News | EANET Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia

National Stakeholder Awareness Workshop in China: Promoting Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management in East Asia

Posted on 2024/01/182024/01/22 by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 18 January 2024

The EANET National Awareness Workshop in China: Promoting Acid Deposition and Air Quality Management in East Asia was held on 18 October 2023 at Fudan University in Shanghai, China, and online, as a side event of the First International Conference on Chemical Weather and Chemical Climate (CWCC2023). The Workshop was co-organized by EANET and Fudan University and was joined by 50 participants.

Opening Remarks

Mr. Zhou Jun, Director of the Asian, African, and Latin American Affairs Division of the Department of International Cooperation of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, P.R. China, and EANET National Focal Point, delivered the opening remarks. He emphasized EANET’s two-decade journey in building a strong network and China’s commitment to its collaboration. China places high importance on EANET as a platform for expertise and knowledge-sharing and has actively supported its scope expansion. China has declared a “war” on air pollution and achieved a 57% reduction in average PM2.5 concentrations from 2013 to 2022 while doubling its GDP. Mr. Zhou Jun expressed China’s willingness to continue supporting EANET and collaborate for atmospheric environmental protection.

Prof. Xu Tang, from Fudan University, welcomed participants to the EANET side event at the First International Conference on Chemical Weather and Chemical Climate (CWCC2023). He explained the event’s focus on showcasing EANET and fostering collaboration, aligning with CWCC2023. Prof. Xu highlighted ongoing discussions about cooperation between EANET and Fudan University, particularly in capacity-building efforts.

Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET, outlined the workshop’s goals. He emphasized the connection between air pollution and climate change and the valuable opportunity for EANET to collaborate with Fudan University, which works closely with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and MAP-AQ. EANET has a strong history of monitoring acid deposition and air pollutants and providing high-quality data, and the Awareness Workshop aims to enhance interaction among researchers, scientists, and policymakers in China and beyond for the benefit of EANET Participating Countries and partners.

*Some panelists and participants during the Workshop*

More than two decades of EANET

Dr. Meihua Zhu of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) discussed EANET’s evolution from the 1990s to its formal establishment in 2001, the adoption of the Instrument in 2012, and scope expansion in 2021. She highlighted EANET’s crucial role in policy development, data collection, annual Data Reports, and Periodic Reports on Acid Deposition in East Asia. Dr. Zhu also emphasized the availability of high-quality data on the EANET website. She introduced the Project Fund mechanism and its funded projects in 2023 and 2024. Dr. Zhu underscored EANET’s intergovernmental and cooperative approach in advancing shared knowledge and enhancing air quality in East and Southeast Asia.

Acid Deposition and Air Pollution Management in China

Dr. Siyuan Liang of the China National Environmental Monitoring Centre (CNEMC), the National Center for EANET in China, presented China’s acid deposition and air quality management over recent years. In 2021, PM_2.5levels in cities at the prefecture level or above in China dropped from 46 μg/m³ in 2015 to 30 μg/m³, with significant reductions in PM_2.5, SO₂, NO₂, and CO concentrations from 2013 to 2022. She highlighted 1,000 acid monitoring sites in 469 cities, including Chongqing, Lijiang, Wuzhishan, Xiamen, Xi’an, and Zhuhai sites, part of the EANET network, and highlighted the reduction in acid deposition pollution since 2005. Dr. Liang also presented the various advanced monitoring methods and big data platforms in use in China. She ended her presentation by mentioning the importance of further enhancing monitoring data for environmental management, covering various pollutants to aid decision-making.

Dr. Yangxi Chu from the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) presented China’s impressive air quality improvements over the last decade. Key achievements include stricter air pollution policies, enhanced vehicle emissions standards, clean residential heating, and joint air pollution prevention and control. Dr. Chu outlined China’s 2025 air quality goals and highlighted the role of science and technology in policymaking. He mentioned the National Joint Research Center for Air Pollution Control and its collaborative network, to recognize the main PM_2.5 sources and to complete the “last mile” of scientific and technological applications to the ground. Dr. Chu showcased China’s substantial reduction in PM_2.5concentration nationwide and in Beijing, realizing air quality improvement as well as economic development.

