Tag: Thailand

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Adopts New Five-Year Plan at the Twenty-seventh Intergovernmental Meeting in Bangkok

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

17 December 2025 – Bangkok, Thailand

The Twenty-seventh Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting (IG27) on the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) was held in Bangkok, Thailand, from 27 to 28 November 2025, in the margins of the 2025 Clean Air Week. Representatives from the 13 Participating Countries of the EANET joined the hybrid Intergovernmental Meeting, in person and online. About 70 participants from the EANET countries, Secretariat and Network Center for the EANET, UNEP, and observers, engaged in key discussions focusing mainly on the future activities of the Network, including on the adoption of the new Medium-Term Plan for the EANET (2026-2030).

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Strengthened Regional Cooperation to Address Air Pollution

Hosted and chaired by the Kingdom of Thailand, the IG27 started with Welcome Remarks by Mr. Chirapong Kuhakanchana, Deputy Director General, Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand. In his remarks, Mr. Chirapong underscored Thailand’s recent air quality improvements and strong national actions and reaffirmed the country’s full support for strengthened regional collaboration through the EANET.

Dr. Dechen Tsering, Regional Director, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Regional Office Asia Pacific (ROAP), delivered the Opening Remarks. In her remarks, she emphasized the region’s persistent air pollution challenges and recognized EANET’s progress over 25 years. Dr. Tsering underscored the urgency of stronger regional cooperation and upcoming transitions, including EANET’s new Medium-Term Plan and broader UN reforms.

Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), delivered the Introductory Remarks, and highlighted East Asia’s air pollution challenges. He emphasized EANET’s crucial role and emerging priorities and underscored the importance of the IG27 in adopting the Medium-Term Plan (2026-2030) and the 2026 Work Programme and Budget.

Left to right, Dr. Dechen Tsering, Mr. Chirapong Kuhakanchana, Dr. Toshimasa Ohara

The session elected Thailand as the Chairperson, Lao PDR and Viet Nam as Vice-Chairpersons, and Japan as the Rapporteur. The Bureau of the IG27 will remain in office until the next Intergovernmental Meeting, to be held in Niigata, Japan, in November 2026.

From right to left – Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Ms. Siwaporn Rungsiyanon, Ms. Yujeong Kim

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EANET’s Future Direction and Strategy

In addition to adopting several important documents, such as the 2024 Progress and Financial Reports, and Work Program and Budget in 2026, the IG27 also endorsed the 2024 Data Report and the Report on the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects, the Guidelines for Establishing Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network, and the Technical Manual for Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring with Low-Cost Sensors, which had been approved by the Twenty-fifth Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC25) on the EANET held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from 20 to 22 October 2025.

Furthermore, in a key decision, the IG27 approved the EANET’s new Medium-Term Plan (MTP) (2026–2030), which concluded discussions from a series of consultations and meetings in 2024 and 2025.

The MTP (2026-2030) aims to define the strategic outcomes and priority actions for EANET’s work programme for the next five years in line with the EANET Instrument and its Annex. The fifth MTP (2026-2030) is the first MTP that substantially addresses EANET’s expanded scope with wider atmospheric environment pollutants which was adopted in 2021 at IG23.

Participants at the IG27 meeting
Additional US$380,000 Allocated for Air Quality Projects in 2026

In addition to the Core Budget of the EANET for its ongoing activities focused mainly on monitoring, and supporting its meetings and awareness activities, the IG27 approved eleven EANET Projects under the EANET Project Fund.

The proposed projects cover a comprehensive set of technical and capacity-building priorities, including the collection of long-term atmospheric nitrogen data, advanced PM2.5 source identification, and broader integrated monitoring efforts that also strengthen understanding and capacities of ozone and VOC pollution across the region. They further support improved use of satellite observations, and stronger national skills in emissions monitoring, financing strategies, and project planning. In parallel, the portfolio promotes regional leadership through fellowships, international trainings for government officials, and targeted workshops on sustainable agricultural practices and air quality legislation—providing EANET countries with practical tools to better manage air pollution in East and Southeast Asia.

A total of over US$387,000 was pledged through the EANET Project Fund, including financial and in-kind support from China (Fudan University), Japan (MOEJ), Thailand (Pollution Control Department, and the Thailand Environment Institute), the Republic of Korea (NIER), and UNEP.

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Read the MTP (2026-2030) and the Report of IG27.

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View the IG27 photos.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

Assessing Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment in Southeast Asia: Second Meeting of the EANET Project

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

21 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

On May 29, 2024, the Secretariat for the EANET organized the project meeting “Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Technology Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT-RRC.AP), as a side event to the EANET Regional Workshop in 2024, bringing together 28 participants from various countries and organizations.

