Tag: Viet Nam

EANET Online Workshop on the Utilization of Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: Recommendations and Strategies

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

15 November 2024 – Niigata, Japan

The EANET Online Workshop on the Utilization of Low-Cost Sensors for Air Quality Monitoring: Recommendations and Strategies took place on 6 November 2024. Organized by the Network Center for the EANET, it gathered 152 participants, from the EANET Participating Countries and beyond, to discuss the utilization of Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) in Asia.

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Opening Remarks

Dr. Fan Meng, Deputy Director General, the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, ACAP (the Network Center for the EANET), delivered Opening Remarks. He highlighted the significance of the hybrid method which consists of using both conventional air quality sensors and LCS in addressing monitoring resource constraints. However, he emphasized that accuracy and reliability issues persist, requiring calibration, validation, and quality control to integrate LCS data effectively. He underlinied the workshop’s objectives to share LCS application insights, technical knowledge, data visualization, and discuss sustainable network opportunities within the EANET region.

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Air quality monitoring by using a LCS network in the Asian region

Dr. Tomoki Nakayama, from Nagasaki University, shared a presentation on air pollution monitoring using Low-Cost Sensors, focusing on projects in India, and in the ASEAN and African regions. In collaboration with Nagoya University and others, his team measures pollutants such as PM2.5 and CO. These sensors, co-developed with Panasonic Corp., detect particles via light scattering and are effective even under diverse environmental conditions.

Dr. Justin Sentian, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, presented the deployment of LCS air quality sensors in schools, an initiative funded by UNICEF, in partnership with Malaysia’s Environmental Protection Department. These sensors, part of the Air Quality Monitoring in Schools (AQUAMS) program, aim to monitor air quality and promote environmental awareness among students. In the first phase, sensors were installed in five schools, and data on pollutants and weather conditions have been gathered.

Dr. Nguyen Viet Hoai, Vietnam National University presented the “Building Equality Monitoring Capacity in Southeast Asia” project which aims to enhance air quality monitoring in Thailand, Laos, and Viet Nam. Key goals include deploying low-cost PM2.5 sensors, raising public awareness, providing real-time data, and identifying pollution hotspots. Nearly 100 sensors have been installed across the region, supporting data analysis and empowering local authorities and communities.

Dr. Maria Obiminda Cambaliza, Ateneo de Manila University, presented IGAC-MANGO, a research initiative addressing air pollution in Southeast Asia. The project uses Low-Cost Sensors to measure PM2.5 exposure and its health impacts, particularly in high-risk groups. She also highlighted the Health Investigation and Air Sensing for Asian Pollution (Hi-ASAP) project, which started in 2019, aiming to gather data on pollution levels and health effects.

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Report on the EANET project “Methodology Study for Development of LCS Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN)”

Dr. Akie Yuba, a Senior Researcher from ACAP, provided a report on LCS technical studies in Viet Nam and Myanmar, which were carried out as part of EANET Project Activities. In Hoa Binh, Viet Nam, 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. Yuba also explained the draft contents of the guidelines for establishing HAQMN and the manual for low-cost sensor system operation.

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Discussions on scopes and challenges for establishing a sustainable LCS monitoring network in East Asia

The panel discussion covered the various challenges and approaches to air quality management across different countries, highlighting the role of LCS in both developed and developing countries. Key questions explored during the discussion included: what are the key local air quality issues in your country? How will citizens and communities be kept informed about air quality data? Is there adequate infrastructure, such as internet and power supply, to support an LCS network?, and How do governments and local authorities intend to use data from this network for policymaking? Additionally, What funding and support will be required to ensure the sustainability of the LCS network?

The panel discussion highlighted several common challenges in air quality management. These included infrastructure and connectivity issues, particularly in developing countries where limited access to power and the internet can undermine the reliability of LCS networks. Funding and sustainability were also major concerns, as many countries depend on international financial support and technical assistance for LCS implementation. Additionally, the importance of public awareness and communication was emphasized, with some countries planning to automate alerts about high pollution levels through platforms like social media. Lastly, the panel underscored the need for regular calibration and maintenance of LCS networks to ensure data accuracy, especially in resource-constrained settings.

The panel concluded that while LCS offers affordable and scalable options for air quality monitoring, its effectiveness depends on sustained funding, accurate data calibration, and enhanced public awareness. Building regional and international collaborations remains essential for addressing air pollution in the Southeast and East Asian regions.

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Find out more on EANET Project Fund and EANET Projects.

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Useful Resources:

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Photo credits: rice field at daytime by Hikarinoshita Hikari (2019).

