Author: Aurélia Lemoine

The First Session of the Technical and Training Capacity Building Program in 2024

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

The First Session of the Technical and Training Capacity Building Program in 2024_group photo

31 July 2024, Niigata, Japan

The Technical and Training (TNT) program of the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Republic of Korea, and the EANET Capacity Building Program have been collaborating since 2023 to provide training on acid deposition and air quality management for the EANET Participating Countries. The first session of the program was held in the Republic of Korea and Japan in April and May 2024, offering training to four government representatives from the EANET Participating Countries.

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Background

Since 2002, the EANET has trained over 200 government officials and researchers on acid deposition and air quality management through its individual training and capacity-building activities conducted mainly at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research  (ACAP) in Niigata, Japan, which hosts the Network Center for the EANET.

The National Institute of Environmental Research  (NIER), part of the Ministry of Environment in the Republic of Korea, was established in 1978. It serves as the country’s primary research institution for various environmental aspects. NIER is based in Incheon and operates 12 air quality monitoring stations and 4 river research centers. The institute conducts extensive research and policy development on environmental health, climate, air quality, water resources, and energy, and collaborates on international projects aimed at global environmental protection.

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NIER’s TNT and EANET’s Capacity Building Program Session 1 in April-May 2024

In 2024, the program was structured into two sessions, each comprising two parts, alternating between the Republic of Korea and Japan. The first session started in the Republic of Korea from April 28 to May 11, 2024, followed by Japan from May 11 to May 18, 2024. Four government officials and researchers from four EANET Participating Countries were selected to participate in this training, based on their professional backgrounds, technical expertise in monitoring activities, and motivation.

From late April to early May, in the Republic of Korea, participants first underwent comprehensive training at the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) in Incheon, where lecturers presented their primary responsibilities, ongoing projects, and the specialized tools and instruments utilized in their divisions. Additionally, the trainees visited the Atmospheric Environment and Climate Change Laboratory at Seoul National University (SNU) and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). During their visit to SNU, they learned about filtering and sampling, filter extraction and mass concentration measurement, and analysis of microelements (XRF, OC/EC). In the laboratory hands-on section, they gained practical experience in conducting analyses. At UNIST, lectures on international research collaboration on air quality, research instruments and tools for analyzing air quality, and method validation of satellite monitoring were delivered. The trainees also explored NIER’s Jeju monitoring station and the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) under the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea. At these locations, they learned about the Republic of Korea’s policies and strategies for managing air pollution, extensive monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of air pollutant sources.

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The First Session of the Technical and Training Capacity Building Program in 2024_ROK
The four EANET trainees during the TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in Seoul, Osong, and Ulsan (Republic of Korea) in April-May 2024.

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During the second week of May, in Japan, participants visited the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Tsukuba City, where they received briefings and lab tours in the Climate Change Research Hall. The trainees were also introduced to the atmospheric chamber and lidar system. They received lectures on the Earth System Division (ESD), and observations of NO2 and greenhouse gases (GHG) using stationary and mobile networks. While at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in Niigata, EANET’s Network Centre, participants attended lectures covering a wide array of atmospheric environmental issues, including the ecological impacts of atmospheric deposition and air pollution in Europe, the USA, and Asia. The training also covered methods for monitoring soil, vegetation, inland aquatic environments, and catchment areas. Furthermore, participants learned about quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities in EANET, data reporting procedures, the Inter-laboratory Comparison Project, the analysis of EANET monitoring data (including from the Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia (PRSAD)), and an introduction to emission inventories and air quality modeling. They also received an introduction to Air Quality Monitoring Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors (LCS). Finally, participants visited the EANET Niigata-Maki monitoring site. During this visit, participants had the opportunity to observe wet-only samplers (both weekly and daily), the filter pack system, automatic monitors for SO2, NOx, O3, PM2.5, and PM2.5 components, as well as meteorology monitors. This visit provided participants with hands-on practice using field equipment for air quality monitoring.

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The First Session of the Technical and Training Capacity Building Program in 2024_Japan
The four EANET trainees during the TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in Niigata, Tsukuba City, and at the Niigata-Maki monitoring station (Japan) in May 2024.

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Enhancing Expertise in the EANET Participating Countries

The training’s feedback survey indicated that all participants found the program in the Republic of Korea and Japan to be highly valuable. It is anticipated that the experience and knowledge gained will be disseminated to colleagues in their respective countries through seminars, lectures, or study meetings, further enhancing expertise in air quality management in the EANET Participating Countries.

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The second session of the Technical and Training Capacity Building Program will be held in Japan and the Republic of Korea in September and October 2024.

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The TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in 2024 was approved at the Twenty-fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET (IG25) in November 2023 as a Project Activity, co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea. Find out more about the EANET Project Fund.