Discussion

Dr. Wei Wan from Clean Air Asia, China Office, discussed China’s journey toward cleaner air, emphasizing significant reductions in air pollutants from 2013 to 2021. She highlighted the successful balance between economic growth and air quality, attributed to revised air quality standards in 2012, among other policies. Dr. Syarif Romadhon from Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) emphasized the importance of EANET’s collaboration and admired China’s example of economic development while reducing air pollution. Professor Gantuya Gambat from the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology expressed appreciation for EANET’s efforts for uniting scientists and policymakers in particular through the EANET Project Fund activities.

Professor Greg Carmichael, from the University of Iowa, USA, and Chair of the Scientific Steering Committee of WMO-GAW, highlighted the significance of EANET from the perspectives of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW). He emphasized the importance of monitoring acid deposition in East and Southeast Asia and the collaboration between GAW and EANET. Professor Carmichael expressed gratitude for EANET’s data access and emphasized the need for relevant intercomparison models and emission projections.

Closing Session

Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, DG at ACAP, delivered the Closing Remarks. He highlighted EANET’s two-decade experience in addressing acid deposition and improving air quality. Dr. Hatakeyama credited the collaborative efforts of the 13 Participating Countries for significant improvements in the atmospheric environment. He expressed admiration for the rapid enhancement of air quality in China and emphasized EANET’s contribution to bettering the atmospheric environment in East Asia. In 2021, EANET expanded its scope to include atmospheric environmental pollutants including ozone and PM_2.5, recognizing that controlling these pollutants can yield co-benefits for human health, global warming, and climate change mitigation. Dr. Hatakeyama mentioned the Project Fund mechanism, fostering collaboration beyond the Participating Countries, and expressed hope for extended cooperation.

Useful Resources:

-Read the Panelists’ Presentations:

The Twenty-sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET

Posted on 2024/12/112025/04/30 by Aurélia Lemoine

11 December 2024 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Twenty-sixth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting (IG26) on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 27 to 28 November 2024. All the 13 Participating Countries of the EANET were represented in-person in the Intergovernmental Meeting. Overall, there were about 80 participants from the EANET, engaged in key discussions related to the network’s 2025 activities and to air quality and acid deposition challenges in Northeast and Southeast Asia.

Regional Cooperation Addressing Acid Deposition and Air Pollution

Hosted and chaired by the government of Malaysia, the IG26 started with Welcome Remarks delivered by Datuk Nor Yahati binti Awang, Deputy Secretary General of Malaysia’s Environmental Sustainability at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES). Opening Remarks followed by Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), and Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET.

Datuk Nor Yahati highlighted Malaysia’s commitment to tackling air pollution through initiatives such as the National Clean Air Action Plan (2025–2040). Dr. Ohara emphasized the expanded scope of EANET activities, and Mr. Fabian underscored the importance of the science-policy interface in EANET’s mission. The session elected Malaysia as Chairperson, Thailand and Mongolia as Vice-Chairpersons, and Japan as Rapporteur.

Over US$300,000 Allocated for Air Quality Projects in 2025

In addition to the Core Budget of the EANET for its ongoing activities focused mainly on monitoring, and supporting its meetings, the IG26 approved twelve EANET Projects under the EANET Project Fund.

The Projects focus on capacity building, public awareness, monitoring and research activities, applied to various issues such as Nitrogen management, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), innovative monitoring technologies including low-cost sensors and satellite monitoring, and understanding the effects of acid deposition on ecosystems, among others. A total of US$300,000 mainly coming from Japan (MOEJ), and with co-financing from the Republic of Korea (NIER), the Philippines (EMB), and China (Fudan University), was allocated for these initiatives.

Future Directions and Key Approvals

In addition to these key decisions, the IG25 approved several important documents, such as the Work Program and Budget of the EANET in 2025, including the organization of key meetings in 2025 such as the Working Group Meeting in 2025 (WG2025), the 24^th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC25) and the 27^th Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET (IG27). The IG26 also approved the process of development of the EANET’s next Medium-Term Plan (2026–2030) which will include several consultations and meetings among Participating Countries in 2025, emphasizing expanded collaboration and innovative approaches to air quality monitoring and policy support.

Read the Report of IG26

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET

Posted on 2023/11/302025/04/30 by Aurélia Lemoine

30 November 2023 – Hanoi, Viet Nam

The Twenty-fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) (IG25) took place from 29 to 30 November 2023, in Hanoi, Viet Nam and online. Over 70 representatives from the EANET Participating Countries, UNEP and ACAP, the Secretariat and Network Center for the EANET, participated in the discussions related to the network’s 2024 activities and to address air quality issues in the region.