Building Capacity for Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Monitoring: EANET Successfully Concludes the 2024 Annual Meeting and Training

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

21 November 2024 – Niigata, Japan

In October 2024, ACAP, serving as the Network Center (NC) for the EANET successfully concluded both the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Project’s Annual Meeting and Training at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), Japan. The NC for the EANET is implementing the  Project Capacity Building in Promoting VOCs in the EANET, approved by the Twenty-fifth Intergovernmental Meeting (IG25) in 2023, with the financial support of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan (MOEJ).

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EANET VOC Annual Meeting Reviews Progress and Discusses Plans for 2025

The VOCs Annual Meeting took place at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS),  in Saitama, Japan, on October 22nd and 23rd 2024 and gathered the VOCs Advisory Group members as well as members from the Participating Countries including Cambodia, China, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, responsible for overseeing this project. The goal of the meeting was to review the progress to date and develop a detailed plan for 2025 focusing mainly on monitoring methods, sites, and timing.

The Annual Meeting was conducted both in-person at CESS and online. Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Mitsuo Uematsu, President of CESS, and Dr. Toshimasa Ohara, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), moderated by Dr. Meihua Zhu, Chief Senior Researcher of the Planning and Training Department of ACAP. Each Participating Country shared their project progress in 2024 and their monitoring and related capacity building plan. During the meeting, Dr. Soo Ran Won, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Ewha Womans University, gave a special talk entitled: a Research Introduction on the “First measurement report for Volatile Organic Compounds’ characteristics during winter in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia”. During the Annual Meeting, participants reviewed the progress of the project’s activities in 2024 and discussed the activity plan for 2025.

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Participants at the Annual VOCs Meeting and during the field visit to GL Sciences

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On the second day, on October 23rd, a site survey of an VOCs’ instrument manufacturer was conducted at GL Sciences, Saitama prefecture, Japan. The site survey included an introduction to GL Sciences and to their support system, air analysis instruments, and related products. It also consisted of a laboratory tour and presentation of various equipments’ usage such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with canister concentrator, GC-MS with thermal desorption, sampling and related tools, and air sampler for Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

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Highlights of the Training – VOCs Monitoring and Measurement

The Training Program for VOCs Monitoring and Measurement was held at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama (CESS), Japan, from October 21st to 25th 2024. To conduct the training in a cost- and time-efficient manner, online lectures were provided to the trainees prior to the hands-on training in Japan. The proposed curriculum for online training consisted of three parts: a background introduction to VOCs, an introduction to VOCs’ monitoring methodologies, and an introduction to case studies on VOCs’ monitoring. Five participants from Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam, in charge of VOCs monitoring and lab work and part of EANET VOCs project, participated to the training. The VOCs Advisory Group members, CESS, and the NC actively provided support.

On the first two days, Mr. Kouki Sasaka, Group Reader, Atmospheric Environment Group, CESS, and Dr. Yujiro Ichikawa, Researcher, Atmospheric Environment Group, CESS, provided lectures on canister and flow controller including on canister cleaning, flow controller cleaning and flow adjustment, canister sampling, dilutor, preparation of standard gas, pre-concentrator and GC/MS. From October 24 to the afternoon of the 25th, a representative from Nishikawa Keisoku Co., Ltd. presented a lecture on standard and sample measurement (Preconcentrator-GC/MS), data analysis, and the daily maintenance of GC/MS. In the afternoon of October 25, a lecture on air sampling pumps, sorbent tubes (both active and passive), and Low-Cost Sensors was shared by a representative of Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.  During the closing session, Dr. Akio Imai, Research Director at the CESS presented the completion certificate to the trainees on behalf of the program organizers.

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VOCs trainees from Cambodia, Mongolia, the Philippines, and Viet Nam at the Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, and with their completion certificates

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The successful conclusion of the VOCs Project’s Annual Meeting and Training in 2024 strengthens EANET countries’ capacity to monitor and manage VOC emissions. Through collaboration, hands-on training, and advanced monitoring technologies, the initiative sets a solid foundation for improving air quality monitoring in the region.

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Find out more about the EANET Projects.

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Useful Resources

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Photo credits: all rights reserved to EANET.

The Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

 

19 June 2024, Bangkok, Thailand

The Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET was held at the United Nations Conference Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 29, 2024, as a side event to the EANET Regional Workshop in 2024. The session brought together around 30 representatives from the 13 Participating Countries, UNEP, the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), and observers, to discuss the future direction of EANET.

