Senior Technical Managers' Meeting (STM) | EANET Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia

EANET’s 25th Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting: Key Outcomes and Discussions

Posted on 2024/10/032024/10/04 by Aurélia Lemoine

3 October 2024 – Bangkok, Thailand

The 25th Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting of the EANET took place on August 28-29, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand, hosted by the Network Center for EANET. The meeting brought together 30 Senior Technical Managers from the 13 Participating Countries to review the progress of the Data Report 2023 and the 2023 Report of the Inter-laboratory Comparison Project, and discuss National Monitoring Plans in 2024, as well as future directions for air quality monitoring.

Progress Updates and Data Review

The meeting began with opening remarks from the Network Center and the Secretariat for the EANET. A report on the progress of EANET since the last Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM) was presented, covering advancements in various monitoring areas, including wet and dry deposition, soil, vegetation, and aquatic environments.

Following this, attendees reviewed the preliminary draft Data Report 2023, which details findings on environmental conditions across different matrices. The evaluation of the 2023 Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) Project was also discussed, focusing on wet and dry deposition, soil, and inland aquatic environments.

National Monitoring Plans and Future Directions

The meeting also focused on presentations related to National Monitoring Plans and current monitoring activities of the Participating Countries. Each country shared updates on air concentration monitoring and technical challenges, including equipment issues and the need for continued maintenance support.

Discussions covered future developments in EANET’s monitoring and analysis activities, with an emphasis on expanding the monitoring network and integrating cost-effective, hybrid air quality monitoring systems. Participants also addressed the potential for capacity-building efforts related to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen management.

Key Trends and Findings

The Data Report 2023 revealed decreasing levels of sulfate (SO4²⁻) and nitrate (NO3⁻) across many monitoring sites, signaling a positive recovery from acid deposition in the region. However, ongoing monitoring is essential to confirm these trends. The meeting emphasized the importance of data sharing, timely submissions, and continuous QA/QC of data.

The STM meeting concluded with a summary of National Monitoring Plans by the Network Center, highlighting the progress made and identifying areas for future development. Dr. Meng Fan, Deputy Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), praised the Participating Countries for their continuous efforts and contributions to improving the EANET data quality. He called for ongoing collaboration to strengthen EANET’s role in combating acid deposition and air pollution in East Asia.

Find out more about EANET data.

EANET’s 26th Senior Technical Managers Meeting Gathers in Manila

Posted on 2025/09/142025/10/14 by Aurélia Lemoine

2 September 2025, Manila, Philippines

Senior technical officials from the EANET countries gathered for the Twenty-Sixth Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM26) in Manila, Philippines, from the 2 to 3 September 2025, to review progress and plan national monitoring of Participating Countries, exchange scientific findings, and discuss the future direction of cooperative efforts under the upcoming Medium-Term Plan (2026–2030).

Hosted by the Government of the Philippines and organized by the EANET Network Center (Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, ACAP) with support from the Secretariat for the EANET, the meeting brought together over 50 experts from the 13 Participating Countries.

Opening Session: Reaffirming Regional Commitment

In her welcome remarks, Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, Assistant Director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Philippines, emphasized the importance of STM meetings as platforms for technical exchange and cooperation. She highlighted EANET’s role in ensuring data transparency, harmonizing monitoring practices, and enabling evidence-based policymaking to address air pollution challenges across East Asia.

Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of ACAP, echoed the call for collaboration, noting that EANET’s monitoring activities serve as the foundation for regional science-based policy decisions. He outlined key objectives of STM26, including reviewing the Preliminary Data Report 2024, the Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) results, and National Monitoring Plans (NMPs), as well as shaping the forthcoming Medium-Term Plan (MTP 2026–2030).

*Some participants at the STM26 meeting in Manila, Philippines on 2 September 2025*

Reviewing Progress: Strengthening Core Activities

The Secretariat reported on achievements since the last 26th Intergovernmental Meeting (IG26), including successful convening of Scientific Advisory Committee Meeting (SAC24) and IG26 in 2024, capacity-building workshops, and enhanced knowledge-sharing through outreach activities and material. The Network Center presented the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2024, covering wet and dry deposition, soil and vegetation, inland aquatic environment, and catchment-scale monitoring.

The 2024 ILC projects confirmed the importance of robust QA/QC systems. There were discussions on analytical methods for ammonium (NH₄⁺), where discrepancies between spectrophotometry and ion chromatography in some laboratories highlighted the need for capacity building and standardization. Countries were reminded to submit outstanding ILC data to finalize the report ahead of SAC25.

Each Participating Country presented the National Monitoirng Plan 2025 and its national monitoring priorities, challenges, and innovations. These inputs will inform the revised Summary of National Monitoring Plans to be presented at SAC25 in October in Lao PDR.

