The Southeast Asia Region contains some of the world’s richest and most diverse cultures and ecosystems.However, a growing population, rapid development, climate change, environmental degradation, and health crises threaten the region’s political, social, and economic stability.

Trans-boundary solutions are necessary to address regional and global environmental and health challenges. The Regional Environmental Affairs Office (REO) addresses those challenges by partnering with governments and NGOs to build awareness, share knowledge, and increase cooperation in the region.

The REO also provides updated information on the state of the environment, science, technology and health issues in Southeast Asia to the U.S. Department of State’s Oceans, International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Bureau and coordinates closely with other U.S. government agencies such as USAID and Centers for Disease Control. It covers 16 countries including Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

The REO manages a small grants program focused on environment, health, and related social awareness and education themes as set by the President and the Secretary of State. The grants are issued to local NGOs or organizations to pilot or demonstrate projects that promote sustainability and prosperity on a regional level. The REO Hub issues its annual grant competition notice on www.grants.gov.