Deteriorated atmospheric environment by pollutants emitted from anthropogenic activities may cause adverse effects on human health and ecosystems.
However, scientific knowledge needs to be further shared among various stakeholders, including policymakers, scientists, and the public.
To share scientific knowledge and relevant policy measures, a regular set of workshops or seminars on the relationship between the atmospheric environment and human health and the relationship between the atmospheric environment and ecosystems is planned, and as such, the Seminar on the Effects of Acid Deposition and Air Pollution on Human Health and Ecosystems will be held online on 31 October 2023, from 13:00-15:30 (Bangkok time, UTC+7). This Seminar is organized by the Network Center for the EANET, hosted by the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP).
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2. Objectives
To obtain scientific knowledge on the Acid Deposition/Air Pollution effects on human health and ecosystems
To learn science-based policy experiences on the reduction of atmospheric pollutants in other regions, such as Europe
To obtain a common understanding of future directions of environmental measures between policymakers and scientists on national and international levels.
The EANET has been implementing the EANET Project Fundmechanism since 2022. However, from the perspective of developing and evaluating projects, evaluating proposals and the progress of projects and achievements needs to be further improved. Therefore, this Workshop is being organized to share experiences on Results-Based Management (RBM), foster a common understanding of the theory and practices of RBM, and provide information to the Secretariat, the Network Center, and the Participating Countries to facilitate the efficient development and evaluation of EANET Projects.
The Workshop on Results-Based Management to Support the EANET Project Development and Evaluation will be held online on Friday 15 March 2024, from 9:00 to 11:00 (ICT). This activity is implemented by the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research(ACAP), hosting the Network Center for the EANET, and by Suuri-Keikaku Co., Ltd. It is funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, (MOEJ).
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2. Objectives
The workshop aims to establish a shared comprehension of Results Based Management (RBM) and its practical application within the context of the EANET Project Fund development and evaluation. Key objectives include understanding the concept of RBM, particularly within the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Evaluation Standards framework. Furthermore, the workshop intends to present case studies drawn from experiences within UNEP, ASEAN, and other institutions, showcasing effective RBM implementation. Participants will also gain insights into the specific methodologies and approaches through which RBM principles are integrated into EANET Projects, fostering a deeper understanding of its relevance and application in project management and evaluation processes.
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3. Expected Participants
The Workshop will be attended online by representatives from the EANET Participating Countries, the Secretariat and the Network Center for the EANET.
Human activities, particularly in agriculture and fossil fuel combustion, have led to the release of reactive nitrogen, including nitrogen oxides and ammonia, into the atmosphere and water bodies. This has prompted concerns about irreversible changes to natural resources. To address this, the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) adopted a second resolution on “Sustainable nitrogen management” (resolution 5/2), urging countries to develop action plans to significantly reduce nitrogen emissions by 2030. Furthermore, building upon resolutions UNEP 4.14 and UNEA 5.2, UNEP has formed a working group dedicated to nitrogen management, referred to as the “Nitrogen Working Group.” This initiative includes expert meetings and discussions focused on developing frameworks to enhance international policy coordination related to nitrogen management.
Nitrogen oxides are formed when atmospheric nitrogen reacts with oxygen at high temperatures leading to the creation of photochemical oxidants and PM2.5. Ammonia, mainly emitted from agricultural activities, also contributes to the increase in particulate matter. As part of its activities, the EANET is monitoring the atmospheric deposition of these reactive nitrogen species due to their significance in acid deposition and air pollution.
The Sustainable Nitrogen Management Seminar will be held online on Friday 16 February 2024, from 13:00 to 15:30 (UTC+7). This activity is implemented by the EANET and funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, (MOEJ) through the EANET Project Fund.
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2. Objectives
This seminar aims to disseminate knowledge on sustainable nitrogen management led by UNEP to EANET Participating Countries and others; provide information on how to address this global issue at the policy level and take necessary monitoring activities that may help the development of national action plans by each country; and enhance the participation of EANET participating countries to the global discussions on sustainable nitrogen management.