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View more photos of the TNT Capacity Building program session 1 on Flickr.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

Assessing Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment in Southeast Asia: Second Meeting of the EANET Project

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

21 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

On May 29, 2024, the Secretariat for the EANET organized the project meeting “Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT-RRC.AP), as a side event to the EANET Regional Workshop in 2024, bringing together 28 participants from various countries and organizations.

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The Second Meeting of the EANET Project on Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Following a first kick-off meeting organized in  April 2024, this second meeting of this project aimed to share updates on emissions inventories (EI) and source apportionment (SA) studies across Southeast Asia, which are crucial for understanding and managing air pollution in the region.

Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations including the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia;  the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology (IGCE), Russia; the French Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA); Clean Air Asia (CAA); the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia; the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (JGSEE-KMUTT); the Asia Center For Air Pollution Research (ACAP) and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) joined the meeting. Participants discussed the current state of EI and SA, identified challenges, and explored potential solutions for harmonizing data collection and methodology.

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Assessing Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment Capabilities and Data in Southeast Asia

Mr. Bert Fabian, EANET Coordinator, opened the session by emphasizing the project’s significance, which seeks to compile and assess EI and SA studies to support policy formulation in Southeast Asia. Dr. R. L. Verma from RRC.AP presented a survey-based assessment of institutional capabilities in the region. His findings revealed that while most countries have designated agencies for EI, there are significant gaps in specific regulations and resources. Dr. Truong Thi Huyen from AIT presented updates on the analytical framework for assessing EI and SA development in Southeast Asian countries, highlighting key findings, compilation strategies, and the next steps with an expected timeframe.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the necessity for a harmonized approach to developing and sharing EI and SA data. Participants highlighted the role of governments in overseeing data collection and ensuring its accessibility. They also noted the importance of local emission factors and the involvement of academic institutions in developing these factors.

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Harmonizing the Emission Inventories and Source Apportionment methodologies and data collection

The meeting featured two panel discussions. The first panel focused on experiences from EANET Participating Countries, while the second addressed challenges in harmonizing EI and SA methodologies and data collection. Experts from various organizations shared insights on engaging government participation, ensuring data quality, and formulating effective policies. The project meeting underscored the critical need for regional cooperation and effective data management to tackle air pollution challenges in Southeast Asia.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Fabian thanked the participants for their active engagement and emphasized the next steps, including further collaboration and capacity building to address air pollution in Southeast Asia.

The project Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia is being conducted with the support of the EANET Project Fund.

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View the meeting’s photos.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

The Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

 

19 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

The Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 29, 2024, as a side event to the EANET Regional Workshop in 2024. The session brought together around 30 representatives from the 13 Participating Countries, UNEP, the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), and observers, to discuss the future direction of EANET.

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Opening Remarks

Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), welcomed participants. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the current Medium Term Plan (MTP) and gathering inputs for the upcoming 2026-2030 plan, the need for input on priorities such as resource mobilization and climate change impacts on air quality. Dr. Mushtaq Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action at the United Nations Environment Programme, Asia Pacific Regional Office highlighted the importance of regional cooperation on air pollution and stressed enhancing the science-policy interface and improving capacity building efforts. Prof. Meng Fan, Deputy Director General at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, highlighted potential modifications in EANET’s MTP and objectives, potential future expansions including nitrogen management, climate change, VOC and ozone monitoring, and the importance of new technologies and aligning activities with policy objectives.

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Participants at the Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET 

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Participating Countries’ Interventions Highlights

Representatives from the EANET Participating Countries shared a wide range of suggestions and insights for the next Medium Term Plan.

Among these suggestions, participants emphasized the need to improve the evaluation of air quality data to better inform policy decisions. There was a call for strengthening the coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies and research institutions. Improving the digital infrastructure to support more effective data collection and analysis was also suggested.

Many countries stressed the importance of ongoing capacity building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals involved in air quality monitoring and management, in particular targeting lower income countries. Suggestions included developing more training programs and workshops including at the national and local levels. Additionally, the need for upgrading to new and more effective technologies for monitoring and data analysis was emphasized.

Several representatives pointed out the possibility to integrate climate change considerations into EANET’s activities. This could include assessing the impact of climate change on air quality and acid deposition patterns, while ensuring such  activities align with the Instrument and Annex for the EANET.

Increasing public awareness and mobilizing more resources was seen as vital. This includes campaigns to encourage participation in air quality improvement efforts and enhancing communication within national governments and between countries to promote EANET’s initiatives, while also developing strategies to mobilize more resources to support EANET’s activities in the future, through its Project Fund, among others.

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Ways Forward

The meeting set the stage for the development of a robust MTP for 2026-2030, focusing on understanding the Participating Countries’ needs and priorities, and enhancing EANET’s capacity to address air pollution and its impacts in Asia. Discussions on the preparation of the MTP for the EANET for 2026-2030 will continue during the Working Group meeting in 2024 (WG2024) to be held on 20 and 21 August 2024, and in EANET meetings next year and submission for approval of Participating Countries in November 2025.

