US-AEP Urban Activities

US-AEP works with Asian leaders in local government, business, community organizations, and the media to reduce the environmental damage caused by cities and to improve the health of their citizens by:

Improving Municipal Environmental Management

US-AEP works closely with U.S. partners, such as cities, state agencies, technology providers, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, to help Asian decision-makers use innovative, collaborative, and sustainable approaches to meet urban environmental challenges. These efforts consist of:

Improving air quality by promoting unleaded gasoline, helping cities develop air quality management plans, improving vehicular inspection and maintenance programs, and providing technology solutions
Improving water quality and service provision by upgrading the accountability and efficiency of local government institutions providing services to consumers and by undertaking watershed planned activities with local communities
Improving solid waste management by helping local governments develop plans, package solid waste projects, and promote composting and recycling technologies
Improving energy efficiency through the creation of public/private partnerships focused on best practices, energy audit demonstrations, training, and workshops.

Improving Municipal Infrastructure and Services

US-AEP helps local governments provide costly environmental infrastructure by:

Helping local governments identify, design and develop commercially viable projects through partnerships with the private sector
Promoting transparent financial management systems which ensure proper debt repayment
Helping local governments access local finance and domestic capital markets

Strengthening Institutions and Networks

US-AEP strengthens Asian networks, associations, and NGOs that provide information to decision-makers about policies, management practices, and technology options. This includes:

Providing assistance to local government associations in Asia to promote sustainable environmental management
Developing national environmental associations that help local governments manage solid waste, air quality, and water resources
Developing diploma programs with academic institutions to build knowledge, skills, and techniques in local administration management
Supporting regional networking events, such as the Mayors’ Asia-Pacific Environmental Summit (MAPES), for local leaders to improve their cities, exchange lessons, and build relationships, and create positive change

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