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3. Expected Participants
The Seminar will be attended online by the EANET National Focal Points, Scientific Advisory Committee members, and other EANET members and partners, including policymakers, scientists, and researchers. It will also welcome representatives of any organizations working on related issues.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are components of air pollution that include a complex mixture of hundreds of carbon-containing gases. VOCs also include a wide variety of chemicals, some of which can cause short- and long-term adverse health effects. However, due to the unique characteristics of VOCs and the relatively high cost of measurement, VOCs monitoring and its related activities in the EANET region are still at an early stage. Since February 2023, the EANET has launched the “Feasibility for Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET” project as part of the first batch of EANET Projects funded by the EANET Project Fund.
The Workshop “Knowledge Sharing for VOCs Related Activities in EANET” will be held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters, Manila, Philippines, and online on Tuesday 14 November 2023, from 9:30 to 11:45 (UTC+8 Manila time), a pre-event to the Better Air Quality Conference (BAQ) 2023. This activity is implemented by the EANET and funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, (MOEJ) and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Philippines, through the EANET Project Fund.
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2. Objectives
The workshop aims to foster a comprehensive understanding and collaboration in the field of VOCs by bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners in a multidisciplinary platform.
Through focused sessions starting from monitoring, to modeling, and finally reaching policymaking, the workshop will aim to enhance knowledge exchange and advancements in VOCs-related activities.
By addressing challenges, sharing insights, and showcasing innovative strategies, the workshop seeks to drive sustainable solutions for VOCs management, minimizing environmental impacts, and promoting effective regulatory measures.
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3. Expected Participants
The workshop will be attended online and/or in person by the EANET National Focal Points, Scientific Advisory Committee members, and other EANET members and partners, including policymakers, national researchers, and scientists. It will also welcome representatives of partner organizations working on related issues, as well as participants joining the BAQ conference in Manila.
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4. Program
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5. Speakers (in order of appearance – to be updated)
Mr. Bert Fabian
Mr. Bert Fabian is the Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET. He has been with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a Programme Officer since 2013 as lead for the Sustainable Mobility Unit’s activities in Asia and the Pacific. He has supported more than 15 countries in developing policies on transport, air pollution, and climate change and managed projects worth about 13.5 million USD including about 5.6 million USD allocated for Asia and the Pacific. Mr. Fabian coordinated the activities of UNEP with the Global Fuel Economy Initiative and managed the Electric 2&3 Wheelers project in East Africa and Southeast Asia. He also managed projects on strengthening the air quality management community of practice in Asia and the Pacific and on understanding the relationships between COVID-19 and air quality impacts, policies, and measures in cities.
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Mr. Yu KAMEI
Mr. Yu KAMEI graduated from Kyoto University with a Bachelor of Engineering. He joined the Ministry of the Environment, Japan in 2007. Since then, he worked on climate change measures, waste management, fishery resources conservation, environment impact assessment, radioactive materials countermeasures, and water pollution control, etc. in the Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan. In 2020, he was seconded to Nasushiobara City as Deputy Mayor till 2023. Since July 2023, he has been the Director of the International Cooperation Office, Environment Management Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan.
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Dr. Yujiro Ichikawa
Dr. Yujiro Ichikawa is a researcher of the atmospheric environment group at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS) Japan. He has specialized in analytical chemistry from his student days to the present. In addition to the field of atmospheric environment, he has been involved in research in other fields such as pesticides, mycotoxins, and environmental radioactivity, and has cultivated various experiences and knowledge and obtained many research results. In recognition of his research achievements to date, he has received encouragement and paper awards from several academic societies. Currently, he is actively engaged in research related to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are responsible for photochemical pollution and secondary organic aerosols, as well as research related to global warming substances (Fluorocarbons, etc.).
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Dr. Toshimasa Ohara
Dr. Toshimasa Ohara is a research director at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS). After receiving a Ph.D. in 1982 in engineering from Hokkaido University, he has worked at the Institute of Behavioral Science, Shizuoka University, and the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES). His research fields are emission inventory development and chemical transport modeling of air pollutants at the urban and regional scales in Japan and East Asia. His group has developed a regional emission inventory in Asia, REAS, which is used in the world as a comprehensive emission dataset for air pollutants in Asia. He has served as former president of the Japan Society for Atmospheric Environment. Currently, he is a chairperson of the Air, Noise and Vibration Committee of the Central Environment Council of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, and contributes to the linkage of science and policy in the field of atmospheric environment in Japan. He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee of EANET since 2012. His recent research subject is to analyze the long-term trends of ambient VOCs concentrations for validating the effectiveness of VOCs emission control in Japan.