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Read the Report of the Meeting (available soon) and discover the meeting’s pictures on Flickr.

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Photo credits: featured photo by Markus Winkler via Unsplash (2022), other photos: all rights reserved to the EANET.

EANET Regional Workshop 2024: Unlocking and Future-Proofing Air Quality Management in Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

18 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

Focused on unlocking and future-proofing air quality management in Asia, the regional multi-stakeholder consultation workshop was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 27 and 28 2024.  Co-organized by UNEP, ESCAP, and EANET, it aimed to improve multilateral and international cooperation on air pollution, drawing 212 participants from 32 countries, including representatives from academia, government, youth groups, NGOs, the private sector, and UN agencies.

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Opening Session

Ms. Maria Cristina Zucca, Head of the Pollution and Health Unit at UNEP opened the workshop. She stressed the health risks of air pollution, causing 6.5 million deaths annually, mainly in Asia-Pacific. She urged for robust action and multilateral cooperation, citing the UNEA-6 resolution on promoting regional cooperation on air pollution. Dr. Sangmin Nam, Director of the Environment and Development Division at ESCAP, highlighted the public health impact in Asia-Pacific and emphasized the importance of regional technical cooperation through RAPAP. Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change, and Chair of the Bureau of the 25th Intergovernmental EANET Meeting emphasized the significance of EANET and called for continued regional cooperation to advance air quality management, including monitoring additional pollutants.

Transitioning to future-oriented strategies, Dr. Andrea Hinwood, Chief Scientist at UNEP, delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of horizon scanning and strategic foresight in air quality management. She stressed the interconnectedness of air pollution, climate change, and biodiversity, and how these factors collectively impact public health and the environment.

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Horizon Scanning for Air Quality Management

The workshop continued with experts from the World Health Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the Thai Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and the Stockholm Environment Institute setting the scene on Air Quality Management in Asia.

Several strategies were proposed to effectively address air pollution. Firstly, the implementation of WHO guidelines on air pollution was advocated, with aims to save lives, disseminate knowledge, establish standards, promote dialogue, and contribute to climate action. Secondly, leveraging both Low-Cost Sensors and satellite data was suggested to bridge gaps in atmospheric monitoring. This approach could support existing monitoring networks and prioritize early warning systems for events such as Dust and Sand Storms (DSS) wildfires, and overall air quality. Thirdly, enhancing air pollution monitoring using satellite data was recommended, with a comprehensive approach that included mapping, monitoring, modeling, and measuring. Additionally, integrating data from various spheres such as the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere was proposed to gain a better understanding of air pollution dynamics. Collaboration with international organizations was also encouraged. Finally, recognizing clean air as a fundamental human right was emphasized. Prioritizing data collection on areas and populations most affected by air pollution was deemed essential for targeted interventions and policy formulation.

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Panel Discussion on Understanding the Transboundary Haze Issue

A panel of experts from the Thailand Environmental Institute, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the governments of Lao PDR, and Japan discussed the Transboundary Haze issue in Asia.

Key actions were emphasized in addressing haze pollution. Collaboration among ASEAN countries was deemed crucial to address transboundary haze pollution, with a focus on implementing regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap. Engagement of various stakeholders beyond traditional forestry sectors, including agriculture and biodiversity sectors, was seen as necessary to address land-clearing practices. Developing robust warning systems like the WMO’s Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution Warning Advisory and Assessment System was considered vital, alongside enforcing national laws and fostering regional cooperation to combat haze pollution effectively. Prioritizing sustainable land and forest management, particularly in regions like the Mekong countries, was highlighted as essential to prevent large-scale fires. Providing financial support for projects addressing air quality management and ensuring scientific findings translated into actionable solutions through community engagement and implementation-focused initiatives were both emphasized.

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Unlocking Finance for Clean Air in Cities

The session on unlocking financial resources for clean air initiatives brought together experts from various organizations including UNEP, the Clean Air Fund, representatives from the governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, the World Bank, and the Massive Earth Foundation.

National governments were advised to establish robust legal and policy frameworks and secure long-term funding for air quality initiatives. Government support, societal investment in environmental efforts, substantial funding mechanisms, and private sector involvement were deemed crucial. Learning from examples such as Mongolia, considering the environmental impact of small businesses, and raising awareness through NGOs was recommended. Regional cooperation, international funding channels, and domestic commitments to funding air quality projects were seen as essential. Climate action presented opportunities for industrial innovation. Reforming vehicle tax systems to prioritize mileage and emissions over vehicle type, inspired by successful reforms in Europe, could fund clean air initiatives.

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A Global Knowledge Platform on Air Quality

Juliette Laurent from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) emphasized the importance of assessment, political support, and future planning for air quality management, introducing the CCAC’s Air Quality Management Exchange (AQMx) initiative.

