Tag: EANET Regional Awareness Workshop

EANET Highlights the Future of Air Quality Monitoring at Clean Air Week 2025

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

15 December 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand

Experts gathered during the EANET Regional Awareness Workshop during Clean Air Week 2025 to discuss how innovative technologies, empowered communities, and strengthened governance frameworks will be critical to tackling Asia’s air pollution crisis, in Bangkok, Thailand, on 26 November 2025.

 .

A Collaborative Platform for Clean Air Solutions

Co-organized by the EANET and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the session titled “Next-Generation Air Quality Monitoring: Technologies, Communities, and Governance for Clean Air” convened policymakers, scientists, civil society leaders and technology innovators to explore how air quality monitoring systems can evolve to better protect public health and the environment. The session brought together over 100 in-person participants (and around 50 online participants), with strong representation from both women and men across government, academia, civil society and the private sector.

Air pollution remains the world’s leading environmental health risk, with Asia bearing a disproportionate share of its impacts. Participants agreed that while reference-grade monitoring stations remain essential, their usage can be complemented by low-cost sensors. Emerging tools, including low-cost sensors, satellite observations, artificial intelligence, numerical modelling and open-source platforms, are transforming how air quality data are generated, shared and used for decision-making.

.

Setting the Scene: From Data to Action
Ms. Siwaporn Rungsiyanon

Opening the session, Ms. Siwaporn Rungsiyanon of Thailand’s Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, underscored the importance of reliable, policy-relevant data in driving effective air quality management.

The session was moderated by Ms. Yujeong Kim, Senior Programme Management Officer at UNEP and Ad Interim Coordinator, Secretariat for the EANET, who highlighted the need to better connect scientific innovation with governance and public participation.

.

Showcasing Innovation and Regional Experience

A series of lightning presentations illustrated how next-generation monitoring approaches are being applied across different contexts. Prof. Gao Jian of the Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES) shared lessons from China’s air quality management experience, including applications relevant to urban environments such as Bangkok. Mr. Achim Haug of AirGradient demonstrated how open-source, hyperlocal monitoring toolkits can complement official networks and improve access to air quality information.

Assoc. Prof. Sirima Panyametheekul from Chulalongkorn University highlighted the practical contributions of validated low-cost sensors to air quality management and policy implementation. From a regional perspective, Dr. Meihua Zhu of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Network Center for the EANET, outlined EANET’s strategic directions for 2026–2030, emphasizing sustainability and regional cooperation.

Advanced scientific tools were also featured, with Dr. Bertrand Bessagnet of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) presenting innovations in numerical air quality modelling through the CHIMERE model.

Panelists and the audience during the Regional Awareness Workshop

 .

Communities, Governance and the Right to Know

The role of communities and civil society was emphasized during the Workshop. Mr. Nuttawut Teachatanawat of the Clean Air Fund (CAF) shared insights from the Breathe Bangkok Initiative, demonstrating how community-led air quality and health monitoring can support data governance. Ms. Penchom Saetang of EARTH highlighted the significance of Thailand’s Pollution Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) bill in strengthening transparency, public participation and the right to know.

 .

Looking Ahead: Collaboration for Cleaner Air
Prof. Meng Fan

An interactive discussion explored how innovative monitoring technologies can be integrated into existing reference networks, how trust in air quality data can be built through legal and institutional mechanisms, and how regional platforms, including UNDP’s Clean Air for Blue Sky Asia initiative, presented by Prof. Heekwan Lee, from Incheon National University, can strengthen capacity across Asia.

Closing the session, Prof. Meng Fan, from ACAP, emphasized that the future of air quality monitoring lies in collaboration between governments, researchers, and communities, and invited for collaboration with the EANET. By combining cutting-edge science with inclusive governance and citizen engagement, next-generation monitoring can become a powerful driver for cleaner air and healthier lives across the region.

 .

Useful Resources

.

Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Regional Workshop 2024: Unlocking and Future-Proofing Air Quality Management in Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

18 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

Focused on unlocking and future-proofing air quality management in Asia, the regional multi-stakeholder consultation workshop was held in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 27 and 28 2024.  Co-organized by UNEP, ESCAP, and EANET, it aimed to improve multilateral and international cooperation on air pollution, drawing 212 participants from 32 countries, including representatives from academia, government, youth groups, NGOs, the private sector, and UN agencies.

.

Opening Session

Ms. Maria Cristina Zucca, Head of the Pollution and Health Unit at UNEP opened the workshop. She stressed the health risks of air pollution, causing 6.5 million deaths annually, mainly in Asia-Pacific. She urged for robust action and multilateral cooperation, citing the UNEA-6 resolution on promoting regional cooperation on air pollution. Dr. Sangmin Nam, Director of the Environment and Development Division at ESCAP, highlighted the public health impact in Asia-Pacific and emphasized the importance of regional technical cooperation through RAPAP. Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology, and Climate Change, and Chair of the Bureau of the 25th Intergovernmental EANET Meeting emphasized the significance of EANET and called for continued regional cooperation to advance air quality management, including monitoring additional pollutants.

Transitioning to future-oriented strategies, Dr. Andrea Hinwood, Chief Scientist at UNEP, delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of horizon scanning and strategic foresight in air quality management. She stressed the interconnectedness of air pollution, climate change, and biodiversity, and how these factors collectively impact public health and the environment.

.

.