Regional Cooperation Fighting Acid Deposition and Air Pollution

Hosted and chaired by Viet Nam, the IG25 started with the Welcome Remarks by His Excellency Mr. Le Cong Thanh, Vice Minister, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), followed by opening Remarks by Ms. Marlene Nielsson, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNEP, and by Dr. Hatakeyama, Director General, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP).

*His Excellency Mr. Le Cong Thanh delivering the Opening Remarks.*

His Excellency Mr. Le Cong Thanh emphasized the significant challenges of air pollution and acid deposition in Viet Nam and globally. He highlighted the efforts of MONRE in developing legal frameworks and a nationwide monitoring network and expressed appreciation for the EANET’s contributions over the past twenty years. Ms. Nilsson underscored the significance of multilateralism in tackling environmental challenges, particularly acid deposition and air pollution, highlighting EANET’s expanded role in policy actions and capacity building for improved air quality. Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama highlighted the successful outcomes of the expansion of scope and the Project Fund adopted two years ago, specifically citing the Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) project’s positive results with Low-Cost Sensors (LCS).

The IG25 Session was chaired by Viet Nam, vice-chaired by Lao PDR and Cambodia, and Thailand was elected Rapporteur.

Over US$600,000 allocated to Building Government Capacity and Addressing Air Quality Management Issues in the Region

In addition to the Core Budget of the EANET to support its activities focused on monitoring, and supporting its meetings, the IG25 approved eleven EANET Projects in 2024 primarily focusing on capacity building for government officials but also concerning key air quality management-related issues such as on Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), low-cost sensors (LCS), emissions inventories, and source apportionment projects in the region.

The EANET Projects for 2024 received funding through the EANET Project Fund, EANET’s financial mechanism allowing collaboration with implementation partners and co-financing from outside the EANET Network.

The total funding for Project Activities in 2024 is $605,000, including funding from the EANET Secretariat and NC funds, additional financial support from Japan (MOEJ), and from the Republic of Korea (NIER).

Ways forward

In addition to these key decisions, the IG25 also approved several important documents, such as the Work Program and Budget of the EANET in 2024, including the organization of key meetings in 2024 such as the Working Group Meeting in 2024 (WG2024), the 24^th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC24) and the 26^th Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET (IG26), and the process to finalize the revision of the EANET’s Administrative and Financial Guidelines and of the EANET Project Fund and Project Guideline.

Read the Report of IG25 and discover the meeting’s pictures on Flickr.

Improving Air Quality: Insights and Collaboration at the EANET Workshop on VOCs Related Activities

Posted on 2023/11/282025/04/30 by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 28 November 2023

The Workshop on Knowledge Sharing for VOCs Related Activities in EANET took place at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Headquarters, Manila, Philippines, and online on Tuesday 14 November 2023, as a pre-event to the Better Air Quality Conference (BAQ) 2023. It gathered around 35 experts in the auditorium of ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines, and about 80 participants online.

EANET’s Initiatives for a Comprehensive Understanding of VOCs

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 EANET Workshop on Knowledge Sharing for VOCs Related Activities aimed at providing a complete understanding of VOCs related activities from the monitoring design to policy implementation, and to foster a comprehensive understanding and collaboration in the field of VOCs by bringing together experts, researchers, and practitioners in a multidisciplinary platform.

Mr. Yu Kamei, Director of the International Cooperation Office, Environment Management Bureau, Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) and Engr. Marcelino N. Rivera Jr. OIC of the Environmental Quality Management Division of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Philippines, Central Office, on behalf of the EMB Director and concurrent Assistant Secretary Gilbert C. Gonzales, delivered opening remarks. Five presentations followed and covered VOC-related activities, from monitoring to emission control. Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator, Secretariat for the EANET moderated the Workshop.

