Since the launching workshop in December 1998, support to enhance and/or develop city-specific action plans has been identified as one of the essential activities to be carried out under the Clean Air Initiative. While some of the city members (such as Mexico City and Santiago) have been making progress for some time in the implementation of air quality management action plans, other+ cities, with the Initiatives support, have recently started working on their development.
The Initiative has sought to contribute to the air quality action plans of city members through technical assistance and by facilitating institutional arrangements and enhancing the necessary mechanisms for interagency collaboration and communication.
However, lessons from different metropolitan areas illustrate the critical role of an open dialogue and commitment among key stakeholders (transport, environment, health, energy, federal government, state and city officials, and other interests) to build consensus on the key priorities and actions needed from each stakeholder. Establishing this inter-institutional collaborative process is not an easy task, and often persistence and dedication are required when administrative or political changes occur. Consequently, the institutional challenge has been greater than originally anticipated. As described below, the Initiative will continue to catalyze the institutional framework for the development and enhancement of air quality management action plans in its member cities during the year 2001.
For more information on specific Action Plans, go to:
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