7 November 2024 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Twenty-fourth Session of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC24) on the EANET took place from October 29 to 31, 2024, in Seoul, Republic of Korea and online, hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea, and the National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), Republic of Korea. The session gathered over 55 representatives from the 13 EANET Participating Countries, along with the Network Center and the Secretariat for the EANET, to discuss the network’s recent achievements, assess key reports, and contribute suggestions for the upcoming Medium-Term Plan (MTP) of the EANET (2026-2030).

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Progress of EANET in 2023-2024

EANET reported substantial progress in its 2023-2024 core activities and project activities. This included advancements in both acid deposition research and broader air quality management issues, reflecting the network’s expanded scope. The Secretariat and Network Center highlighted successful activities, such as capacity building, project implementation and workshops to enhance awareness of air pollution challenges across East Asia. They also presented updates on EANET’s acid deposition and air quality monitoring, PM2.5 characterization, and ecosystems impact assessment. Among others, findings emphasized the effects of nitrogen on ecosystems and identified major pollution sources like biomass and plastic combustion. Pilot trials for a Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network revealed challenges in using Low-Cost Sensors, necessitating the need to further review the guidelines for low-cost sensor use in conventional air quality monitoring. A review of emission inventories and source apportionment studies in Southeast Asia underscored the need for further improvement and standardizing methodologies.

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Adoption of Key Reports and National Monitoring Plans

A central aspect of SAC24’s discussions involved reviewing and adopting essential EANET reports. The 2023 Data Report provided an in-depth overview of monitoring data on wet and dry deposition, soil and vegetation, and inland aquatic environment in the 13 Participating Countries. Meanwhile, the Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) Report documented quality assessments across laboratories within the network, ensuring consistent analytical standards. Updated National Monitoring Plans were also reviewed, underscoring countries’ commitments to refining their data collection and monitoring capabilities. The adoption of these reports marks a significant step forward, providing reliable data that will support scientific research and policy decisions across the region.

Countries’ suggestions for the Next Medium-Term Plan (2026-2030)

The SAC24 engaged in forward-looking discussions regarding the next Medium-Term Plan (MTP) of EANET (2026-2030). Participating Countries offered valuable insights aimed at strengthening the monitoring network, expanding capacity-building efforts, and refining targeted pollutants in line with regional environmental priorities. Suggestions included developing sustainable monitoring frameworks that integrate advanced data collection methods, such as low-cost sensors and satellite data. Participants also emphasized the need for enhanced monitoring of specific pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and PM2.5, while strengthening regional collaborations to align EANET’s objectives with international air quality standards. These insights will serve as a foundation for shaping EANET’s future strategies and objectives.

In conclusion, the SAC24 underscored EANET’s commitment to enhancing scientific collaboration across East Asia. The discussions and decisions during this session laid the groundwork for furthering EANET’s mission in air quality management and pollution control. Looking ahead, EANET’s focus on expanding its monitoring capabilities and strategic planning will be instrumental in addressing the region’s growing environmental challenges.

Recommendations from the SAC24 will be further considered in November 2024 by the 26th session of the Intergovernmental meeting (IG26) on the EANET, to be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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Read the SAC24’s Report of the Session.

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View the meeting photos on Flickr.

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Photo credits: featured image of Bukhansan National Park, Bogungmun-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (2024) by Elliot Gouy; other images: all rights reserved to EANET.