The ASEAN State of the Environment Report 2000 (SoER2), the second in the series presents a portrait of the condition of the environment and natural resources in ASEAN. It discusses the socio-economic factors and external pressures affecting the environment and its management. It takes an integrated approach in presenting the facts in line with the concept of sustainable development. The Report highlights what ASEAN has done to protect the environment and to promote sustainable development. It offers a glimpse of the prospects and challenges facing the region. At the same time, SoER2 serves as an authoritative factual manual for all who are engaged in environmental planning and intervention. It should help them to review these initiatives in terms of their impact and the lessons learnt.