Advancements in VOCs Monitoring and Emission Control Across East Asia

Dr. Yujiro Ichikawa, Researcher at the Atmospheric Environment Group, Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS) Japan, presented ” Methods of Measuring Atmospheric VOCs and Case Study in Japan”. Afterwards, Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Research Director, Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), the SAC member of Japan for the EANET, and Dr. Kessinee Unapumnuk, Director, Transboundary Air Pollution Sub-Division, Air Quality, and Noise Management Division, Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand, delivered presentations on “VOCs and secondary air pollution in East Asia” and “Establishment of Environmental Standards and Guideline Values of Volatile Organic Compounds in the Kingdom of Thailand”, respectively.

From the perspective of VOCs emission control, Mr. Junjie Tian, Engr., Shanghai Academy of Environmental Science, and Dr. Miao Feng, Director, Institute of Atmospheric Environment, Chengdu Academy of Environmental Science, delivered presentations on the “Prevention and Control of VOC pollution in Shanghai: progress, achievement and prospect” and “Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) emission control in Chengdu, China”. During their presentations, they introduced the Chinese local governments’ practices, the lessons learned, and the achievements made during the past decade.

Prof. Fan Meng, Deputy Director General of the NC for the EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) delivered closing remarks. The session was marked by active discussions and exchange of information, including with online participants. The event exemplified EANET’s commitment to fostering a multidisciplinary platform for experts, researchers, and practitioners to collectively address the challenges of VOCs in air pollution.

This activity was implemented by the EANET and funded by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, (MOEJ) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Philippines, through the EANET Project Fund.

Find out more about the EANET Project Fund.

Useful Resources:

-Read the Panelists’ Presentations:

-Read the Q&A Report

-View the Photos on Flickr

–View the recordings on YouTube

The 23rd Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting on the EANET

Posted on 2023/10/192023/10/23 by Aurélia Lemoine

19 October 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) held its Twenty-third Session of the SAC (SAC23) Meeting from 10-12 October 2023, to discuss the progress of acid deposition and air pollution monitoring activities since 2022.

Opening Session

Over 50 members of the SAC and/or their representatives from the Participating Countries, the Network Center, and the Secretariat for the EANET, joined the virtual meeting.

The SAC23 started with Opening Remarks from Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET. He emphasized the significance of multilateralism in tackling environmental challenges and highlighted the upcoming 2024 UN Environment Assembly which will focus on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. He welcomed the commitment of EANET countries to address acid deposition and air pollution through partnerships and initiatives.

Welcome Remarks were delivered by Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Network Center for the EANET. Dr. Hatakeyama highlighted the importance of the activities conducted by researchers in the past year in the EANET, including the annual Data Report preparation, QA/QC activities, training, and joint research projects. He also emphasized the success of EANET’s capacity-building efforts and highlighted important agenda items for discussion during the session.

*Screenshot from some of the SAC23 meeting participants.*

Reporting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring data in 2022

Scientists from the Network Center for the EANET presented the results from activities of acid deposition monitoring, based on data provided by the EANET Participating Countries and retrieved from their national monitoring sites for 2022. These included wet, dry, soil and vegetation monitoring from all Participating Countries, as well as catchment-scale monitoring in Japan and the Philippines. The Draft EANET Data Report 2022 and the Draft Report on the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects in 2022 were both presented and adopted at the Session.

The Network Center also presented an overview of the National Monitoring Plans of the Participating Countries for 2023, based on the submissions made during the recent Twenty-fourth Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM24) on the EANET.

Discussing administrative issues supporting EANET’s further development

Finally, the SAC23 members were also invited to comment, from the scientific viewpoint, on other important documents including, the Draft EANET Progress and Financial Reports, the Work Programme and Budget for 2024, the Draft Mid-Term Review of the EANET MTP, the proposed revision of the EANET’s Administrative and Project Guidelines, and the EANET Project Plans submitted for 2024, before approval at the IG25 of EANET, to be held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, in November 2023.

Access EANET Data, read the Report of SAC23, and view the online meeting’s photos on Flickr.

EANET Training on Air Quality Monitoring Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors

Posted on 2023/10/192023/10/19 by Aurélia Lemoine

19 October 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Training on Air Quality Monitoring Systems Using Low-Cost Sensors took place on 6 and 7 September 2023, in Hanoi, Viet Nam, and online. The event was jointly organized by the ADB, the Network Center for the EANET, and the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change (IMHEN) and gathered 100 participants, online and in person, from the EANET Participating Countries and beyond, to learn about LCS equipment operation, quality assurance, data accuracy, early problem detection, and effective use of monitoring data.