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Future Challenges and Solutions in Air Quality Management

The final session of the workshop addressed future challenges and potential solutions in air quality management. Experts from UNEP, the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, and ESCAP, participated in this session.

The discussions emphasized regional and subregional bodies, as well as financing institutions, to develop and implement regional solutions and cooperate on setting goals for air quality improvement, as outlined in UNEA Resolution 6/10. Panelists underscored the need for essential resource mobilization and tailored regional solutions to achieve significant air quality improvements. Strengthening international and regional collaboration through platforms such as RAPAP, EANET, and the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) was recommended, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint research projects. It was also suggested to promote greater regional coherence and harmonization towards cleaner air, leveraging cooperative channels, and addressing regional ozone pollution. Prioritizing technology and innovation, improving data accuracy for public communication, and fostering international and regional cooperation were highlighted as essential for effectively combating air pollution. Leveraging geospatial data, ground-based sensors, digital technology, AI, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and fostering cross-border collaboration were also recommended strategies.

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RAPAP as a Collective Action Programme

The sessions on 28 May focused on the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP) which was adopted by ESCAP member States at the 7th Committee on Environment and Development in 2022, and subsequently endorsed by ESCAP resolution (79/6). RAPAP provides a framework or reference for national, subregional, multilateral, and multistakeholder mechanisms to advance their cooperation agenda for clean air in the Asia Pacific region. The sessions aimed at exchanging information and updates on initiatives supporting regional clean air cooperation, identifying focus areas, and recommending actions to enhance collaboration and stakeholder contributions.

Experts from UN agencies, Development agencies, Foundations, the ASEAN, NGOs, research institutes, and Asian governments discussed opportunities for technical cooperation involving identifying training needs, sharing best practices, and promoting partnerships to tackle air pollution. Recommendations for accelerating regional cooperation were discussed, including developing coordinated strategies, enhancing air quality monitoring and technical assistance, and improving communication and stakeholder engagement.

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Useful Resources

Download the speakers’ presentations:

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to UNEP, ESCAP, and EANET.

Kick-off Meeting – Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 18 April 2024

The Secretariat for the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) and the Asian Institute of Technology – Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP), organized the kick-off meeting of the project “Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” on 26 March 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of the meeting was to better understand the emissions inventories and source apportionment situation in the countries of Southeast Asia and discuss with project partners and experts the framework for metadata analysis and project ideas on emission inventories and source apportionment studies in the region.

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Opening Session

Representatives from the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) in Korea, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA), the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Clean Air Asia (CAA), the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the Asia Center For Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Regional Resource Center For Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the EANET Secretariat attended the meeting with a total of 28 participants.

Dr. Mushtaq Memon from UNEP opened the meeting, and, in his remarks, he stressed the importance of regional mechanisms like EANET for addressing air pollution. He highlighted the need for emission inventories, supportive policies, air quality standards, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.

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Expert Insights from the EANET Participating Countries and Non-governmental Organizations

Experts from the EANET region and Europe presented use cases on emission inventories and source apportionment in different settings.

Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul from AIT discussed Thailand’s emission inventory experience, emphasizing an integrated approach to air quality management, and outlining the plans for the Thailand National Emission Inventory project. Dr. Jongmin Joo from NAIR introduced the Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) and the Republic of Korea’s National Emissions and Air Quality Assessment System (NEAS), detailing their methodologies and their integration into policymaking and governmental acknowledgment. Mr. Jundy del Socorro from EMB, Philippines, discussed emission inventory development, highlighting methodologies and regional contributions to air pollutants, as well as introducing the Philippines’ Integrated Information System (IIS) for data coordination.

Dr. Zbigniew Klimont from IIASA presented the Greenhouse Gas Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model, emphasizing its use in assessing emission control strategies’ cost-effectiveness and showcasing case studies in Asia. Dr. Sophie Moukhtar from CITEPA discussed emissions inventories under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), emphasizing their importance and reporting obligations. Dr. Chris Malley from SEI presented the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning Integrated Benefits Calculator (LEAP-IBC) for integrated air pollution and climate change mitigation assessment, while Mr. Enrique Mikhael Cosep from CAA discussed emission inventories and source apportionment challenges in Asia.

Dr. Jun-ichi Kurokawa from ACAP presented the EANET’s activities related to emission inventories and source apportionment, highlighting ongoing projects.

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Project Discussion

The project kick-off meeting continued with discussions among participants on how to develop a relevant framework for metadata analysis of the studies in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Ram Lal Verma from AIT RRC.AP provided an initial review of existing emission inventories in Southeast Asian countries, highlighting available research studies and developed inventories in several countries in the region. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh from AIT discussed the meta-analysis of emission inventory and source apportionment databases in Southeast Asia, proposing a framework and sharing database templates.

