Tag: EANET Project Fund

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

Posted on 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.

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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.

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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 PM2.5 monitor 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.

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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 PM2.5 and other parameters. In Yangon, Myanmar, LCS units, specifically GBiot and Haz Scanner, were utilized for monitoring PM2.5, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Useful Resources:

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  • View the workshop’s photos on Flickr.

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

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Photo credits: cover photo of Vietnam (2021) by Hoach Le Dinh; all other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

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

Posted on 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.

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Background

Since 2002, the EANET has trained over 200 government officials and researchers, on acid deposition and air quality management through its individual training and capacity-building activities conducted mainly at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in Niigata, Japan, which hosts the Network Center for the EANET.

The National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER), part of the Ministry of Environment in the Republic of Korea, was established in 1978. It serves as the country’s primary research institution for various environmental aspects. NIER is based in Incheon and operates 12 air quality monitoring stations and 4 river research centers. The institute conducts extensive research and policy development on environmental health, climate, air quality, water resources, and energy, and collaborates on international projects aimed at global environmental protection.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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Hands-on experiment at the Laboratory of Seoul National University

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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, NOx, O3, PM2.5, and PM2.5 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.

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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.

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View the photos of the training on Flickr.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

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

Posted on 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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 25th Intergovernmental Meeting (IG25) on the EANET in November 2023, in Hanoi, Viet Nam.

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

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Photo credits: Photo of a Common Indian Crow in Krabi, Thailand (2020) by Erik Karits on Unsplash; all other photos, all rights reserved to EANET.

Workshop on Results-Based Management to Support the EANET Project Development and Evaluation – Join us on March 15!

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

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Registration is now closed.

1. Background

The EANET has been implementing the EANET Project Fund mechanism 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.

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4. Program

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

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Photo credits: featured photo by Jason Goodman (2019).

National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in the Philippines on EANET in 2023

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

26 May 2023 – Manilla, Philippines

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.

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Interested in participating in an EANET Project? Find out more on the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful resources:

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Photo credits: featured image by Brutalist Pilipinas, 2021, free of rights; all other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Experts discuss monitoring and management issues for VOC: Insights from the Manila Advisory Group Meeting

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

13 July 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

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.

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Useful Resources:

-Read the meeting highlights on the Environmental Management Bureau’s (EMB) website.

-View the EANET VOC Project Advisory Group Meeting photos on Flickr

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Photo credits: Cover photo by Louis (2015), all other photos, all rights reserved to the EANET.

National Stakeholders’ Awareness Workshop in Lao PDR on EANET in 2023

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

3 May 2023 – Vientiane, Lao PDR

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.

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Interested in participating in an EANET Project? Find out more on the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful resources:

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Photo credits: featured image: the scenery of southern Laos by Joule Benjarat, 2020, free of rights; all other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.

The EANET Online Meeting on the Revision of Guidelines in 2023

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

EANET Online Meeting on the Revision of Guidelines in 2023 (OM2023)

17 May 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Online Meeting on the Revision of Guidelines in 2023 (OM2023) was held virtually on 10 May 2023. National Focal Points representing the EANET Participating Countries discussed revisions of important administrative documents to reflect the recent expansion of the scope of the EANET to wider air quality issues and the establishment of the EANET Project Fund mechanism.

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The EANET Online Meeting on the Revision of Guidelines in 2023

The Session was led by the same bureau of officers as for the Twenty-fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting (IG24) on the EANET in 2022.

Co-chaired by the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the session started with Introductory Remarks from Bert Fabian, Coordinator of the Secretariat for the EANET.

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Screenshot of some of the OM2023 participants

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Around 65 participants, members from the EANET Participating Countries, the Network Center and Secretariat for the EANET, joined the OM2023 meeting to agree on sections to be revised in the Guidelines on the Administrative and Financial Management for the Secretariat and the Network Center, and to the EANET Project Fund and Project Guideline.

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Strategizing the Implementation of New Air Quality Management Activities

In 2021, the Twenty-third Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (IG23) decided to expand the EANET’s scope to cover wider air pollution issues with the adoption of the Annex to the EANET Instrument. At the same time, the EANET Project Fund was established to encourage collaboration outside of the EANET network and mobilize more resources.

With these changes, EANET is developing new activities in 2023 and 2024, in collaboration with partners in its region and beyond. In early 2023 for instance, the EANET launched its first Project Activity on technical assistance related to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) monitoring.

During the OM2023 meeting, the Participating Countries had the opportunity to share their views on how to best reflect the changes related to the expanded scope and the Project Fund mechanism in key administrative documents. Discussions will continue at the Working Group Meeting (WG2023) of EANET in 2023 which will be organized online from 22-23 August 2023.

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Read the Meeting report here.

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Photos credits: Trees by Alberto Restifo on Unsplash, 2015; all other pictures: all rights reserved to EANET.

The Twenty-fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

28 November 2022 – Manila, Philippines

The Twenty-fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (IG24) took place from 24 to 25 November 2022, in a hybrid mode, in Manila, Philippines. It gathered over 70 representatives from the EANET Participating Countries, the Secretariat and Network Center for the EANET, and observers from the academia and INGO, to make important decisions on the implementation of the EANET’s expansion of scope and new Project Fund, among other topics.