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The Second Meeting of the EANET Project on Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Following a first kick-off meeting organized in  April 2024, this second meeting of this project aimed to share updates on emissions inventories (EI) and source apportionment (SA) studies across Southeast Asia, which are crucial for understanding and managing air pollution in the region.

Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations including the Ministry of Environment, Cambodia;  the Institute of Global Climate and Ecology (IGCE), Russia; the French Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA); Clean Air Asia (CAA); the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia; the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (JGSEE-KMUTT); the Asia Center For Air Pollution Research (ACAP) and the Children and Youth Major Group to UNEP (CYMG) joined the meeting. Participants discussed the current state of EI and SA, identified challenges, and explored potential solutions for harmonizing data collection and methodology.

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Assessing Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment Capabilities and Data in Southeast Asia

Mr. Bert Fabian, EANET Coordinator, opened the session by emphasizing the project’s significance, which seeks to compile and assess EI and SA studies to support policy formulation in Southeast Asia. Dr. R. L. Verma from RRC.AP presented a survey-based assessment of institutional capabilities in the region. His findings revealed that while most countries have designated agencies for EI, there are significant gaps in specific regulations and resources. Dr. Truong Thi Huyen from AIT presented updates on the analytical framework for assessing EI and SA development in Southeast Asian countries, highlighting key findings, compilation strategies, and the next steps with an expected timeframe.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the necessity for a harmonized approach to developing and sharing EI and SA data. Participants highlighted the role of governments in overseeing data collection and ensuring its accessibility. They also noted the importance of local emission factors and the involvement of academic institutions in developing these factors.

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Harmonizing the Emission Inventories and Source Apportionment methodologies and data collection

The meeting featured two panel discussions. The first panel focused on experiences from EANET Participating Countries, while the second addressed challenges in harmonizing EI and SA methodologies and data collection. Experts from various organizations shared insights on engaging government participation, ensuring data quality, and formulating effective policies. The project meeting underscored the critical need for regional cooperation and effective data management to tackle air pollution challenges in Southeast Asia.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Fabian thanked the participants for their active engagement and emphasized the next steps, including further collaboration and capacity building to address air pollution in Southeast Asia.

The project Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia is being conducted with the support of the EANET Project Fund.

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View the meeting’s photos.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Useful Resources

Download the speakers’ presentations:

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

Kick-off Meeting – Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Bangkok, 18 April 2024

The Secretariat for the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET) and the Asian Institute of Technology – Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP), organized the kick-off meeting of the project “Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” on 26 March 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of the meeting was to better understand the emissions inventories and source apportionment situation in the countries of Southeast Asia and discuss with project partners and experts the framework for metadata analysis and project ideas on emission inventories and source apportionment studies in the region.

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Opening Session

Representatives from the National Air Emission Inventory and Research Center (NAIR) in Korea, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Philippines, the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), the Centre Interprofessionnel Technique d’Etudes de la Pollution Atmosphérique (CITEPA), the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Clean Air Asia (CAA), the Bandung Institute of Technology in Indonesia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, the Asia Center For Air Pollution Research (ACAP), the Regional Resource Center For Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the EANET Secretariat attended the meeting with a total of 28 participants.

Dr. Mushtaq Memon from UNEP opened the meeting, and, in his remarks, he stressed the importance of regional mechanisms like EANET for addressing air pollution. He highlighted the need for emission inventories, supportive policies, air quality standards, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness.

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Expert Insights from the EANET Participating Countries and Non-governmental Organizations

Experts from the EANET region and Europe presented use cases on emission inventories and source apportionment in different settings.

Dr. Ekbordin Winijkul from AIT discussed Thailand’s emission inventory experience, emphasizing an integrated approach to air quality management, and outlining the plans for the Thailand National Emission Inventory project. Dr. Jongmin Joo from NAIR introduced the Clean Air Policy Support System (CAPSS) and the Republic of Korea’s National Emissions and Air Quality Assessment System (NEAS), detailing their methodologies and their integration into policymaking and governmental acknowledgment. Mr. Jundy del Socorro from EMB, Philippines, discussed emission inventory development, highlighting methodologies and regional contributions to air pollutants, as well as introducing the Philippines’ Integrated Information System (IIS) for data coordination.

Dr. Zbigniew Klimont from IIASA presented the Greenhouse Gas Air Pollution Interactions and Synergies (GAINS) model, emphasizing its use in assessing emission control strategies’ cost-effectiveness and showcasing case studies in Asia. Dr. Sophie Moukhtar from CITEPA discussed emissions inventories under the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), emphasizing their importance and reporting obligations. Dr. Chris Malley from SEI presented the Long-range Energy Alternatives Planning Integrated Benefits Calculator (LEAP-IBC) for integrated air pollution and climate change mitigation assessment, while Mr. Enrique Mikhael Cosep from CAA discussed emission inventories and source apportionment challenges in Asia.