Towards the Next Medium-Term Plan (MTP) for 2026-2030

The meeting discussed monitoring activities including QA/QC and analysis of monitoring data relevant to the draft Medium Term Plan (2026–2030). Progress on EANET Project Fund activities was also reviewed including Guidelines on Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Networks (HAQMN), Technical Guidance on VOC Monitoring and Catchment Monitoring/Analysis.

The meeting concluded with reflections on next steps, reaffirming the commitment of the Participating Countries to collaborative action on acid deposition and air pollution in East Asia.

View the photos on Flickr.

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 Twenty-third Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting on the EANET

Posted on 2022/09/292022/11/09 by Aurélia Lemoine

Niigata, 29 September 2022

The Twenty-third Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM23) on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) was held online on 28 and 29 September 2022. 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 2021

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

After presenting the progress of EANET activities in 2021 since STM22, the Network Center for the EANET (NC) shared the results of various reports on acid deposition and related substances monitoring activities. STM23 participants were invited to discuss and share knowledge and experience to collectively review these draft publications.

Overview of the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2020 and Evaluation of the Results of the Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) Projects 2020

The NC presented the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2021. 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 2021 and related information submitted by the Participating Countries.

The NC also introduced the preliminary draft Report on the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects in 2021 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

Other important matters were also discussed, including the progress on the Revision of the Technical Manuals for Dry Deposition Flux Estimation and Air Concentration Monitoring.

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.

Find out more and access EANET monitoring data.

The Twenty-second Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia

Posted on 2021/09/032021/12/15 by Aurélia Lemoine

3 September 2021 – Niigata, Japan

The Twenty-second Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM22) of the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) was held online on 1 and 2 September 2021, gathering over 40 senior technical officials from the 13 EANET Participating Countries to discuss the status of the EANET monitoring activities.

EANET Monitoring Activities in 2020

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

After presenting the progress of EANET activities in 2020 since STM21, the Network Center for the EANET (NC) shared the results of various important reports on acid deposition and related substances monitoring activities. STM22 participants were invited to discuss and share important knowledge and experience to collectively review these draft publications.

*Figure 1: Discussions and presentations during the STM22*

Overview of the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2020 and Evaluation for the Results of the Inter-laboratory Comparison (ILC) Projects 2020

The NC presented the Preliminary Draft Data Report 2020. 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 2020 and related information submitted by the Participating Countries.

The NC also introduced the preliminary draft Report on the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects in 2020 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

Other important matters were also discussed, including the progress on the Revision of the Technical Manuals for Dry Deposition Flux Estimation and Air Concentration Monitoring.

Dr. Erdenebat Eldev-Ochir, 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. He highlighted that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the EANET has been continuously strengthening the capacity of the Participating Countries through online training, research fellowship, public awareness workshops, and joint research.

Find out more and access EANET monitoring data.

The Twenty-First Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM21)

Posted on 2020/08/272021/10/29 by Aurélia Lemoine

STM21 featured image

27 August 2020 – Niigata, Japan

The Twenty-First Senior Technical Managers’ Meeting (STM21) on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) was held online on 7 August 2020. The Meeting was organized by the Network Center (NC) for the EANET in collaboration with the Secretariat for the EANET. About 40 senior technical officials involved in the EANET monitoring activities from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Russia, Thailand, and Viet Nam participated in the meeting.

Acid Deposition Monitoring Activities in 2019

The objectives of this annual meeting were to exchange information on the current status of the EANET monitoring activities, including the consideration of the draft Data Report 2019 and the draft Inter-laboratory Comparison Project Report 2019, as well as to discuss the EANET’s National Monitoring Plans for 2020.

During the meeting, the NC presented the preliminary draft Data Report 2019 which contains wet deposition, dry deposition (air concentration), soil and vegetation, inland aquatic environment, and catchment-scale monitoring data, as well as a summary of the monitoring data of 2019 and related information submitted by the 13 EANET Participating Countries in 2019.

The representatives of the EANET Participating Countries, later on, presented their National Monitoring Plans and current EANET activities, including monitoring capacities, technical limitations, future plans, etc. Throughout the meeting, the senior technical officials discussed implementation challenges and shared their experiences and knowledge to foster solutions in favor of future innovation.

Expanded Monitoring Sites in 2020

In 2020, the number of the EANET monitoring sites has significantly increased, with a total number of 60 wet deposition monitoring sites, 47 dry deposition monitoring sites, 21 soil and vegetation monitoring sites, 19 inland aquatic environment monitoring sites, and 2 catchment-scale monitoring sites, located in 13 countries of Asia.

Most recently, China started monitoring wet and dry deposition in two newly registered EANET monitoring sites: in Wuzhishan, Hainan Province, and Lijiang, Yunnan Province. Indonesia also introduced two new EANET monitoring sites: in Jembrana, in the province of Bali, and Lombok Barat, in West Nusa Tenggara Province.

Find out more about EANET’s monitoring activities on EANET’s website or contact us for more information on acid deposition monitoring and data.

Photo credits: Lijiang Shi, Yunnan Sheng, China, by Culacinno, free of copyright license.

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