The EANET Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Project Annual Meeting 2025 was successfully held from 15 to 17 October 2025 at the Kim Daejung Convention Center in Gwangju, Republic of Korea. The meeting brought together 25 participants from Cambodia, China, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Viet Nam, and the United States, participating both in person and online. The event was organized by the Network Center for the EANET in collaboration with the Korean Society for Atmospheric Environment (KOSAE).
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EANET VOCs Annual Meeting: Reviewing Progress and Future Plans
The EANET VOCs Annual Meeting, held from 15 to 16 October, provided a platform for reviewing project implementation, promoting EANET’s VOC initiatives, and exchanging scientific knowledge on emerging trends in VOC emissions. Opening remarks by Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), and Prof. Gang-Woong Lee of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies highlighted the urgent need to strengthen VOC monitoring across East Asia to support regional air quality management.
Representatives from Mongolia, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Viet Nam presented progress achieved in 2025 and outlined their implementation plans for 2026, as part of the EANET Project Capacity Building in Promoting VOCs in the EANET. Participants also discussed next steps for the project. In addition, the EANET Network Center introduced the outline of a technical training guidance for VOC monitoring, noting that a drafting committee has been established and a preparation schedule agreed.
VOC annual meeting group photo
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KOSAE–ACAP Joint International Symposia
On 15 October, the KOSAE–ACAP Joint International Symposia I and II featured expert presentations on VOC monitoring, source apportionment, and management strategies in East Asia and beyond. Speakers shared recent findings from field campaigns, laboratory studies, and policy-oriented research, highlighting advances in measurement techniques and the role of VOCs in ozone and PM₂.₅ formation.
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Plenary Session at the KOSAE Conference
The KOSAE Conference Plenary Session on 16 October offered a broader perspective on VOC emissions and air quality challenges. Presentations addressed trends and future projections of anthropogenic VOC emissions in East Asia, difficulties in achieving ozone standards, and recent progress and remaining challenges in national air quality improvement efforts.
KOSAE Conference Plenary Session
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EANET VOC Seminars: Advancing Technical Knowledge
EANET VOC Seminars 1 and 2, held from 16 to 17 October, focused on advanced monitoring techniques, emission inventories, modeling approaches, and environmental impacts of VOCs, including secondary organic aerosol formation. The seminars also highlighted ongoing and new international collaborative research initiatives.
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Closing Remarks
In closing, Dr. Meng Fan, Deputy Director-General of ACAP and the EANET Network Center, expressed sincere appreciation to KOSAE for its strong cooperation in co-organizing the meeting and thanked participating countries, experts, and partner institutions for their continued engagement. He reaffirmed EANET’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration on VOC monitoring and research to improve air quality across East Asia.
Photo credits: cover photo, “a group of people standing on top of a grass covered field” by Daniel Bernard (2021); all other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.
September–October 2025, Republic of Korea and Japan
Four government officials and researchers from China, the Philippines, Russia, and Thailand completed an intensive, capacity-building program on acid deposition and air quality management. Co-organized by EANET and the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Republic of Korea, the Technical and Training (TNT) and Capacity Building Program aimed to strengthen technical expertise among the EANET Participating Countries.
“The part I found most engaging was learning how NIER and NAIR integrate satellite monitoring, emission inventories, and national policies to reduce PM concentrations. I found it interesting to see how advanced technology is practically applied to support evidence-based policymaking.”
— A comment from a trainee
Participants in the Republic of Korea
At SNU, trainees received instruction in air filter sampling and analysis techniques. During their visit to the Jeju Center, they learned about the history and role of the center, the air quality monitoring network, data management, equipment, and emission inventory. At UNIST, the focus shifted to research on air quality monitoring and satellite-ground validation studies. At NAIR, trainees learned how air emissions data from various sources is compiled to support environmental policy and compliance. Finally, at ESC, they gained insight into how GEMS satellite data enhances real-time and regional air quality monitoring, as well as data integration techniques that combine emissions, satellite observations, and modeling.
“I was particularly interested in the advanced monitoring of both particulate and gaseous pollutants. Understanding how these measurements can be applied to identify pollution sources and track air quality trends made this part of the training very relevant and engaging.”
— A comment from a trainee
“I didn’tknow about GEMS and Pandora before. The visit helped me to learn about GEMS and Pandora – satellite systems used for air quality observation. This helped me understand how satellite data can support ground monitoring.”
— A comment from a trainee
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Immersive Training in Japan
From October 6 to 10, 2025, the training continued in Japan.