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Dr. Kessinee Unapumnuk
Dr. Kessinee Unapumnuk is the Director of the Transboundary Air Pollution Sub-Division in the Air Quality and Noise Management Division of the Pollution Control Department(PCD) Thailand. She has been involved in Thailand’s Volatile Organic Compounds Management since 2007 and has been responsible for supervising the PCD’s VOCs monitoring network group and giving technical consultation for VOCs-related issues to PCD staff and others. Among other important projects, Dr. Unapumnak was previously the coordinator for the Thai-Japan Clean Air Partnership on Particulate Matter Reduction Strategy and Measures Development Project, a technical cooperation project between the Ministry of Environment, Japan, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand.
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Mr. Tian Junjie
Mr. Tian Junjie is an engineer at the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences and holds a master’s degree in Environmental Science and Engineering from the East China University of Science and Technology. His focus is on the development and compilation of high-resolution emission inventories for various atmospheric pollution sources, high-resolution emission inventory of reactive volatile organic compounds from anthropogenic sources in the Yangtze River Delta region, as well as a national scale emission inventory of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. In the context of integrated ecological and sustainable initiatives in the Yangtze River Delta, he also engages in extensive research focused on investigating the causes and origins of air pollution as well as the emission reduction potential of air pollutants and carbon.
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Dr. Feng Miao
Dr. Feng Miao is a Senior Engineer from the Chengdu Academy of Environmental Sciences. She is responsible for the operation and management of the Chengdu Key Laboratory for Atmospheric Research. She has long been dedicated to studying atmospheric monitoring and air pollution formation mechanisms. She also focuses on developing strategies to prevent and control air pollution, specifically in catering fume pollution, where she is contributing to the development of local emission standards for cooking fumes in Chengdu. Dr. Feng Miao has published over 30 academic papers, applied for 1 invention patent, and holds 3 software copyrights in the academic field. Dr. Feng Miao has actively participated in several national and provincial science and technology projects.
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Prof. Meng Fan
Prof. Meng Fan is the Deputy Director General in charge of the Network Center for EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). Prior to this position, he was Deputy Chief Engineer, Director of the Institute of Atmospheric Environment, and Director of the Research Department for the 2+26 Cities in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei of the Chinese Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES). He has been conducting research in the fields of air quality modeling, atmospheric chemistry, air pollution control policy, and synergistic control of air pollution and climate change. Dr. Meng Fan has been published as the author and co-author of over 80 papers in highly regarded, peer-reviewed journals and is also an adjunct professor and doctoral supervisor at Beijing Normal University and Tongji University of China.
The Low-cost sensor (LCS) technology to measure air quality has remarkably advanced in recent years and is now widely used by many organizations and companies and provides information on the atmospheric environment to citizens through data communication networks. Noticing the cost-effectiveness of LCS, development organizations have started to promote the use of LCS in selected areas to strengthen the capacity of governments where official air monitoring networks are insufficient.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Network Center for the EANET (Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, ACAP) are jointly implementing technical studies and capacity building on methods for collecting reliable air quality data with a concept of Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) where highly reliable low-cost sensors (LCS) and existing reference level monitoring equipment are used in an integrated manner in pilot monitoring on Viet Nam and Myanmar.
As the effective use of reliable LCS and HAQMN is one of the EANET’s interests in capacity development, this activity is implemented as an EANET project, funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) through the EANET Project Fund and co-financed in collaboration with the technical assistance project from ADB.
In 2019, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Resolution at its 74th session to hold an International Day of Clean Air for blue skies on 7 September to urge the need to raise public awareness and promote and facilitate actions to improve air quality. The Training will also highlight the commemoration of this important day.
The EANET Training on Air Quality Monitoring Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors will take place on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 September 2023, from 13:30 to 17:00 (UTC+7), in Hanoi, Viet Nam, and online. The event will be jointly organized by the ADB, ACAP, and the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change (IMHEN).
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2. Objectives
Learn how to use LCS: participants will learn how to set up the LCS equipment, operate it for monitoring activities and check the data.
