31 July 2026

Four government officials and researchers from Southeast Asia 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.

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Immersive Training in Japan

The first part of the program began in Japan from May 11 to 15, 2026. At the DKK-TOA Corporation in Sayama, trainees were introduced to advanced research facilities, including the On-site Ambient Air Pollution Station, and Automatic Measuring Instruments for Ozone and PM2.5.

“The visit to DKK-TOA was one of the most valuable parts of the program for me. Since I have been involved in several AQMS procurement processes, it was very useful to see the instruments firsthand and learn how they operate. This experience gave me a better understanding of air quality monitoring equipment and will help me make more informed decisions when developing specifications that meet Indonesia’s needs while considering both quality and budget.” — A comment from a trainee

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The training at Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) focused on developing technical capacity in ambient air quality monitoring, laboratory analysis, data quality assurance, and air quality assessment, with particular emphasis on PM_2.5 and ozone (O₃). The program included lectures on the atmospheric environment and the characteristics of PM_2.5 and O₃ pollution, as well as an overview of monitoring methodologies and quality management procedures. Participants received hands-on training in the operation, routine maintenance, and quality control of PM_2.5 and O₃ monitoring instruments, including FRM sampling and filter handling procedures. Laboratory sessions covered gravimetric analysis of PM_2.5 samples, sample extraction and filtration techniques, and the principles and operation of ion chromatography (IC) for chemical composition analysis. The training also addressed data processing, validation, and interpretation of monitoring results to ensure data reliability and comparability. In addition, participants were introduced about emission inventory development, ozone simulation techniques, and environmental impact assessment approaches, providing an integrated understanding of how air quality monitoring data can be applied to pollution source analysis, air quality modeling, and environmental management. The program concluded with group discussions that facilitated technical exchange and the sharing of experiences among participants.

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“The session of PM2.5 Manual method provided essential knowledge on standard reference methods, specifically focusing on the transition from mass determination (gravimetric measurements) to detailed component analysis. It clearly demonstrated how a single filter can be systematically processed for downstream analysis of ions, trace metals, and carbon fractions, which is highly applicable to our laboratory’s analytical framework.” — A comment from a trainee

 “The practical training was very valuable because I learned routine and periodic maintenance procedures, including flow rate checks, filter tape replacement, instrument inspection, and troubleshooting. These skills will help improve the reliability of PM2.5 monitoring data collected by our monitoring stations.” — A comment from a trainee

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Advanced Technical Training in Republic of Korea

From May 18 to 22, 2026, the training continued in the Republic of Korea. At the National Institute for Environmental Research (NIER) in Incheon, participants learned about the institute’s mission and its efforts in environmental protection and public health. The program included visits to prominent institutions, such as Seoul National University (SNU), the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR), and the Environmental Measurement Instrument Research Centre (KOTITI).

“Regarding the two-day PM 2.5 training at SNU, I would like to share some constructive feedback. The session was mostly observational, focusing on sampling management and a brief introduction to the equipment (XRF, EC/OC, aethalometer, GC-MS). For future sessions, it would be far more impactful if it included direct hands-on practice. Additionally, adding a practical guide on how to process the collected chemical data to identify pollution sources (source apportionment) would make the training truly complete and meaningful.” — A comment from a trainee

At SNU, trainees gained hands-on experience with PM2.5 and received a brief introduction to other instruments such as XRF, GC-MS, OC/EC analyzers, and Aethalometers. At NAIR, they learned about the facility’s role as the National Air Quality Reference Laboratory in Korea, serving as a QA/QC hub. They also explored advanced methods for emission source tracking. At KOTITI, trainees were introduced to the rigorous chamber testing protocols required for commercial sensors to achieve Grade 1 Certification. They observed how low-cost, localized sensor technologies are verified against strict reference standards before being deployed in the public market.

“The visit to the Metropolitan Air Quality Research Center under the NIER Air Quality Department was highly eye opening. It was very beneficial to see how the department’s high-level air quality policies and research guidelines are practically applied at the metropolitan level to monitor urban pollution. — A comment from a trainee

Sharing Knowledge Across the Region

Feedback after the training indicated that all participants found the program in both Japan and the Republic of Korea 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 would like to sincerely thank all organizers, trainers, and host institutions for this valuable two-week training program in Niigata and Seoul. The training provided many useful lessons on air quality management, emission inventory, and environmental monitoring, as well as the opportunity to learn from the experiences of Japan and South Korea. I also appreciate the well-organized program, the interesting site visits, and the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with participants and experts. The knowledge and experience gained during this training will be very useful in supporting my work and contributing to environmental management efforts in my country. Thank you for this great learning opportunity.” — A comment from a trainee

“I plan to share the knowledge and experience gained from this training through internal presentations, technical discussions, and knowledge-sharing sessions with colleagues at the Pollution Control Department within one to two months after returning. In addition, I will incorporate relevant lessons learned into training materials and technical guidance documents for air quality monitoring and management activities.”— A comment from a trainee

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Supporting Regional Cooperation

The 2026 TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program was approved as a Project Activity at the Twenty-seventh Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET in November 2025. It was co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea, representing a continued commitment to regional cooperation in environmental protection.

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Find more about the EANET Project Fund.

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