Horizon Scanning for Air Quality Management

The workshop continued with experts from the World Health Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the Thai Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and the Stockholm Environment Institute setting the scene on Air Quality Management in Asia.

Several strategies were proposed to effectively address air pollution. Firstly, the implementation of WHO guidelines on air pollution was advocated, with aims to save lives, disseminate knowledge, establish standards, promote dialogue, and contribute to climate action. Secondly, leveraging both Low-Cost Sensors and satellite data was suggested to bridge gaps in atmospheric monitoring. This approach could support existing monitoring networks and prioritize early warning systems for events such as Dust and Sand Storms (DSS) wildfires, and overall air quality. Thirdly, enhancing air pollution monitoring using satellite data was recommended, with a comprehensive approach that included mapping, monitoring, modeling, and measuring. Additionally, integrating data from various spheres such as the atmosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere was proposed to gain a better understanding of air pollution dynamics. Collaboration with international organizations was also encouraged. Finally, recognizing clean air as a fundamental human right was emphasized. Prioritizing data collection on areas and populations most affected by air pollution was deemed essential for targeted interventions and policy formulation.

.

Panel Discussion on Understanding the Transboundary Haze Issue

A panel of experts from the Thailand Environmental Institute, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Meteorological Organization, the governments of Lao PDR, and Japan discussed the Transboundary Haze issue in Asia.

Key actions were emphasized in addressing haze pollution. Collaboration among ASEAN countries was deemed crucial to address transboundary haze pollution, with a focus on implementing regional initiatives such as the ASEAN Haze-Free Roadmap. Engagement of various stakeholders beyond traditional forestry sectors, including agriculture and biodiversity sectors, was seen as necessary to address land-clearing practices. Developing robust warning systems like the WMO’s Vegetation Fire and Smoke Pollution Warning Advisory and Assessment System was considered vital, alongside enforcing national laws and fostering regional cooperation to combat haze pollution effectively. Prioritizing sustainable land and forest management, particularly in regions like the Mekong countries, was highlighted as essential to prevent large-scale fires. Providing financial support for projects addressing air quality management and ensuring scientific findings translated into actionable solutions through community engagement and implementation-focused initiatives were both emphasized.

.

Unlocking Finance for Clean Air in Cities

The session on unlocking financial resources for clean air initiatives brought together experts from various organizations including UNEP, the Clean Air Fund, representatives from the governments of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Mongolia, the World Bank, and the Massive Earth Foundation.

National governments were advised to establish robust legal and policy frameworks and secure long-term funding for air quality initiatives. Government support, societal investment in environmental efforts, substantial funding mechanisms, and private sector involvement were deemed crucial. Learning from examples such as Mongolia, considering the environmental impact of small businesses, and raising awareness through NGOs was recommended. Regional cooperation, international funding channels, and domestic commitments to funding air quality projects were seen as essential. Climate action presented opportunities for industrial innovation. Reforming vehicle tax systems to prioritize mileage and emissions over vehicle type, inspired by successful reforms in Europe, could fund clean air initiatives.

.

A Global Knowledge Platform on Air Quality

Juliette Laurent from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) emphasized the importance of assessment, political support, and future planning for air quality management, introducing the CCAC’s Air Quality Management Exchange (AQMx) initiative.

.

Future Challenges and Solutions in Air Quality Management

The final session of the workshop addressed future challenges and potential solutions in air quality management. Experts from UNEP, the governments of Japan, the Republic of Korea and Thailand, and ESCAP, participated in this session.

The discussions emphasized regional and subregional bodies, as well as financing institutions, to develop and implement regional solutions and cooperate on setting goals for air quality improvement, as outlined in UNEA Resolution 6/10. Panelists underscored the need for essential resource mobilization and tailored regional solutions to achieve significant air quality improvements. Strengthening international and regional collaboration through platforms such as RAPAP, EANET, and the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) was recommended, focusing on knowledge sharing, capacity building, and joint research projects. It was also suggested to promote greater regional coherence and harmonization towards cleaner air, leveraging cooperative channels, and addressing regional ozone pollution. Prioritizing technology and innovation, improving data accuracy for public communication, and fostering international and regional cooperation were highlighted as essential for effectively combating air pollution. Leveraging geospatial data, ground-based sensors, digital technology, AI, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, and fostering cross-border collaboration were also recommended strategies.

.

RAPAP as a Collective Action Programme

The sessions on 28 May focused on the Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP) which was adopted by ESCAP member States at the 7th Committee on Environment and Development in 2022, and subsequently endorsed by ESCAP resolution (79/6). RAPAP provides a framework or reference for national, subregional, multilateral, and multistakeholder mechanisms to advance their cooperation agenda for clean air in the Asia Pacific region. The sessions aimed at exchanging information and updates on initiatives supporting regional clean air cooperation, identifying focus areas, and recommending actions to enhance collaboration and stakeholder contributions.

Experts from UN agencies, Development agencies, Foundations, the ASEAN, NGOs, research institutes, and Asian governments discussed opportunities for technical cooperation involving identifying training needs, sharing best practices, and promoting partnerships to tackle air pollution. Recommendations for accelerating regional cooperation were discussed, including developing coordinated strategies, enhancing air quality monitoring and technical assistance, and improving communication and stakeholder engagement.

.

Useful Resources

Download the speakers’ presentations:

.

Photo credits: all rights reserved to UNEP, ESCAP, and EANET.