Learn quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC): participants will learn how to properly calibrate LCS in comparison with reference-level monitoring equipment, maintain, and troubleshoot the equipment.
Ensure data accuracy and reliability: participants will learn data screening and data analysis techniques for accurate data collection.
Achieve early detection of problems and improve troubleshooting skills: participants will learn how to interpret abnormal data patterns and alarms, as well as troubleshooting techniques, to improve their ability to detect and respond to problems at an early stage.
Use monitoring data effectively: participants will learn how to interpret and visualize data, analyze trends, and evaluate performance to improve their ability to effectively use monitoring data.
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3. Expected Participants
Air quality monitoring experts and practitioners from the ADB, EANET Participating Countries and other countries, the academia, and monitoring-related service providers.
The EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in 2023 focused on the growing concerns surrounding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the use of Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) for air quality monitoring in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Held on 30 May 2023 at the United Nations Convention Center and online, it aimed to foster collaboration on air quality management, address global challenges related to VOC pollution, and discuss the potential of LCS technology. The Workshop was held as part of the Climate and Clean Air Conference: Air Quality Action Week, organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP). 129 participants from 15 countries joined the Workshop.
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Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring and Collaboration in East and Southeast Asia
Ms. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director of UNEP Asia Pacific office, opened the EANET Awareness Workshop by delivering remarks highlighting the importance of alliances such as EANET to build regional solutions through data sharing and collaboration.
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Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution Challenges and Air Quality Regulations in Asia
The first Session focused on the importance and challenges of VOC measurement in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Prof. Meng Fan, DDG for EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Dr. Meihua Zhu, Senior Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Hong Li, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), China, Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak, Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand and Mr. Jundy T. Del Socorro, Environment Management Bureau (EMB), The Philippines.
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View the recording of Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak’s presentation on Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework
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VOCs have emerged as a significant pollutant in Asia, posing challenges due to rising levels and diverse emission sources and chemical compositions. While Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand have ambient VOC standards, other countries do not have such standards or guidelines. This is why the project Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET, supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) has been developed and launched in 2023, through the EANET Project Fund. Planned to last three years, the project is the fruit of cooperation between the MOEJ, the Network Center for the EANET, and different government and research institutes from China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Philippines, also including experts from the Republic of Korea and Thailand.
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Low-Cost Sensor Technology for Air Quality Monitoring: Integration Efforts and Need for Reliability
The second Session focused on Low-Cost Sensors’ (LCS) Role in Air Quality Management in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Dr. Akie Yuba, Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Kim Oanh, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), Viet Nam, Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia, and Ms. Karine Léger, Airparif, France.
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View the recording of Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova’s presentation on Hybrid air quality monitoring: Achieving air quality goals in Philippine Cities
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Discussions highlighted the potential and limitations of Low-cost sensor (LCS) technology. LCS is a portable and relatively cheaper monitoring system used for air quality monitoring, but challenges remain regarding data accuracy, calibration, and maintenance. LCS data can be valuable for non-regulatory monitoring applications and are powerful awareness-raising tools for citizen science. Efforts are being made to integrate LCS with reference-level sensors through projects like the EANET’s Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) in Asia, in Viet Nam specifically, and guidelines are being developed to replicate this integration in other countries. LCS deployments have been conducted in the Philippines to fill coverage gaps, requiring local calibration and integration with conventional sensors. LCS are seen as complementary to traditional sensors, providing better coverage and valuable data for policymakers. Standardization, calibration, and integration need further attention to ensure the reliability of LCS for various purposes.
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Key Recommendations
The workshop panelists discussed several key recommendations. Firstly, they suggested conducting research to establish VOC Air Quality Guideline Values and Standards by monitoring, reporting, and analyzing emission sources. Secondly, they emphasized the need to strengthen research on VOCs’ impact on air quality and human health. Additionally, they proposed developing guidelines, standards, and policies for the use of LCS (low-cost sensors) and promoting research on calibration, correction factors, and quality assurance to ensure reliable LCS data. They also recommended creating guidelines for integrating LCS with existing monitoring networks to ensure data reliability. Lastly, they highlighted the importance of establishing regional and international platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices related to LCS.
Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, DG, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP) delivered the Closing Remarks and emphasized the importance of VOC monitoring, VOCs being the precursors of ozone and particulate matter. He highlighted the importance to expand the EANET’s monitoring network to include VOCs and mentioned LCS could be considered for this expansion if their reliability can be strengthened.
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Useful Resources
Read a more detailed summary of the Workshop’s content in the EANET Awareness Workshop in 2023 Event Report.
View all Workshop’s recordings on the Secretariat for the EANET’s YouTube channel and the Workshop’s photos on Flickr.
The National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held in Manila, on 26 May 2023, in cooperation with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippines, and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), University of the Philippines. It aimed at showcasing the achievements and activities of the EANET over the last 20 years, including activities involving the Philippines and encouraging cooperation between EANET and Philippine stakeholders in the implementation of the expanded scope and the EANET Project Fund activities. The Workshop was held at the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, College of Science, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and gathered around 70 participants.
The stakeholder Workshop was organized back-to-back with the Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Project Advisory Group Meeting in Manilla, as part of the EANET VOC Project in 2023.
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Promoting Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management for over 20 Years
Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET welcomed the participants and thanked the EMB-DENR and UP-IESM for their cooperation and support. He explained EANET’s expansion of scope to cover more projects and activities on air pollution. He encouraged participants and stakeholders to do more research and activities on acid deposition and air pollution and promote partnerships and collaboration.
Presentations were delivered by Prof. Meng Fan, from the Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP) and Network Center for the EANET, Mr. Sammy Aytona from the Environment Management Bureau Philippines (EMB), Mr. Chadbert Aquino, from EMB, and Ms. Everlyn Gayle Tamayo from Clean Air Asia.
Prof. Fan Meng presented EANET’s findings over 20 years, noting improvements in Sulfur dioxide-related air pollution in Northeast Asia but stressing the need to address particulate matter in Southeast Asia. Persistent high levels of nitrogen oxides and ozone pollution were also discussed, highlighting the importance of expanding monitoring for effective air quality monitoring and assessment. EANET is supporting such efforts as part of its individual training program primarily for government officials in the EANET countries and showcasing the network’s commitment to capacity building.
Mr. Aytona presented acid deposition monitoring activities in the Philippines, including plans to enhance monitoring and raise awareness about EANET activities. Mr. Aquino emphasized the challenges and opportunities in Philippine air quality management, emphasizing comprehensive strategies and stakeholder collaboration.
Ms. Tamayo highlighted the significance of monitoring, emissions inventory, modeling, and health impact assessment, and introduced decision-making resources. Collaboration among government, industries, academia, and civil society was emphasized for effective air quality management.
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National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET in 2023 in-person participants.
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Panel Discussion: Interventions from EANET Experts on Air Quality Monitoring Challenges and Implications for the Philippines
Professor Hong Li (CRAES, China) emphasized setting clear goals, developing a long-term plan, and establishing strong coordination and robust emissions inventory at the local level. She suggested implementing a 10-point policy framework and continuously updating standards and intervention measures.
Dr. Toshimasa Ohara (CESS, Japan) showcased Japan’s success in mitigating air pollution while maintaining economic growth. He highlighted the reduction of bio emissions but emphasized the challenge of addressing chemical ozone. He expressed hope for EANET’s role in addressing air quality problems in the Philippines.
Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak (PCD, Thailand) presented Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework and shared activities such as area-based management, sectoral approach, public relations management, and increasing public awareness. She emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial cooperation and effective policy implementation.
Professor Gangwoong Lee (HUFS, Republic of Korea) emphasized the potential contribution of citizens in reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). He praised the Philippines’ efforts in monitoring PM2.5 and VOCs and encouraged the country to persist in its air quality improvement endeavors.
The EANET workshop concluded with experts emphasizing the importance of clear goals, long-term planning, and strong coordination in air quality management. They highlighted the need for continuous updates of regulations, citizen involvement, and evidence-based policies. Dr. Shiro Hatakeyma, Director General of ACAP, delivered the closing remarks.
The EANET Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Project Advisory Group Meeting was held in Manila from 24-26 May 2023 including laboratory and VOC monitoring site surveys, resulting in finalizing activities in the Philippines and Mongolia and other recommendations for the VOC project’s progress.
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The VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting
The Network Center for the EANET, organized the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting in Manila, Philippines, as part of the EANET « Project for the feasibility for promotion of VOCs related capacity building in EANET » Project Activity in 2023.
