Many Eastern Asian nations have begun in recent years to improve their environmental regulation policies.

The establishment of government agencies and ministries is an important first step in improving the environment.  Other institutions are also coming about, and will likely grow as public awareness increases.

Often, broad government policy initiatives are stated.  Examples include China, and Malaysia, where the Malaysian Environmental Quality Act provides direction in many areas of environmental concern.

To fight land degradation, governments are trying to conserve soil and water resources, protect forests, regain lost land, and refertilize poor soil.  Watershed management programs in countries such as Nepal and India are also being used.

China has been extremely successful in fighting soil erosion since it began its struggle in 1983.  The country's programs have saved two million hectares, and have rescued land lost to desertification.

Many countries have created wildlife areas and forest parks to prevent complete deforestation.  In China, almost 32 million hectares of forest had been planted by 1990.  However, in spite of strong efforts made by governments, expanding populations remain a primary cause of the problem, and have yet to be stabilized.

In addition to government action, some corporations and research groups are beginning to develop environment-friendly technology.  They are also working to make productive processes less harmful to the environment.