The land and forest fires that hit the ASEAN region in 1997- 1998 have been so severe that the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) labeled them as among the most damaging in recorded history. Their environmental, economic and social dimensions and impact, and the associated transboundary haze pollution have been profound. The total economic losses in terms of agriculture production, destruction of forest lands, health, transportation, tourism, and other economic endeavors have been estimated at $ billion