Opening Session

Ms. Karma Yangzom, Principal Environment Specialist at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), delivered Opening Remarks expressing gratitude for joining the Vietnam project with IMHEN. She highlighted the significance of the hybrid method in addressing monitoring resource constraints, emphasizing the need for meticulous use of LCS to ensure sensor functionality and data verification, emphasizing the importance of high-quality, verified data, and underlining the workshop’s objective to research proper LCS utilization while expressing appreciation to EANET for hosting the workshop with hopes of providing valuable information to participants.

Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, the Director of the Center of Environmental Research at the Vietnam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change (IMHEN), expressed gratitude to the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, ACAP (the Network Center for the EANET) and ADB for their support in the project to establish an air quality system, highlighting the costliness of such systems in urban areas and the potential of LCS as a more affordable alternative if data accuracy can be ensured. The LCS has been installed in two provinces in Vietnam as part of the project, providing participants with a deeper understanding of its capabilities, and he thanked all the participants and EANET for organizing the workshop.

Introduction to the use of Low-Cost Sensors in Vietnam and in other Asian Countries

Dr. Le Ngoc Cau delivered a presentation on IMHEN’s role, its air quality monitoring system, air quality modeling, and EANET activities in Vietnam. He highlighted the installation of a PM_2.5monitor in Hoa Binh station in 2015 and the collaborative installation of LCS at the same station with the Network Center. Dr. Cau emphasized the importance of verifying LCS data for reliability and the need to figure out how to integrate LCS and conventional monitoring data. They expressed interest in further collaboration with international organizations.

Ms. Karma Yangzom shared experiences from Asian countries regarding the use of Air Quality sensors in ADB projects aimed at enhancing awareness and efforts to improve air quality. She highlighted the stability of AQ Mesh sensors, which only require sensor replacements every two years, and emphasized the use of LCS to present air quality information to the public. She highlighted the importance of ensuring the reliability of the data generated from the LCS.

EANET Projects on LCS Technical studies

Dr. Akie Yuba, a Senior Researcher from ACAP, provided a report on LCS technical studies in Vietnam and Myanmar, which were carried out as part of EANET Project Activities. In Hoa Binh, Vietnam, five LCS units were installed, with a specific focus on PM_2.5and other parameters. In Yangon, Myanmar, LCS units, specifically GBiot and Haz Scanner, were utilized for monitoring PM_2.5, O₃, NO₂, and meteorological data during both monsoon and non-monsoon seasons. A good correlation was observed in the data, though different values were displayed in the slopes, emphasizing the need for blackout preparedness to prevent electricity voltage fluctuations.

Dr. Hiroaki Minoura, a Guest Researcher at ACAP demonstrated, along with Dr. Yuba, how to install an LCS, how to initiate it, to connect it to a data server, and how to retrieve LCS data when there are data communication issues.

Dr. Kazuhiro Misaka, Director of Green Blue Corporation, a private company specializing in the inspection, and maintenance of environmental monitoring and measurement equipment, delivered a presentation on data screening and analysis obtained with LCS and the Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN), accompanied by Dr. Akie Yuba and Dr. Hiroaki Minoura. Dr. Misaka explained the process of screening raw LCS data and removing noise signals. Dr. Yuba discussed the screening and validation of hourly LCS data, while Dr. Minoura covered topics related to data interpretation, visualization, and trend analysis.

Challenges and Ways Forward

In the last session, Dr. Alison Simcox from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) was invited to share insights on LCS experiences. She clarified that LCS data was not deemed an official guideline, and further studies on its functionality were being considered. Two key questions were introduced: the challenges encountered by LCS and Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Networks (HAQMN) in Asian countries and potential collaborations for promoting LCS in these regions. Commenting on the wrap-up for the way forward, challenges related to technology and policy in utilizing LCS were emphasized, with a focus on the need for capacity building to address issues such as calibration and data interpretation. Dr. Alison stressed the importance of understanding the purpose of LCS usage, whether it was identifying wildfires, creating smoke maps, or monitoring global changes in PM2.5.

Mr. Kenichiro Fukunaga, Deputy Director General of ACAP, delivered the Closing Remarks and conveyed his gratitude to various organizations and participants for their contributions to the workshop and to the EANET Low-cost sensor project. He expressed expectations for the expansion and enhancement of LCS activities in monitoring, research, and capacity building.