Dr. Jun-ichi Kurokawa from ACAP presented the EANET’s activities related to emission inventories and source apportionment, highlighting ongoing projects.

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Project Discussion

The project kick-off meeting continued with discussions among participants on how to develop a relevant framework for metadata analysis of the studies in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Ram Lal Verma from AIT RRC.AP provided an initial review of existing emission inventories in Southeast Asian countries, highlighting available research studies and developed inventories in several countries in the region. Dr. Nguyen Thi Kim Oanh from AIT discussed the meta-analysis of emission inventory and source apportionment databases in Southeast Asia, proposing a framework and sharing database templates.

Participants expressed insights on follow-up activities and projects of EANET, emphasizing the need to avoid duplication of work and standardize frameworks for emission inventories and source apportionment methodologies. It was agreed that government involvement is crucial for data collection and quality assurance when developing emission inventories. Participants stressed the necessity of regional mechanisms to harmonize emission inventories’ methodologies and processes.

Source apportionment studies were noted as important but lacking in ASEAN countries, requiring capacity building and resources. Volatile Organic Compound speciation and Greenhouse gas emissions’ emission inventories processes were suggested for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Finally, lessons from the European Union’s common frameworks for emission inventories were discussed as an important model to consider for the ASEAN region.

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The next meeting of the project will be held on 29 May in Bangkok, Thailand, back to back with the EANET Regional Awareness Workshop.

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The project Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia is being conducted with the support of the EANET Project Fund.

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View the meeting’s photos.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

Kick-off Meeting – Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

Emissions inventories kick-off meeting

1. Background

EANET is working to reduce acid deposition and air pollution in Northeast and Southeast Asia. It is an intergovernmental initiative established in 2001 including 13 Participating Countries initially focused on acid deposition. In 2021, EANET expanded its scope to cover broader air pollution issues and established a Project Fund mechanism to promote cooperation with other organizations outside of EANET.

EANET’s activities are guided by its five-year Medium-Term Plans and a detailed Work Programme and Budget including projects, approved by the Participating Countries every year. A project called “Stocktaking and Methodological Assessment of Emissions Inventories and Source Apportionment of Air Pollution in Southeast Asia” has been approved for implementation in 2024, at the Twenty-fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Meeting (IG25) on the EANET, as a Project Activity, funded by the EANET Project Fund and implemented in partnership with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource for Asia Pacific (RRC.AP/AIT).

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2. Objectives

Emissions inventories and source apportionment of air pollution are fundamental elements of an air quality management framework. They enable policymakers, government regulators, and experts to better understand the sources of air pollution and their contribution to ambient air quality and identify appropriate policies. Many emissions inventory and source apportionment studies have been conducted in the EANET region.

This project aims to collate and analyze relevant key studies based on research and consultations with EANET National Focal Points and make these studies available as a database on the EANET website. The project will also identify follow-up opportunities and projects to work emissions inventories and/or source apportionment in the region.

An inception meeting of the project will be organized on Tuesday 26 March 2024 at the UN Conference Center (UNCC), meeting room B,  in Bangkok, Thailand. The objective of the meeting is to better understand the emissions inventory/ source apportionment situation in Southeast Asia and discuss with potential project partners the detailed activities to be carried out in the project. Participation in this meeting is by invitation only.

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2. Draft Agenda (updated on 22 MAR)
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Find out more about the EANET Project Activities on the EANET Project Fund page, and contact the Secretariat for the EANET for more information on the Emissions Inventories project.

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

Posted on 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.

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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.

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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).

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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 24th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC24) and the 26th 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.

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

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Photos credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

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

Posted on 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Find out more about the EANET Project Fund.

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Useful Resources:

-Read the Panelists’ Presentations:

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-Read the Q&A Report

-View the Photos on Flickr

–View the recordings on YouTube

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Photo credits: Manila, Philippines (2020) by Alexes Gerard; all other photos and videos: all rights reserved to EANET.

EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in 2023: A focus on Volatile Organic Compounds and Low-Cost Sensors

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

13 June 2023 – Bangkok, Thailand

The EANET Regional Awareness Workshop in 2023 focused on the growing concerns surrounding Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and the use of Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) for air quality monitoring in Northeast and Southeast Asia. Held on 30 May 2023 at the United Nations Convention Center and online, it aimed to foster collaboration on air quality management, address global challenges related to VOC pollution, and discuss the potential of LCS technology. The Workshop was held as part of the Climate and Clean Air Conference: Air Quality Action Week, organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and in cooperation with the Asian Institute of Technology, Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRC.AP). 129 participants from 15 countries joined the Workshop.

