Regional collaboration on a complex issue: air quality management approach Haaglanden

Abstract Issue The burden of disease caused by air pollution in the Haaglanden region is higher than the national average in the Netherlands. This exposure leads to premature death and a range of serious health effects. As air pollution is a problem that transcends borders, governmental organizations in the region should take measures in a coordinated way. Yet collaboration of municipalities on this topic is difficult as it involves a range of policy domains such as mobility, construction, and public health. Description Over a two-year span, the municipal health service (GGD) has been supporting a regional approach to enhance collaboration between nine municipalities and governmental stakeholders on 5 key themes: protecting vulnerable residents, working towards clean construction, active mobility, reducing wood burning, and improving sustainability of glasshouse horticulture. These themes were based on the most relevant local sources of air pollution identified in 2023. Key questions are: what are the most effective measures on air quality to collaborate in the Haaglanden region? And; what do municipalities need to implement these measures? Results A collaborative strategy has been developed, including the following steps: 1) mapping, 2) thematic meetings, 3) discussion and consensus on collaboration themes, 4) defining measures, and 5) exploring how to implement them in municipalities. Lessons Building collaboration on air quality issues requires time and effort, as it involves several domains and multiple organizational layers in both civil service and governance. Given air pollution's cross-border impact, coordinated action is vital for long-term impact on policies, and will lead to indirect reductions in air pollution (NO2, PM2,5) and protect vulnerable populations. Key messages • The Haaglanden region faces a higher air pollution-related health burden than the national average. • A regional strategy is developed to improve collaboration and reduce air pollution.