Useful Resources:

Read the Panelists’ Presentations:
- Session 1 by Dr. Cau
- Session 2-1 by Ms. Yangzom
- Session 2-2 by Dr. Simcox
- Session 3-1 by Dr. Yuba
- Session 3-2 by Dr. Ngo Thi Van Anh
- Session 3-3 by Dr. Yuba
- Session 3-4 by Dr. Misaka
- Session 5-1 by Dr. Misaka
- Session 5-2 by Dr. Yuba
- Session 5-3 by Dr. Minoura

View the workshop’s photos on Flickr.

Find out more about EANET’s Project Fund and Project Activities.

EANET and NIER’s Technical and Training Capacity Building Program in 2023

Posted on 2023/11/132023/11/15 by Aurélia Lemoine

13 November 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Technical and Training (TNT) program of the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Republic of Korea, and the EANET Capacity Building Program have joined forces in 2023 to provide training on acid deposition and air quality management in the EANET Participating Countries.

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.

The combined TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in 2023 has been approved at the Twenty-fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting (IG24) on the EANET, as a Project Activity, co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea.

NIER’s TNT and EANET’s Capacity Building Program in 2023

In 2023, the Program was organized in two sessions. Each session was divided into two parts happening alternatively in the Republic of Korea and in Japan. Eight government officials and researchers (four per session) from the EANET Participating Countries were selected to participate in the training, based on their submitted applications that indicate their professional backgrounds, technical implications in monitoring activities, and motivation.

*Lecture at the Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health*

Session 1 took place in Japan from 14 to 20 May 2023, and in the Republic of Korea, from 20 May to 2 June 2023.

During the training in Japan, participants visited the National Institute for Environmental Studies, Japan, in Tsukuba City, where they received briefings and tours of the Earth Area Study and regional study laboratories. While at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), in Niigata, participants attended lectures covering various atmospheric environmental issues. The training program included lectures on various topics, such as the ecological impacts of atmospheric deposition and air pollution in Europe, the USA, and Asia. It also covered methods for monitoring soil, vegetation, inland aquatic environments, and catchment areas. Furthermore, the program included lectures on quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities in EANET, data reporting procedures, an inter-laboratory comparison project, the analysis of EANET monitoring data (Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia), and an introduction to emission inventory and air quality modeling. Finally, participants also visited the EANET Niigata-Maki monitoring site.

In the Republic of Korea, participants received the training in the NIER premises, in Incheon, where lectures were delivered by senior researchers from NIER’s Climate and Air Quality Research Department. These experts provided insights into their main responsibilities, ongoing projects, and the specialized tools and instruments used in their divisions. Additionally, the trainees had the opportunity to visit the Atmospheric Environment and Climate Change Laboratory at Seoul National University (SNU) and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST). During these visits, they attended lectures conducted by professors from the Graduate School of Public Health, SNU, focusing on international projects like CASA, which is a clean air initiative for ASEAN member states. The trainees also explored NIER’s Jeju monitoring station and the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center under the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea. At these locations, they received presentations on the Republic of Korea’s policies and strategies for managing air pollution, emphasizing comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and forecasting of air pollutant sources.

*Hands-on experiment at the Laboratory of Seoul National University*

The Second session started in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from 10 to 24 September 2023 and in Niigata, Japan, from 24 to 30 September 2023.

In the Republic of Korea, the program included visits to key organizations under the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea, including the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center and the Jeju Island Air Quality Monitoring Center. Participants also visited University laboratories actively involved in air pollution research. To address trainees’ requests for hands-on experience, the 1st program was arranged by the Atmospheric Environment and Climate Change (AECC) Lab at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Public Health, which has been collaborating with NIER on Korea-China joint research since 2017. During this session, trainees conducted pretreatment and analysis of air pollutant sources, collected samples, and analyzed monitoring results using analytical instruments. They also explored UNIST’s facilities for monitoring and analyzing air pollutant sources and learned about various international projects related to air pollution research in the East Asia Region. The National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center provided insights into forecasting air pollutant movement and related policies, while the Jeju Island Air Quality Monitoring Center introduced its monitoring and analysis instruments and cooperative efforts with other NIER monitoring centers across the country, as well as the Korea Meteorological Administration, to improve the accuracy of forecasting the concentration of particulate matter.

