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SWITCH-Asia

SWITCH-Asia logo.

The SWITCH-Asia program, launched in 2007, is part of the European Union’s strategy to promote sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in Asia. As of 2023, it covers 42 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, targeting emerging economies and major CO2-emitting countries.

Women are integral to coffee production. However, they are largely confined to the initial stages of the coffee value chain—production and processing. Photo credit: Courtesy of SWITCH-Asia.
Article
17 December 2025

Women Leading the Way: Sustainability and Economic Empowerment in Lao PDR's Coffee Value Chains

EU-funded project helps women thrive as equal participants in the coffee sector and beyond.
In 2020, the yellowfin tuna handline fishermen of the Mindoro Strait and the Lagonoy Gulf, along with processors who supported their cause, established the Philippine Tuna Handline Partnership—a coalition that serves as a client group providing them access to local and international markets, and through which they can strive to earn an eco-label certification. Photo credit: Courtesy of WWF-Philippines.
Article
26 November 2025

Sustainable and Equitable Fishing: The Tuna Fishers of Occidental Mindoro

Realizing the need to move beyond mere survival, fishers now making it a priority to ensure the sustainability of marine ecosystems.
Once applied, biochar enhances soil structure, helps retain moisture, and increases nutrient availability, thus boosting crop yields—a crucial factor in building a sustainable agricultural system. Photo courtesy of Helvetas.
Article
12 March 2025

Turning Cocoa Pod Waste into Biochar

A project supported by the European Union helps a company deal with agricultural wastes, while providing clean heat for drying cocoa beans.
SUSTOUR Laos is dedicated to fostering sustainable consumption and production practices among MSMEs in the tourism sector. Photo courtesy of SWITCH-Asia.
Article
1 February 2024

SUSTOUR Laos Project Takes Center Stage in Promoting the Country as a Green Destination

Using a business-led approach, the program works with MSMEs to reduce the social and environmental impacts of tourism.
Biomass gasification is a technology that burns wastes into oxygen to produce heat-generating green fuel. Photos courtesy of Do Manh Cuong/Oxfam in Viet Nam.
Article
13 February 2023

Green Technology as Driving Force for Agriculture in Viet Nam

EU project promoting clean fuel from agricultural wastes helps small business owners boost earnings, improve end product, and fight pollution.
Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan
Publication
13 January 2022

Towards Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Lao PDR: Options for a National Policy Strategy and Action Plan

This report assesses Lao PDR's capability in dealing with single-use plastic wastes and recommends policy options based on lessons from other countries and recommendations from stakeholders and experts.
Biomass gasification is a technology that burns wastes into oxygen to produce heat-generating syngas or green fuel. Photo credit: Courtesy of the SWITCH-Asia Biomass Gasification Technology—Sustainable Energy Solution for Agri-Food Processing and Waste Management in the Rural Areas of Viet Nam.
Article
15 December 2021

Turning Waste into Energy, Reducing Environmental Pollution in Viet Nam

EU-backed SWITCH Asia project helps to green tea production while boosting farmer income.
The 8th Asia-Pacific Housing Forum on 7–9 December 2021 will highlight the urgent need for building sustainable and affordable housing through inclusive approaches. Photo credit: ADB.
Article
24 November 2021

Housing, Buildings Are Key to Sustainable Development

Minimizing the impact of the building sector on climate change.
Viet Nam's agriculture sector produces 118 million tons of agricultural biomass annually. Photo credit: Courtesy of the EU Delegation to Vietnam.
Article
13 October 2021

Sustainable Energy Solution for Agri-Food Processing and Waste Management in Rural Viet Nam

Converting farm wastes into fuel for heating and processing purposes also reduces rural pollution.
Cover image of action plan.
Publication
27 September 2021

Sustainable Public Procurement Action Plan for Indian Railways

This report from SWITCH-Asia lays out an action plan to mainstream sustainable public procurement, sustainable building and construction, and water and waste management, in the Indian railways system.