accountability among stakeholders.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond governments and businesses, civil society could also play a greater role.<\/p>\n
Prof Ang recalled how the Singapore Environment Council and Consumers Association of Singapore had previously urged consumers to boycott companies whose land-clearing practices contributed to forest fires.<\/p>\n
\u201cInvolving civil society groups has the salutary effect of empowering individuals,\u201d said Prof Ang.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is, each Singaporean must feel that they are able to do something to fight the haze, not just to accommodate it by wearing masks or staying indoors with the air conditioner and air purifier on.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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