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Enhancing Air Quality Monitoring and Collaboration in East and Southeast Asia

Ms. Marlene Nilsson, Deputy Regional Director of UNEP Asia Pacific office, opened the EANET Awareness Workshop by delivering remarks highlighting the importance of alliances such as EANET to build regional solutions through data sharing and collaboration.

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Volatile Organic Compounds Pollution Challenges and Air Quality Regulations in Asia

The first Session focused on the importance and challenges of VOC measurement in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Prof. Meng Fan, DDG for EANET, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Dr. Meihua Zhu, Senior Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Hong Li, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences (CRAES), China, Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak, Pollution Control Department (PCD), Thailand and Mr. Jundy T. Del Socorro, Environment Management Bureau (EMB), The Philippines.

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View the recording of Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak’s presentation on Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework

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VOCs have emerged as a significant pollutant in Asia, posing challenges due to rising levels and diverse emission sources and chemical compositions. While Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand have ambient VOC standards, other countries do not have such standards or guidelines. This is why the project Promoting VOCs related Capacity Building in the EANET, supported by the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ) has been developed and launched in 2023, through the EANET Project Fund. Planned to last three years, the project is the fruit of cooperation between the MOEJ, the Network Center for the EANET, and different government and research institutes from China, Japan, Mongolia, and the Philippines, also including experts from the Republic of Korea and Thailand.

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Low-Cost Sensor Technology for Air Quality Monitoring: Integration Efforts and Need for Reliability

The second Session focused on Low-Cost Sensors’ (LCS) Role in Air Quality Management in East and Southeast Asia. Presenters and panelists included Dr. Akie Yuba, Researcher, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP), Prof. Kim Oanh, Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), Viet Nam, Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia, and Ms. Karine Léger, Airparif, France.

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View the recording of Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova’s presentation on Hybrid air quality monitoring: Achieving air quality goals in Philippine Cities

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Discussions highlighted the potential and limitations of Low-cost sensor (LCS) technology. LCS is a portable and relatively cheaper monitoring system used for air quality monitoring, but challenges remain regarding data accuracy, calibration, and maintenance. LCS data can be valuable for non-regulatory monitoring applications and are powerful awareness-raising tools for citizen science. Efforts are being made to integrate LCS with reference-level sensors through projects like the EANET’s Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) in Asia, in Viet Nam specifically, and guidelines are being developed to replicate this integration in other countries. LCS deployments have been conducted in the Philippines to fill coverage gaps, requiring local calibration and integration with conventional sensors. LCS are seen as complementary to traditional sensors, providing better coverage and valuable data for policymakers. Standardization, calibration, and integration need further attention to ensure the reliability of LCS for various purposes.

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Key Recommendations

The workshop panelists discussed several key recommendations. Firstly, they suggested conducting research to establish VOC Air Quality Guideline Values and Standards by monitoring, reporting, and analyzing emission sources. Secondly, they emphasized the need to strengthen research on VOCs’ impact on air quality and human health. Additionally, they proposed developing guidelines, standards, and policies for the use of LCS (low-cost sensors) and promoting research on calibration, correction factors, and quality assurance to ensure reliable LCS data. They also recommended creating guidelines for integrating LCS with existing monitoring networks to ensure data reliability. Lastly, they highlighted the importance of establishing regional and international platforms for sharing knowledge and best practices related to LCS.

Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, DG, Asia Center for Air Pollution (ACAP) delivered the Closing Remarks and emphasized the importance of VOC monitoring, VOCs being the precursors of ozone and particulate matter. He highlighted the importance to expand the EANET’s monitoring network to include VOCs and mentioned LCS could be considered for this expansion if their reliability can be strengthened.

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Useful Resources
  • Read a more detailed summary of the Workshop’s content in the EANET Awareness Workshop in 2023 Event Report.
  • View all Workshop’s recordings on the Secretariat for the EANET’s YouTube channel and the Workshop’s photos on Flickr.
  • Download the speakers’ presentations:

Two Decades of EANET: From Data to Policy by Prof. Meng Fan, ACAP

Understanding VOCs Impact in East Asia: Building Tools and Capacity for Better Air Quality Management by Dr. Meihua Zhu, ACAP

Management and Control of Anthropogenic VOCs in China by Prof. Hong Li, CRAES, China

Thailand’s Air Quality Management Framework by Dr. Kessinee Unapumnak, PCD, Thailand.

Air Quality Management in the Philippines, Mr. Jundy Del Socorro, EMB, the Philippines.

Introduction to Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) by Dr. Akie Yuba, ACAP

Air Quality Management in Viet Nam by Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, MONRE, Viet Nam

Hybrid air quality monitoring: Achieving air quality goals in Philippine Cities by Ms. Dang Espita-Casanova, Clean Air Asia.

Air Pollution Monitoring and LCS in France by Ms. Karine Léger, Airparif, France.

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

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.