The first meeting for the project took place in February 2023. As part of this project, it was decided to create an Advisory Group, composed of experts from Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, Thailand, and from the Network Center, to give guidance on feasible measurement methods, data analysis, identification of the target species to measure VOCs, and feasible reduction measures. During the meeting, the Advisory Group members considered methods like DOAS (Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy), canister sampling, sorbent tubes, and passive samplers. They emphasized the importance of source identification and reducing toxic VOCs, and discussed the use of low-cost sensors.
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Participants to the EANET VOC Advisory Group Meeting with the representatives of the Government of the Philippines (EMB-DENR)
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Lab Survey, VOC Monitoring Site Visit, and Stakeholder Workshop
A laboratory survey was conducted at the Environmental Research and Laboratory Services Division (ERLSD), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), and the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), College of Science, University of the Philippines. On the following day, the mission continued with a VOC monitoring site survey at the Region III Air Quality Management Section (AQMS) in Pampanga. This survey aimed to assess the monitoring of volatile organic compounds in that specific area. The next morning, a summary discussion and bilateral meeting took place between the Philippine representatives, the Network Center, and Secretariat for the EANET. This meeting provided an opportunity to share their findings, insights, and recommendations. Finally, on the afternoon of 26 May, the National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held to address air quality management challenges and explore potential solutions tailored to the specific context of the Philippines.
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Site visit in Pampanga, Region III
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VOC Advisory Group Recommendations and Highlights
The VOC project Advisory group meeting involved thirty-six participants and facilitated in-depth information exchanges and discussions among project stakeholders and advisory group members. Recommendations for the project plan were compiled based on the insights gained from the laboratory and monitoring assessments during the mission.
The Advisory Group emphasized that the final goal of the project is to reduce Ozone and PM2.5 pollution. For this purpose, understanding the status of VOCs and exploring the best solutions for their reduction is key. The Advisory Group discussed VOCs measurement methodologies and a methodology for estimating Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) contribution and source apportionment of VOCs.
Among their recommendations, the Advisory group considered prioritizing monitoring of BTX (Benzene, Toluene, Xylene) in the Philippines and Mongolia. Methods such as Canister/Gas Chromatography/Flame Ionization Detection/Mass Spectrometry (GC/FID/MS) and Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) were recommended to be compared. Sampling should be conducted for 24 hours over two weeks at various locations. Capacity building for Volatile Organic Compounds monitoring was considered crucial. Re-establishing Canister/Sorbent Tube-GC/FID/MS methods (TO14/14a/15/15a) in the lab is recommended. Training, consumables, and support for monitoring and analysis were considered important. Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for VOCs monitoring and formulating air quality guidelines are the key objectives.
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The mission in the Philippines received financial contributions from the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) and significant in-kind contributions from the Philippines, for which the organizers expressed their appreciation.
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The VOC project has been funded by The Ministry of Environment, Japan (MOEJ), through the EANET Project Fund.
The National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in Lao PDR on EANET: Promoting acid deposition and air quality management in East Asia was held in Vientiane, on 2 May 2023, in cooperation with the Natural Resource and Environment Research Institute (NRERI), Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment (MoNRE), Lao PDR. It aimed at showcasing the achievements and activities of the EANET over the last 20 years and encouraging cooperation between EANET and Lao stakeholders in the implementation of the EANET’s expanded scope and Project Fund activities. The Workshop was held at the NRERI, and gathered about 45 participants from government agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs. It was co-chaired by Mr. Lonkham Atsanavong, Director General of the NRERI, MoNRE, and Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET.
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Strengthening Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management in Lao PDR
The National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in Lao PDR on EANET was inaugurated by the Opening Remarks of Mr. Lonkham Atsanavong and the introduction to the Workshop’s objectives by Mr. Bert Fabian. These were followed by presentations by Dr. Keiichi Sato, Head of Atmospheric Research Department, Asian Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Network Center of the EANET; Mr. Vanhna Phanphongsa, Deputy Director, Environmental Laboratory, MoNRE, Lao PDR; and Ms. Bounmany Soulideth, Deputy Head of Division, MoNRE, Lao PDR and current Head of the ASEAN Technical Working Group on Transboundary Haze Pollution.