Participants expressed insights on follow-up activities and projects of EANET, emphasizing the need to avoid duplication of work and standardize frameworks for emission inventories and source apportionment methodologies. It was agreed that government involvement is crucial for data collection and quality assurance when developing emission inventories. Participants stressed the necessity of regional mechanisms to harmonize emission inventories’ methodologies and processes.

Source apportionment studies were noted as important but lacking in ASEAN countries, requiring capacity building and resources. Volatile Organic Compound speciation and Greenhouse gas emissions’ emission inventories processes were suggested for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Finally, lessons from the European Union’s common frameworks for emission inventories were discussed as an important model to consider for the ASEAN region.

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The next meeting of the project will be held on 29 May in Bangkok, Thailand, back to back with the EANET Regional Awareness Workshop.

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The project Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia is being conducted with the support of the EANET Project Fund.

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View the meeting’s photos.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

Highlights from the EANET National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in Cambodia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 17 April 2024

The EANET National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in Cambodia – Understanding Air Pollution and its Sources, Weather, Climate, and Topography in Cambodia, was held in Phnom Phen, Cambodia, on 19 March 2024, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), back-to-back with UNEP’s Cambodia Clean Air and Sustainable Transport Workshop, held on 18-19 March. About 30 participants joined the Workshop. The workshop aimed to promote the EANET’s achievements, gain insight into Cambodia’s specific needs related to air quality management, and foster the development of additional initiatives to assist in addressing acid deposition and air pollution.

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Opening Session

The meeting started with Opening Remarks from Dr. Chou Monidarin, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Environmental Protection, Ministry of Environment Cambodia, and the National Focal Point of Cambodia for the EANET, followed by an introduction to the EANET and to the objectives of the meeting by Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator, Secretariat for the EANET. Prof. Meng Fan, Deputy Director General of the Network Center for the EANET, the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) then presented the activities of the EANET on air quality and acid deposition management, air pollution trends in the region, and the main activities of the EANET including monitoring, capacity building and technical support to Participating Countries.

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EANET National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in Cambodia
Group photo of participants on the first day of the workshop (photo by Clean Air Asia)

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Assessing Cambodia’s Air Quality Landscape, Dynamics and Initiatives

Mr. Chandath Him outlined Cambodia’s air quality, citing primary pollution sources as older vehicles and industrial plants. With over 6.6 million registered motorcycles and cars since 1990, along with 1,859 operational industrial plants, pollution also stems from construction activities and agricultural practices. He highlighted the significance of airborne dust due to unpaved streets and construction, and discussed ongoing initiatives on monitoring like satellite projects and Low-Cost Sensors (LCS). Cambodia is updating its air pollution laws, including new vehicle emission standards, fines, and industry controls, with Euro 5/V standards enforced from January 2027. He introduced Cambodia’s Clean Air Plan, analyzing pollutants and proposing mitigation measures to reduce air pollution and combat climate change, aiming for integrated planning and coordinated management efforts.

Dr. Chanmoly OR, Director of the Research and Innovation Center at the Institute of Technology of Cambodia presented an analysis of the complex interplay between topography, weather, and air pollution in Cambodia. Favorable wind circulation aids in pollutant dispersion, while factors including humidity, temperature, and precipitation also influence air quality. The presentation underscored the need for comprehensive research to understand pollution sources better coming mainly from the the transport and construction sectors in urban areas, and from open-burning and agriculture, in rural areas, including emerging concerns such as microplastics particle pollution.

Dr. Anantaa Pandey outlined the Global Green Growth Institute‘s (GGGI) efforts to enhance air quality in Cambodia, focusing on emissions inventories, public transportation improvement, and capacity building. The program aims to address challenges such as equipment maintenance, expand monitoring infrastructure, and develop emission control strategies tailored to Cambodia’s context.

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Strategies for Effective Air Pollution Management

The discussion segment saw active participation from experts and policymakers, emphasizing the urgency of addressing air pollution through multifaceted strategies. Participants highlighted the importance of upgrading vehicle emission standards, promoting cleaner fuels, and regulating industrial emissions. Challenges such as economic constraints and the high cost of fuel upgrades were acknowledged, with suggestions for phased transitions and international support.

The EANET meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for concerted efforts to combat air pollution in Cambodia. Key takeaways included the importance of robust monitoring infrastructure, innovative solutions tailored to local contexts, and international collaboration. The meeting underscored the critical role of initiatives like EANET in guiding Cambodia towards a cleaner and healthier future.

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Useful Resources

-Read the Panelists’ Presentations:

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Photo credits: cover photo of Phnom Penh (2022) by allPhoto Bangkok, group photo by Clean Air Asia.

 

Nations re-affirm their engagement to improve air quality globally through a new resolution at UNEA-6

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 28 March 2024

The 6th edition of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) took place from 26 February to 1 March 2024, at the UNEP headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, gathering over 6,000 delegates. The Assembly adopted 15 resolutions, including a resolution on Promoting Regional Cooperation on Air Pollution to Improve Air Quality Globally.

