1. A Regional Network using Standardized Monitoring Methodologies
Currently, there are 51 of acid deposition monitoring sites in the EANET network (20 remote, 12 rural and 19 urban). Of these 51 sites conduct wet deposition monitoring, 39 conduct air concentration monitoring. Data and information for ecological impact studies are currently collected from 14 inland aquatic monitoring sites and 16 soil and forest vegetation monitoring sites. All the sites follow a standardized set of methodologies for site selection, sampling and chemical analyses to ensure technical conformity within the network.
2. A Central Data Collection System
The Network Center has established a central data collection system for compiling, storing and managing the data from the EANET monitoring sites. Since the start of EANET activities, a high-quality dataset is being compiled through activities such as the implementation of QA/QC measures at the national level and the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects carried out annually. Since 2000, summaries of the monitoring data have been published annually as the Data Report on Acid Deposition in the East Asian Region. The monitoring data is also available from the EANET website and on compact disk upon request.
3. Enhanced Capacities in Monitoring and Assessing Acid Deposition
The technical capabilities and skills of those involved in managing acid deposition in the participating countries were significantly enhanced through a number of EANET activities. Technical missions were dispatched annually to selected participating countries to assist in monitoring performance, laboratory operations, data management and other procedures. Other activities to enhance the skills and knowledge of personnel include national workshops, scientific workshops, individual training courses at the Network Center and annual expert meetings. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in cooperation with EANET, conducts the JICA Training Course on EANET held in Japan and the Third Country Training Program on acid deposition and other air pollution issues held in Thailand annually until 2010.
Numerous EANET publications (technical manuals, monitoring guidelines, data publications, QA/QC programs, training materials etc.) have been disseminated to EANET countries and will continue to be produced for use by countries to further enhance capabilities of personnel in monitoring, assessment and management of acid deposition. Most of the publications are available on this EANET website.
4. Enhanced Public Awareness on Acid Deposition Issues
EANET organizes a Workshop on Public Awareness held annually in a member country involving participants from EANET member countries to enhance public awareness on acid deposition problems and the importance of community support to improve the environment. Awareness about acid deposition among the general public, particularly among school children and teachers were raised through a number of activities supported by EANET. Several joint projects with participating countries have been undertaken to develop brochures and videotapes on acid deposition in the national language for dissemination within the country. National workshops on acid deposition problems were organized by the countries in collaboration with EANET. An e-learning program on acid deposition issues was developed for environmental education.
A special report titled Report for Policy Makers on Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET): Goals, Achievements and Way Forward was launched at a High Level Meeting in 2005. EANET also publishes a Newsletter biannually which highlights its recent achievements and progress.
5. Periodic Assessments on Status of Acid Deposition in the East Asian region
Annual assessments of the state of acid deposition in the region have been conducted based on the data collected from the monitoring sites and this information is exchanged among the participating countries. EANET has recently completed a Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia based on the data accumulated from the start of monitoring up till 2014. It consists of 3 volumes: Executive Summary, Part I: Regional Assessment and Part II: National Assessments.
6. Joint Research Activities to better understand Acid Deposition Issues
A number of scientific research projects on acid deposition and its effects were conducted by EANET in collaboration with scientists from the participating countries. The projects were conducted in countries with diverse natural environments and climatic conditions in the East Asian region to obtain a better understanding of the processes involved.
Since 2005 EANET has implemented a research fellowship program to encourage young scientists from the region to carry out air pollution research activities at the Network Center in Japan. Two researchers participate in this activity annually.
7. Cooperation Among Countries and with Other Regional Initiatives
Since the start of EANET activities, countries in the East Asian region have cooperated in monitoring acid deposition under the EANET umbrella. Thirteen countries are now members of EANET: Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. EANET has also succeeded in promoting cooperation with other regional initiatives, in particular the Convention on Long Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), and established strong links with international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Experts from these initiatives have been regularly invited to attend EANET meetings and many have contributed their expertise in enhancing the network.