At the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), participants engaged in various studies covering topics such as Atmospheric Deposition, Filter Pack and Wet Deposition Monitoring, and Ion Chromatography (IC). They attended lectures on atmospheric deposition, conducted EC and pH measurements for wet samples, and maintained equipment including rain samplers, PM2.5 analyzers, and ozone calibrator. Additionally, they performed IC measurements for both wet and dry samples and carried out data checks for reference and low-cost sensors.
“I found it most interesting to learn about EANET and ACAP’s role in coordinating air quality monitoring across participating countries. The training highlighted how the network enables countries to share data, standardize methods, and collaborate on addressing transboundary air pollution. It was interesting to see how regional cooperation strengthens scientific capacity and policy making in each member country.”
— A comment from a trainee
“I was particularly interested in the session on Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) monitoring, as it was impressive to learn how LCS technology can complement conventional monitoring stations by expanding spatial coverage and providing more localized air quality data. Additionally, the short lecture on automatic monitor maintenance for PM2.5 was highly insightful—it emphasized the importance of proper calibration, routine checks, and maintenance to ensure data accuracy and instrument reliability, which are vital for continuous and dependable air quality monitoring across participating countries.”
— A comment from a trainee
Participants in Japan
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Sharing Knowledge Across the Region
Feedback after the training indicated that all participants found the program in both the Republic of Korea and Japan to be extremely valuable. It is anticipated that the knowledge and experiences gained will be shared with colleagues through seminars, lectures, or study meetings in their home countries. This sharing is expected to contribute to the development of skills in air quality management throughout the EANET region.
“I plan to utilize the knowledge and skills I gained from the NIER and ACAP trainings by applying them directly to my work in the operation and maintenance of PM2.5 and wet deposition samplers, as well as in Ion Chromatography (IC) and mass concentration analysis (if possible). The training enhanced my understanding of data quality assurance, calibration, sensor comparison, and the integration of satellite and ground-based data. I intend to apply these learnings in improving the accuracy and reliability of our air quality monitoring activities, particularly in our EANET monitoring sites, and to share this knowledge with colleagues through technical discussions and capacity-building initiatives within our laboratory.”
— A comment from a trainee
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Supporting Regional Cooperation
The 2025 TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program was approved as a Project Activity at the Twenty-sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET in November 2024. It was co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea, representing a continued commitment to regional cooperation in environmental protection.
Four government officials and researchers from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, and Mongolia completed an intensive, capacity-building program on acid deposition and air quality management. Co-organized by EANET and the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Republic of Korea, the Technical and Training (TNT) program aimed to strengthen technical expertise among EANET Participating Countries.
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Immersive Training in Japan
The first part of the program began in Japan from April 14 to 18, 2025. At the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES) in Tsukuba, trainees were introduced to advanced research facilities, including the atmospheric chamber and lidar system. Lectures covered various topics such as oceanic observation networks, Fourier-transformed infrared spectrometry (FTS), and chemical ionization mass spectrometry (CI-MS).
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Participants in Japan during Session 1 of the TNT training in April 2025
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At the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), participants studied topics including the ecological effects of atmospheric deposition, QA/QC activities in EANET, and the Inter-laboratory Comparison Project. Training also covered monitoring of soil, vegetation, and aquatic environments, and included a site visit to the Niigata city monitoring station to observe practical applications in air quality monitoring.
“Visiting the Niigata Monitoring Site and the Niigata Prefecture office provides an excellent opportunity to learn about local air quality monitoring and environmental management practices. The monitoring site offers hands-on experience in collecting and analyzing real-time air quality data, while the Prefecture office provides insight into how data is used to inform policy decisions and pollution control strategies at the regional level. This combined knowledge will be valuable for improving air quality management and implementing effective environmental policies in my country.”
“The cruise ship tour on the Bukhan River was a memorable experience, allowing me to enjoy the natural scenery, observe the habitat of black birds, and learn how the river’s water quality is measured.”
— A comment from a trainee
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Participants in Republic of Korea during the Session 1 of the TNT training in April-May 2025
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At SNU, trainees received instruction in air filter sampling and analysis techniques. At UNIST, the focus was on international research collaboration and satellite monitoring validation. At NAIR, they learned how air emissions data from various sources is compiled to support environmental policy and compliance. The Jeju Center visit introduced trainees to remote sensing and high-precision instruments for monitoring air pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, and sulfur compounds.