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What is UNEA?

The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) was created in 2012, as an outcome of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20). UNEA is the world’s highest-level decision-making body for matters related to the environment. Usually held every two years, the Assembly includes the universal membership of 193 Member States. It sets the global environment agenda, provides policy responses to environmental challenges, and provides strategic guidance on the future direction of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNEA has adopted many important resolutions over the years, including a resolution in 2022 that called for a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution.

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UNEP video “The world is in Nairobi – day one at #UNEA6″

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Taking Action to Fight Air Pollution

Recognizing that air pollution is a major threat to the environment and to human health, with more than 7 million people dying prematurely due to air pollution every year, Member States adopted a resolution 1/7 on strengthening the role of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in promoting air quality at UNEA-1 in 2014. A second resolution was adopted at UNEA-3 in December 2017 on Preventing and reducing air pollution to improve air quality globally. Following the adoption of these two resolutions, UNEP implemented numerous activities creating awareness, building capacity and partnerships. These included strengthening cooperation with existing regional and global initiatives such as the EANET, as mentioned specifically in resolution 1/7.

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UNEA’s Third Resolution on Air Quality

At UNEA-6, Member States adopted 15 resolutions aiming to tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, including the resolution on Promoting Regional Cooperation on Air Pollution to Improve Air Quality Globally.

This new resolution builds on Resolutions 1/7 and 3/8 and encourages Member States to continue their efforts to improve air quality by working on national air quality programmes and standards, bearing in mind the WHO global air quality guidelines. In addition, Member States requested UNEP’s Executive Director to form an air quality cooperation network to work with governments, UN organizations, multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), international and regional initiatives, including the EANET. This network’s tasks will include raising awareness on air pollution’s impacts and the importance of mitigation actions, supporting capacity building, and encouraging collaboration with Member States with advanced air quality management capabilities to enhance national monitoring using low-cost sensors, satellite data, and other digital solutions, sharing knowledge, facilitating expertise exchange including on nitrogen management, and regional air quality programs, and building an updated global online platform for information-sharing and communication on air quality.

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How the EANET can contribute to the implementation of this resolution

Just as in Resolution 1.7, this latest Resolution directly references the EANET and its role alongside various other key regional air quality initiatives: “Acknowledging the progress achieved by existing bodies and initiatives that facilitate cooperation on in-country and transboundary air pollution, including the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (…) and the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia”.

The EANET, as a robust regional intergovernmental body with standardized monitoring methodologies, already significantly contributes to UNEA Resolutions 1/7 and 3/8 on air quality. Since 2001, the network has developed open access high-quality datasets through centralized and government-approved data collection, publishes Periodic Reports on Acid Deposition in East Asia, leads joint research projects, offers capacity-building activities to enhance its Participating Countries’ technical capabilities, raises public awareness and strengthens cooperation with regional and global initiatives.

The EANET coordinates with other global and regional networks and initiatives to promote cooperation. In May-June 2024, the EANET, together with UNEP and ESCAP, are organizing the Workshop “Unlocking and Future-Proofing Air Quality Management in Asia”. The Workshop will provide a venue for EANET National Focal Points to discuss the future direction of its network and inputs for the development of its next Medium Term Plan for 2026-2030.

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Photo credits: UNEA-6, the Opening plenary of the MEA day, 28 February 2024, ©UNEP / Francis Kiguta on Flickr.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management Seminar: Experts Convene to Address Global Challenges

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

nitrogen seminar

Bangkok, 23 February 2024

As a pre-seminar to UNEA-6, the Sustainable Nitrogen Management Seminar, addressed the significant yet underrepresented issue of nitrogen management in Asia and globally, and provided a platform for EANET Participating Countries to enhance their understanding of the nitrogen challenge. Organized virtually by EANET, with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, through the EANET Project Fund, the Seminar gathered around 100 participants. It aimed to explore strategies for sustainable nitrogen management through experts’ lectures and discuss the accumulation of nitrogen data within the EANET framework.

The seminar, facilitated by Ms. Aurélia Lemoine (Session 1) and by Bert Fabian (Session 2) from the Secretariat for the EANET, hosted by UNEP, started with an opening address by Mr. Yu Kamei, Director for International Cooperation at the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.

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Global Trends and Insights

Dr. Ning Liu,  Programme Management Officer, Source to Sea Pollution Unit, UNEP, presented updates on the UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing nitrogen-related challenges. Prof. Kentaro Hayashi, Professor, at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan emphasized the interconnectedness of nitrogen issues with the atmosphere and the overall narrative surrounding nitrogen management.

Dr. Wilfried Winiwarter, a Senior Research Scholar from the Pollution Management Research Group, Energy, Climate, and Environment at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria, presented the use of nitrogen budgets for sustainable management, highlighting comprehensive approaches to tackle nitrogen-related issues. Dr. Kazuya Nishina, a Senior Researcher at the Earth System Division (Biogeochemical Cycle Modeling and Analysis Section), from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES),  introduced the Japan Nitrogen Waste project, underlining the importance of national inventories in understanding nitrogen dynamics.