Dr. Keiichi Sato presented the overall progress of air quality monitoring activities in the EANET region over the past two decades, specifically focusing on the dissemination of monitoring data, capacity building, and regional cooperation, within the framework of the EANET. Mr. Vanha and Ms. Bounmany presented the status of acid deposition monitoring and air quality management in Lao PDR as well as the transboundary haze pollution and general air quality issues in Lao PDR.
In his presentation, Mr. Vanha highlighted interest in Laos for future collaboration on capacity building activities, specifically related to supporting maintenance, Ion Chromatography (IC) instrument & air quality monitoring stations QA/QC, training on PM2.5/ PM10 monitoring, ambient air quality monitoring, atmospheric data analysis, ambient air data mapping, emission inventory tools, and air quality modeling.
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National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in Lao PDR on EANET in-person participants
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Air Quality Management Collaborative Efforts and Awareness Initiatives in Lao PDR
The objective of the panel discussion on Strengthening Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management in Lao PDR was to offer a forum to share information on air quality management and haze pollution. Representatives from government agencies NGOs, and other development institutions participated actively in the panel discussion and shared their thoughts on the air pollution issues in the country.
The alarming increase in the heat index in Lao PDR and in the region in April 2023, combined with wildfires and high air pollution, has led to a collective agreement to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of air pollution. The government of Laos is taking various measures to address air pollution and raise public awareness about its impacts, including conducting public awareness activities led by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment and collaborating with relevant sectors to prevent air pollution from the agricultural sector. The National University of Laos (NUOL) has also introduced a supplementary curriculum on air pollution and air quality control.
The collaboration between the government and local communities was emphasized, involving engagement with local authorities and residents in educational programs. In the agricultural sector, the cassava farming practice is becoming a significant concern, leading to nutrient degradation in the soil and farmers resorting to clearing more land. Facing this issue, support is being provided to community-managed areas for sustainable crop preparation, discouraging the shifting of cultivation sites and promoting the use of plant residues to reduce burning.
Local government entities are also encouraged to collaborate with research institutes and other sectors to manage and prevent air pollution. The World Bank, in partnership with the NRERI, is developing an environmental and waste management project, aiming to enhance communication and access to educational resources through the development of online platforms including a mobile application, for public air quality monitoring.
The National Awareness Workshop participants highlighted the status of air quality monitoring stations, identified major sources of air pollution, and emphasized the importance of capacity building and international cooperation in addressing the transboundary haze issue. While efforts are made to improve the air quality assessment, these need to be further strengthened. Collaboration among various local and international stakeholders is key to addressing the air quality issue in Lao PDR.
The Acid Deposition Monitoring New Workshop in East Asia (EANET) was established in 2001 as an intergovernmental initiative to create a common understanding of the state of acid deposition problems in East Asia, provide useful inputs for decision-making at various levels, and promote cooperation among countries. The People’s Republic of China is one of the 13 EANET Participating Countries(PCs). In 2021, the PCs decided to expand the scope of EANET to explicitly cover air pollution and adopted a Supplementary Document (Annex) to the Instrument. EANET, as an intergovernmental initiative, is bound by an Instrument that PCs have committed to.
EANET’s activities are guided by five-year Medium Term Plans and a Work Programme and Budget approved by the PCs every year. In 2023, the Secretariat is organizing National Stakeholder Awareness Workshops to support the implementation of activities of the EANET and to better understand specific country needs. The EANET National Awareness Workshop in China will be held on 18 October 2023, from 9:30-11:30 (Shanghai time)at the Fudan University in Shanghai and online, as a side event of the First International Conference on Chemical Weather and Chemical Climate (CWCC2023). The EANET Workshop is co-organized by the Secretariat and the Network Center for the EANET, the Fudan University, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, P.R. China.
This workshop aims to showcase the achievements and activities of the EANET over the last 20 years including activities involving P.R. China and to encourage more cooperation with EANET and P.R. China in the implementation of the expanded scope and the EANET Project Fund activities. Participants of the workshop will be government officials, academicians, non-government organizations, and the private sector.
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Mr. 
Dr. Toshimasa Ohara
Dr. Kessinee Unapumnuk
Mr. Tian Junjie
Dr. Feng Miao