“The National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) of Korea is highly valuable for my capacity building because it leads in the systematic collection, analysis, and management of national air emissions data, which directly supports evidence-based air quality policies. As a professional in Air Quality, Noise, and Vibration, learning from NAIR’s advanced emission inventory system, modeling tools, and data validation methods would significantly enhance my technical skills and support the development of more accurate and effective air quality strategies in my country.”
— A comment from a trainee
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Sharing Knowledge Across the Region
According to post-training feedback, all participants found the program in both Japan and the Republic of Korea to be highly valuable. It is expected that the experience and knowledge gained will be shared with colleagues through seminars, lectures, or study meetings in their home countries, contributing to capacity building in air quality management across the EANET region.
“The discussion on the challenges faced by each country regarding the main sources of environmental pollution is an important matter, as it provides participants with the opportunity to share their views, experiences, and suggestions based on their respective national contexts. This allows for a deeper understanding of regional pollution issues and paves the way for more effective collaboration and solutions through platforms such as EANET.”
— A comment from a trainee
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Supporting Regional Cooperation
The 2025 TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program was approved as a Project Activity at the Twenty-sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET in November 2024. It was co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea, representing a continued commitment to regional cooperation in environmental protection.
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 second session of the program was held in Japan and the Republic of Korea in September and October 2024, offering training to four government representatives from the EANET Participating Countries.
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NIER’s TNT and EANET’s Capacity Building Program Session 2 in September-October 2024
In 2024, the program was structured into two sessions, each comprising two parts, alternating between the Republic of Korea and Japan. The second session started in Japan from September 30 to October 4, 2024, followed by the Republic of Korea from October 7 to October 18, 2024. Four government officials and researchers from four EANET Participating Countries (China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Viet Nam) were selected to participate in this training, based on their professional backgrounds, technical expertise in monitoring activities, and motivation.
From late September to early October in Japan, at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in Niigata, EANET’s Network Center, participants attended lectures covering a wide array of atmospheric environmental issues. The trainees also learned about the mechanisms and processes of atmospheric deposition, including wet and dry deposition, QA/QC activity, calculation of the deposition flux and so on. Furthermore, participants learned about the monitoring equipment and how the data contribute to the air quality assessments. In the hands-on training, they learned the procedures for assembling filter packs to ensure accurate sampling, EC/pH analysis for rain samples, and the process of analysis using ion chromatography for the rain and filter pack samples including preparing standards solutions. By using ion chromatography, participants learned basic troubleshooting skills to avoid issues while handling and conducting analyses. Finally, participants visited the monitoring site in Niigata city, stationed in the Niigata prefecture office, where the telemeter system is located. During this visit, participants gained practical insights into how air quality monitoring is conducted in Niigata prefecture and learned about the challenges and real-world applications of air quality monitoring in a local context including costing and operations.
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The four EANET trainees during the TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in Niigata in September-October 2024
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From early to mid-October, participants travelled to the Republic of Korea and underwent comprehensive training at the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) in Incheon. During this training, lecturers presented the primary responsibilities and mission of NIER related to environmental protection and public health in the Republic of Korea. The trainees also visited several key institutions, including the Atmospheric Environment and Climate Change Laboratory at Seoul National University (SNU), the Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST), the National Air Emission Inventory Research Center (NAIR), the Han River Environmental Research Center, and the Jeju Island Air Quality Research Center. At SNU, the trainees learned about filtering and sampling techniques, filter extraction, and mass concentration measurement, as well as the analysis of microelements using methods like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and organic carbon/elemental carbon (OC/EC) analysis. They gained practical experience in conducting these analyses during hands-on laboratory sessions. At UNIST, they attended lectures on international research collaboration related to air quality, research instruments and tools for air quality analysis, and methods for validating satellite monitoring techniques. During their visit to NAIR, the trainees learned how the center compiles and manages data on pollutants from various sources, including industries, vehicles, and natural phenomena. This data supports air quality policies, regulations, and compliance assessments. The trainees also visited the Han River Environmental Research Center, where they explored the technologies and methods used to safeguard the environment of Paldang Lake. They delved into achievements in water quality monitoring, including analyzing the root causes of pollutants and studying biological indicators. Finally, they visited NIER’s Jeju monitoring station, where they learned about the use of advanced instruments and techniques, including high-precision analyzers and remote sensing tools. These instruments are employed to study air pollutants like particulate matter, ozone, and sulfur compounds, along with their sources and transport patterns.
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The four EANET trainees during the TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in Seoul, Ulsan, and Incheon in October 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 Japan and the Republic of Korea 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.
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 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 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.
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 meetingorganized 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.
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.
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.
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 UNEPopened 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.
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
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.
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.
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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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.