Session 2 at ACAP was designed to offer hands-on training in wet and dry deposition monitoring. The aim of the training was to enhance participants’ expertise and skills in atmospheric deposition, specifically focusing on the filter pack method and ion chromatography. The laboratory sessions included various technical exercises covering topics such as pH and electrical conductivity measurements, filter pack sampling, and the standard operating procedures for inorganic ions analysis. The exercises were complemented by practical demonstrations of laboratory techniques.

Additionally, the training program featured a site visit to the Niigata–Maki Station. During this visit, participants had the opportunity to observe wet-only samplers (both weekly and daily), the filter pack system, automatic monitors for SO₂, NO_x, O₃, PM_2.5, and PM_2.5 components, as well as meteorology monitors. This visit familiarized participants with the field equipment used in air quality monitoring.

The feedback survey indicated that all 8 participants found the program to be valuable and it is anticipated that the experience and knowledge gained from the program will be shared with their colleagues in their respective countries, further enhancing expertise in air quality management in the EANET Participating Countries.

The combined TNT and EANET Capacity Building Program in 2023 has been co-funded by the EANET Project Fund and the Republic of Korea. Find out more about EANET’s Project Fund and Project Activities.

View the photos of the training on Flickr.

Navigating Progress and Future Initiatives: Highlights from the EANET WG2023 Meeting

Posted on 2023/08/30 by Aurélia Lemoine

30 August 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Working Group Meeting in 2023 (WG2023) on the EANET was held online on 22 and 23 August 2023. Over 50 representatives from the 13 EANET countries, the Secretariat and the Network Center for the EANET, participated in the meeting to discuss past activities, proposed projects for 2024, and important administrative matters.

Activities in 2022 and 2023: Collaborative Efforts for Better Air Quality in East and Southeast Asia

The completion of EANET projects in 2022 and ongoing activities in 2023 were presented during the WG2023 meeting. The Secretariat underscored its commitment to Core Activities from 2022 to July 2023. These included organizing the EANET major annual meetings, leading partnership and communication activities, and awareness sessions, such as the EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in Bangkok and National Awareness Workshops in Lao PDR and in the Philippines.

The Network Center highlighted activities spanning 2022 and 2023, including continued acid deposition and air quality monitoring, QA-QC and capacity building activities, and also Individual Training, the Emission Inventory Webinar Workshop, and the MICS-Asia Workshop. Notably, 2022 Projects were successfully completed, and eight Project Activities were launched in 2023. Among the 2023 projects was the VOC Advisory Group Meeting in Manila, a component of the broader Feasibility for Promoting VOCs’ Related Capacity Building in the EANET project.

Screenshot of some of the WG2023 participants

EANET Medium Term Plan Mid-Term Review’s Inception

The Mid-Term Review of the EANET Medium Term Plan (MTP) for 2021-2025 was introduced during the WG2023. The Secretariat and Evaluator leading the Review presented the Inception Report for the Mid-Term Review of the MTP. Participating Countries engaged in discussions, sharing their perspectives and suggestions on the Plan’s review.

Draft EANET Project Plans for 2024

EANET’s Project Plans for 2024, submitted to the EANET Project Fund, came into focus during WG2023. The Network Center and Secretariat jointly introduced 12 EANET Project Plans for the upcoming year, ranging from continuing initiatives to new proposals. These projects included diverse subjects such as atmospheric deposition effects on ecosystems, VOC-related capacity building, air quality monitoring network development, and more. Participating Countries discussed potential overlaps, funding optimization, and suggestions to strengthen project proposals. Encouragement for external partnerships was highlighted.

Modifications to EANET Project Fund and Project Guideline and Administrative and Financial Management Guideline

WG2023 included discussions on modifications to the EANET Project Fund and Project Guideline, and on revising the Guidelines on Administrative and Financial Management for the Secretariat and Network Center. The Secretariat presented the current Guidelines against proposed changes submitted by Participating Countries at the Online Meeting on the Revision of the Guidelines. Participating Countries engaged in extensive discussions to refine definitions and procedures.

After the WG2023, the Secretariat and Network Center will prepare a new draft of both Guidelines, integrating proposed changes from discussions, for further review by Participating Countries’ National Focal Points, and including review from UNEP and ACAP, hosts of the Secretariat and the Network Center for the EANET.