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EANET’s Role in Nitrogen Management

Dr. Hiroyuki Sase, Head of the Ecological Impact Research Department, ACAP, presented the potential of EANET in contributing to sustainable nitrogen management, emphasizing the importance of monitoring nitrogen cycles comprehensively. Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General, Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Viet Nam, highlighted efforts in Viet Nam to identify and control nitrate pollution in water bodies, reflecting the global significance of nitrogen management.

The seminar featured Q&A sessions, where participants raised questions regarding the implications of ammonia as a new fuel and the role of nitrogen in European farming practices. Discussions revolved around the need for enhanced collaboration and the significance of localized approaches in nitrogen management strategies.

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Moving Forward

Wrapping up Part I, Prof. Hayashi emphasized the pivotal role of EANET in addressing atmospheric aspects of nitrogen management, stressing its direct and indirect contributions to sustainable practices. Dr. Sase concluded Part II by highlighting EANET’s extensive data accumulation efforts, emphasizing its potential to understand nitrogen flows comprehensively. Experts reiterated the importance of EANET’s role in nitrogen management, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and data-driven approaches.

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Find out more about the EANET Project Fund

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Useful Resources

Panelists’ Presentations

1. Update on UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen by Mr. Liu

2. The overall story about the nitrogen issue connected to the atmosphere by Prof. Hayashi

3. Using nitrogen budgets for sustainable nitrogen management by Dr. Winiwarter

4. The Potential of EANET to Contribute to Sustainable Nitrogen Management by Dr. Sase

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Photo credits: featured photo by Dr. Mingqun Huo, all rights reserved.

Advancing Emission Inventory Management for Combustion Sources: Insights from the EANET Workshop

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 22 February 2024

The Network Center for the EANET organized a virtual Emission Inventory Workshop on Combustion Sources on December 11, 2023. The event featured expert lectures and brief participant presentations. The first session covered key topics such as the importance of emission inventory in managing atmospheric environmental issues, methodologies for estimating emissions from stationary sources and the transportation sector, and the framework of national emission inventory. Participants also shared the status and pertinent data on emissions from combustion sources in their respective countries and discussed ideas for EANET’s involvement in addressing combustion emissions. Approximately 60 participants attended the workshop.

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Exploring Emission Inventory Strategies: Insights from Expert Lectures

Dr. Toshimasa Ohara from the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, Japan delivered a lecture on the significance of emission inventories in managing atmospheric environmental issues. The presentation began with an overview of air pollution status and historical trends of emissions in East Asia. It then covered fundamental aspects of emission inventories such as estimation methodologies, types, target species, and their role in atmospheric environmental management. Additionally, examples were provided on how emission inventories are applied, including assessing the impacts of control measures and utilizing them as input data for air quality model simulations.

Dr. Jun-ichi Kurokawa, from the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, delivered two lectures. The first focused on methodologies for estimating emissions from stationary sources. It began with an introduction to the basic principles of developing emission inventories and included examples of calculating emissions from a coal-fired power plant. The lecture then detailed the actual procedures for estimating emissions, following the process flow of emission inventory development: defining scope and structure, designing methodology, collecting necessary data (e.g. activity data, emission factors, and reduction rates), and finally calculating emissions and creating final products. A case study on the evaluation of emission controls for SO2 in Japan was also presented. The second lecture covered various issues related to emission inventory, including methodologies for developing gridded emission data, evaluating uncertainties in emission inventories, and inverse modeling. Additionally, the lecture explored the interrelationships among emission inventories, monitoring, modeling, and stakeholders, including policymakers.

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Figure 1- Screenshot of some participants during the Workshop

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Dr. Didin Agustian Permadi, from the National Institute of Technology in Bandung, Indonesia, delivered a lecture on emission inventories for the transport sector, focusing on on-road mobile sources, civil aviation, and shipping. For on-road mobile sources, the lecture covered methodologies for estimating emissions from road vehicles, including both basic approaches using bulk emission factors and advanced methods accounting for running and start-up emissions. The presentation also introduced on-road transport emission models such as the International Vehicle Emission Model (IVE). Regarding civil aviation, the lecture discussed emissions from airport activities and during cruising, presenting three levels of methodologies to estimate these emissions. Procedures for estimating shipping emissions were also provided. Case studies demonstrating the calculation of emissions from airports and major harbors in Indonesia were presented to illustrate the application of these methodologies.

