Bridging the Divide: Revisiting the Discrepancy Between Policy and Practice in Environmental Management in the Context of Asia

Abstract

Environmental policies are essential for promoting sustainability, yet their implementation often falls short due to governance complexities, institutional barriers, and socioeconomic disparities. Despite international agreements and evolving policy frameworks, the gap between policy design and execution remains a persistent challenge. Bureaucratic fragmentation, conflicting stakeholder interests, and limited technological capacity hinder effective enforcement. Additionally, political inertia and economic constraints exacerbate disparities in policy outcomes, particularly in developing nations. This study examines the structural inefficiencies that contribute to policy failures and explores potential solutions, including decentralized governance, enhanced stakeholder engagement, and technological innovations. Special attention is given to environmental governance in Asia, where diverse political and economic contexts shape policy effectiveness. By analyzing case studies and existing research, this paper highlights the critical need for adaptive, participatory, and enforceable governance models to bridge the environmental policy-practice divide and ensure sustainable development.