The present report concerns the fourth among the series of regional consultations for national focal points, amongst others, from East Asia and the Pacific took place from 24 to 26 July 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. It should be noted that the first consultations for national focal points from Africa took place from 4 to 6 June 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya, at the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the second consultations for national focal points from Latin America and the Caribbean took place from 20 to 22 June 2018 in Panama City. Panama and the third regional consultations for national focal points from West Asia took place from 9 to 10 July 2018 in Amman, Jordan.

This presentation discusses aquaculture in Bangladesh and the problems caused by derelict fishing gear abandoned by local fishermen.

The key purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for Montevideo Focal Points from Asia Pacific to: (a) share and exchange information on latest developments, trends, and good practices in the development and enforcement of environmental law in their countries, as well as regionally and globally; (b) contribute to UN Environment’s preparation of the assessment of the Montevideo Programme IV, including through sharing information on the status of implementation of the Montevideo Programme IV in their countries; and (c) identifying priorities from the region and proposals for the work of UN Environment in environmental law for the coming years, including for the next Montevideo Programme period commencing 2020. Priorities already identified by focal points and relevant UN Environment Assembly resolutions include: air pollution, public health, and marine litter. These and others will be discussed in the meeting.