Dr. Jongmin Joo, from the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center in the Republic of Korea, presented a lecture on the national official emission inventory, focusing on the National Air Pollutant Emission Inventory of the Republic of Korea. The lecture began with an introduction to the Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) of the Republic of Korea, an air pollutant emissions estimation system operating at a national level. The framework of the CAPSS system was outlined, followed by discussions on methodologies for estimating emissions from point sources, mobile sources, and area sources. The presentation included emission estimation results for 2020, as well as procedures for emissions recalculation for the years 2016 to 2019. Future plans for CAPSS were also discussed, which involve identifying previously unaccounted sources such as small and medium-sized businesses and fertilizers in farmland. Additionally, plans were presented for establishing a Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) emissions inventory and developing a health risk assessment system.

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Addressing Combustion Emissions: Participants’ perspectives

During the second session, participants exchanged information on significant combustion sources, discussing the air pollution status and control measures in their countries. They also highlighted ongoing activities related to emission inventories. In the ensuing discussions, many countries identified the continuous enhancement of national emission inventories as a challenge and expressed the desire for additional EANET projects focusing on capacity-building activities. Suggestions included not only webinars but also on-site training courses. The Network Center for the EANET, as the workshop organizer, will assess potential future activities through the EANET Project Fund.

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Find out more about the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful Resources

Download the Workshop’s presentations

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Photo credits: featured photo by Eduardo Cano Photo Co. on Unsplash, free of copyrights; other pictures: all rights reserved to EANET.

Advancing Atmospheric and Environmental Monitoring in Asia: Technical Missions Supporting EANET Countries in 2023 and 2024

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 20 February 2024

The Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), as the Network Center (NC) for the EANET, has undertaken a series of technical missions aimed at supporting EANET Participating Countries to conduct their monitoring activities, e.g. Wet and Dry Deposition of atmospheric pollutants, inland, soil & vegetation and catchment monitoring, and meteorological data. From Mongolia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Cambodia, these missions have sought to enhance environmental monitoring capabilities and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders.

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Enhancing Monitoring Infrastructures in Mongolia

In Mongolia, the technical mission took place from 12th to 19th November 2023 in Ulaanbaatar and focused on updating monitoring site information and providing advanced technical guidance on the analysis of ion chromatography results. Additionally, a new rain sensor was deployed to enhance data accuracy. Meetings with the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring (NAMEM), the Central Laboratory of Environment and Meteorology (CLEM), the German-Mongolia Institute for Resources and Technology (GMIT), and the National University of Mongolia took place and aimed at deepening the understanding of EANET activities, particularly in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) monitoring. Successful training sessions on VOCs monitoring, utilizing the sorbent tubes method, were conducted to reinforce local capacities.

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Technical Knowledge Exchange in Indonesia

The technical mission in Indonesia took place from 11th to 16th December 2023 in Jakarta and Bandung, in partnership with the Secretariat for the EANET. It involved collaboration with laboratories affiliated with EANET activities. Visits were made to key institutions such as the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry, PSILKH Serpong, BMKG Jakarta, and BRIN Bandung, where technical guidance was provided, and feedback was collected. Discussions revolved around potential institutional arrangements to strengthen EANET implementation in Indonesia, promoting improved coordination and efficiency in environmental monitoring. During the mission, the NC representatives also met with the ASEAN Secretariat to discuss possible collaboration opportunities.

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Pictures from the technical missions in Cambodia, Mongolia, and Lao PDR (Indonesia: see cover image above).
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Strengthening Monitoring Infrastructures in Lao PDR

In Lao PDR, the technical mission took place in Vientiane, from the 11th to 15th December 2023. A visit was made to the Natural Resources and Environment Research Institute (NRERI), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE). It included a comprehensive assessment of monitoring infrastructures and procedures. Maintenance work was undertaken on monitoring equipment, including the Wet-Only sampler and Filter Pack, to ensure precise data collection. Technical guidance was shared on inspection procedures and analytical methodologies, particularly focusing on ion chromatography. Additionally, knowledge exchange through meetings and discussions on EANET activities facilitated enhanced collaboration among stakeholders.

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Sustaining Environmental Monitoring Efforts in Cambodia

The mission in Cambodia took place in Phnom Penh, from the 8th to the 12th of January 2024. It focused on sustaining continuous monitoring efforts for various pollutants. A visit was made to the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia, to provide maintenance and calibration of the ozone monitor, which was installed in 2019 through the IBAQ Programme, alongside training sessions to ensure effective ozone data reporting. Technical assistance was extended for repairing sampling systems and optimizing ion chromatography procedures, thereby strengthening the country’s capacity for environmental monitoring.

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The NC for the EANET’s technical missions across Mongolia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and Cambodia have aimed at enhancing environmental monitoring capabilities and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By providing specialized technical expertise and facilitating knowledge exchange, these missions significantly contribute to assisting Participating Countries’ efforts to provide high-quality air quality monitoring data and improve technical capabilities in the Region. The NC will conduct more technical missions in 2024 to support other EANET Participating Countries.

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Find out more about the EANET monitoring sites and download EANET data.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.