The revised Guidelines, along with the EANET Project Proposal, and the Mid-Term Review of the EANET MTP, will be further discussed at the Twenty-Third Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC23) online Meeting to be held in October 2023, and during the 25^th Intergovernmental Meeting (IG25) on the EANET in November 2023, in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

Find out more about EANET’s Project Fund and Project Activities.

The Twenty-fourth Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting on the EANET

Posted on 2023/09/052023/09/22 by Aurélia Lemoine

5 September 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Twenty-fourth Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM24) on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) took place in Niigata, Japan and online, on 29 and 30 August 2023. The Meeting gathered over 40 senior technical officials from the 13 EANET Participating Countries to discuss the status of the Network’s monitoring activities.

EANET Monitoring Activities in 2022

Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, the Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), delivered the Opening Remarks, followed by Welcome Remarks by Mr. Bert Fabian, the Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET.

After presenting the progress of EANET activities in 2022 since STM23, the Network Center for the EANET (NC) shared the results of various reports on acid deposition and related substances monitoring activities. STM24 participants were invited to discuss and share knowledge and experience to collectively review these draft publications.

*Some Participants of the STM24 in Niigata, Japan*

Overview of the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2022 and Evaluation of the Results of the Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) Projects 2022

The NC presented the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2022. This report focuses on wet deposition, dry deposition (air concentration), soil and vegetation, inland aquatic environment, and catchment-scale monitoring. It includes a summary of the monitoring data in 2022 and related information submitted by the Participating Countries.

The NC also introduced the preliminary draft Report on the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects in 2022 for wet deposition, dry deposition (filter pack method), soil, and inland aquatic environment.

Consideration of the National Monitoring Plans (NMPs), Current Monitoring Activities for the EANET, and Overall Air Concentration Monitoring Status of the Participating Countries

In line with previous STM meetings’ process, representatives of the Participating Countries presented their National Monitoring Plans (NMPs) and current EANET activities, including monitoring capacities, technical challenges, and future plans, while focusing on the general improvement of the activities of the EANET.

Dr. Meng Fan, Deputy Director General, ACAP, delivered the Closing Remarks. He expressed his great appreciation for the improvement of the data quality due to the efforts of the Participating Countries and hoped that the EANET monitoring, research, and capacity-building activities would continue to be strengthened through the expansion of the scope of the EANET.

The Report of the STM24 will soon be available on the Meeting Reports page. View the STM24 photos on Flickr.

Find out more, and access EANET data on the Monitoring System page.

The EANET Emission Inventory Webinar Workshop on Combustion Sources – Join us on December 11th!

Posted on 2023/10/192023/12/13 by Aurélia Lemoine

Registration is now closed.

1. Background

When addressing atmospheric environmental issues in the EANET Participating Countries, the primary focus should be on sources of fuel combustion. This includes, but is not limited to, major power plants, industrial facilities, residential areas, and road transportation. Emissions from combustion sources often cause large adverse impacts on human health and ecosystems by acid deposition, high concentrations of PM_2.5 and ozone, etc.

In order to tackle severe air pollution problems, it is essential to understand the status of emissions of air pollutants and consider the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Emission inventories are essential to obtain such information and help to develop appropriate atmospheric environmental policies. The methodologies to estimate emissions from combustion sources are basic and are essential for the development of national emission inventories.

The workshop EANET Emission Inventory Webinar on Combustion Sources will be held online on 11 December 2023, from 12:30-16:30 (Bangkok time, UTC+7). This workshop is organized by the Network Center for the EANET, hosted by the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP).

2. Objectives and Participants

The objectives of the Emission Inventory Webinar are to learn the basic methodologies to estimate emissions from combustion sources including stationary and mobile sources. In addition, the various roles of emission inventories in atmospheric environmental management, frameworks of national emission inventories, and related issues will be introduced.

This workshop targets particularly technical officers, practitioners, and policymakers who are involved in atmospheric environmental management issues, especially those in charge of or interested in developing a national emission inventory.

3. Program

4. Registration

To participate in the EANET Emission Inventory Webinar Workshop on Combustion Sources, please fill in and send back the registration form by 30 November 2023.

For further inquiries, contact the Network Center for the EANET.

	+662 288 1627

	+81-25-263-0550
	+81-25-263-0566 (Fax)