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

Hosted and Chaired by the Philippines, the IG24 started with the Welcome Remarks by the Undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, Mr. Juan Miguel Cuna, followed by Opening Remarks by Dr. Isabelle Louis, Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, UNEP, and by Dr. Hatakeyama, Director General, Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP). Remarks focused on the longtime active collaboration of the Philippines as an EANET Participating Country, on the importance of the expansion of the scope of the EANET, and the establishment of the EANET Project Fund, with the ambition for the Network to contribute the collective efforts to lead both science and policy actions to improve air quality in the region. The IG24 Session Bureau was Vice-Chaired by Japan and by the Republic of Korea, and Cambodia as Rapporteur. UNEP’s Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines and award-winning actress, singer, host, and environmental advocate Antoinette Taus also joined the dinner hosted by the Government of the Philippines.

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Extended Cooperation to Fight Acid Deposition and Air Pollution

Among the first agenda items, an update was provided on the approval status of the Supplementary Document (Annex) to the Instrument for Strengthening the EANET among the Participating Countries, with most of the countries having already completed this process. The Philippines reported this completion during the IG24 meeting itself, while Thailand completed it on 22 November as reported by the Prime Minister’s office in the Thai national daily newspaper Matichon. Through this Annex, Participating Countries agreed to work on an expanded list of air pollutants beyond acid deposition, including among others, Particulate matter and Volatile Organic Compounds.

From left to right: Participants during the hybrid IG24 meeting in Manila, Philippines, and Mr. Bert Fabian, Coordinator, Secretariat for the EANET, showing the Annex to the Instrument signed by the Philippines at the meeting.

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Nearly US$500,000 allocated to Projects supported by the EANET Project Fund
List of Projects Plans approved by the IG24 for 2023

Alongside other important topics, the Session discussed and approved the first batch of “EANET Project Plans” funded through the EANET Project Fund, a new financial mechanism allowing collaboration with implementation partners and co-financing from outside the EANET Network.

The Estimated Income for Project Activities in 2023 is US$489,700, including funding from EANET, additional financial support from Japan (MOEJ) from the Republic of Korea (NIER), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), and in-kind support from Japan (JARI, NIES), Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam (IMHEN, MONRE) which will allow the implementation of 8 projects. Focusing mainly on research studies and capacity building, these projects include work related to the effects of atmospheric deposition on ecosystems, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), Low-Cost Sensors (LCS), Particulate Matter source apportionment in major cities, training on monitoring, emission inventory and research fellowship program.

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The call for EANET Projects’ proposals for 2024 is open, find out more on the Call for Proposals page.

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Ways forward

In addition to these key decisions, the IG24 also approved several important documents, including the Work Program and Budget of the EANET in 2023, and the organization of key meetings in 2023 such as the Working Group Meeting in 2023 (WG2023), the 23rd Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC23) and the 25th Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the EANET (IG25).

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Read the Report of IG24, and discover the hybrid meeting’s pictures on Flickr.

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Photos credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET kicks-off its first Project Fund Activity on Volatile Organic Compounds

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

16 February 2023 – Niigata, Japan

Under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment of Japan and with the technical support of the Network Center for the EANET, the first EANET Project Activity launched its online kick-off meeting on 15 February. It gathered over 40 participants mainly from Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand, involved in sharing or receiving technical assistance related to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) monitoring.

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Why Volatile Organic Compounds?

Since the recent expansion of the scope of the EANET from acid deposition monitoring to wider air pollution action, the Network has started to carry out activities related to additional chemical species, including Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

VOCs are “compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants” according to the US-EPA. In addition, several emission sources such as biogenic emissions, forest fires, waste burning including plastic, automobile exhaust, fossil fuel burning, and stock farming can produce VOCs. Exposure to VOCs may have various dangerous health effects from eyes, throat, and nose irritation to more serious conditions such as liver, kidney, or central nervous system damage, sometimes leading to cancer.

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Representation of PM2.5 and Ozone Co-contrail, by Prof. Hajime Akimoto (all rights reserved).

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VOCs are also precursors of particulate matter and ozone. It is important to measure VOCs to better understand how to mitigate air pollutants emissions.

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Learning more about VOCs emissions in East Asia

VOCs monitoring is complex due to its complicated source characteristics and costly measuring technology. For this reason, its monitoring is still at an early stage in Asia.

The “Feasibility for Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET” project is part of the first batch of EANET Projects funded by the EANET Project Fund. Supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, the project is coordinated by the Network Center for the EANET.

Through this project, experts in VOCs from the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), in Japan will share their knowledge and assist the government officials from Mongolia and from the Philippines to develop their 3-year national implementation plan. During the kick-off meeting, Government representatives from the Philippines and Mongolia shared their plans and priorities for tackling VOCs.

Screenshot from participants during the kick-off meeting

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In addition, a VOC Advisory Group composed of experts from the NC and EANET countries has been brought together and will also give guidance on feasible measurement methods, data analysis, identification of the target species to measure VOCs, and feasible reduction measures.

At this stage, the implementation partners are environmentalists from Mongolia and from the Philippines. However, the project’s goal is to serve all the EANET countries and be further replicated.

The next meeting will take place in person in Manila in May 2023 to continue discussions on the feasibility and methodology of VOCs management.

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Interested in finding out more about the EANET Project Fund? Read more on how to fund or submit an EANET Project.

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Photo credits: featured photo by Anton Eprev on Unsplash (2019); other photos: all rights reserved to EANET.