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Opening Remarks

Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General of the Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), welcomed participants. He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the current Medium Term Plan (MTP) and gathering inputs for the upcoming 2026-2030 plan, the need for input on priorities such as resource mobilization and climate change impacts on air quality. Dr. Mushtaq Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action at the United Nations Environment Programme, Asia Pacific Regional Office highlighted the importance of regional cooperation on air pollution and stressed enhancing the science-policy interface and improving capacity building efforts. Prof. Meng Fan, Deputy Director General at the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research, highlighted potential modifications in EANET’s MTP and objectives, potential future expansions including nitrogen management, climate change, VOC and ozone monitoring, and the importance of new technologies and aligning activities with policy objectives.

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Participants at the Informal Meeting on the Initial Preparation of the Draft Medium Term Plan (2026-2030) for the EANET 

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Participating Countries’ Interventions Highlights

Representatives from the EANET Participating Countries shared a wide range of suggestions and insights for the next Medium Term Plan.

Among these suggestions, participants emphasized the need to improve the evaluation of air quality data to better inform policy decisions. There was a call for strengthening the coordination between various stakeholders, including government agencies and research institutions. Improving the digital infrastructure to support more effective data collection and analysis was also suggested.

Many countries stressed the importance of ongoing capacity building initiatives to enhance the skills and knowledge of professionals involved in air quality monitoring and management, in particular targeting lower income countries. Suggestions included developing more training programs and workshops including at the national and local levels. Additionally, the need for upgrading to new and more effective technologies for monitoring and data analysis was emphasized.

Several representatives pointed out the possibility to integrate climate change considerations into EANET’s activities. This could include assessing the impact of climate change on air quality and acid deposition patterns, while ensuring such  activities align with the Instrument and Annex for the EANET.

Increasing public awareness and mobilizing more resources was seen as vital. This includes campaigns to encourage participation in air quality improvement efforts and enhancing communication within national governments and between countries to promote EANET’s initiatives, while also developing strategies to mobilize more resources to support EANET’s activities in the future, through its Project Fund, among others.

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Ways Forward

The meeting set the stage for the development of a robust MTP for 2026-2030, focusing on understanding the Participating Countries’ needs and priorities, and enhancing EANET’s capacity to address air pollution and its impacts in Asia. Discussions on the preparation of the MTP for the EANET for 2026-2030 will continue during the Working Group meeting in 2024 (WG2024) to be held on 20 and 21 August 2024, and in EANET meetings next year and submission for approval of Participating Countries in November 2025.

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Read the Report of the Meeting (available soon) and discover the meeting’s pictures on Flickr.

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Photo credits: featured photo by Markus Winkler via Unsplash (2022), other photos: all rights reserved to the 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.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management Seminar: Experts Convene to Address Global Challenges

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

nitrogen seminar

Bangkok, 23 February 2024

As a pre-seminar to UNEA-6, the Sustainable Nitrogen Management Seminar, addressed the significant yet underrepresented issue of nitrogen management in Asia and globally, and provided a platform for EANET Participating Countries to enhance their understanding of the nitrogen challenge. Organized virtually by EANET, with the support of the Ministry of the Environment, Japan, through the EANET Project Fund, the Seminar gathered around 100 participants. It aimed to explore strategies for sustainable nitrogen management through experts’ lectures and discuss the accumulation of nitrogen data within the EANET framework.

The seminar, facilitated by Ms. Aurélia Lemoine (Session 1) and by Bert Fabian (Session 2) from the Secretariat for the EANET, hosted by UNEP, started with an opening address by Mr. Yu Kamei, Director for International Cooperation at the Ministry of the Environment, Japan.

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Global Trends and Insights

Dr. Ning Liu,  Programme Management Officer, Source to Sea Pollution Unit, UNEP, presented updates on the UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen, highlighting the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing nitrogen-related challenges. Prof. Kentaro Hayashi, Professor, at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan emphasized the interconnectedness of nitrogen issues with the atmosphere and the overall narrative surrounding nitrogen management.

Dr. Wilfried Winiwarter, a Senior Research Scholar from the Pollution Management Research Group, Energy, Climate, and Environment at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria, presented the use of nitrogen budgets for sustainable management, highlighting comprehensive approaches to tackle nitrogen-related issues. Dr. Kazuya Nishina, a Senior Researcher at the Earth System Division (Biogeochemical Cycle Modeling and Analysis Section), from the National Institute for Environmental Studies (NIES),  introduced the Japan Nitrogen Waste project, underlining the importance of national inventories in understanding nitrogen dynamics.

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EANET’s Role in Nitrogen Management

Dr. Hiroyuki Sase, Head of the Ecological Impact Research Department, ACAP, presented the potential of EANET in contributing to sustainable nitrogen management, emphasizing the importance of monitoring nitrogen cycles comprehensively. Dr. Le Ngoc Cau, Deputy Director General, Viet Nam Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Climate Change (IMHEN), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment Viet Nam, highlighted efforts in Viet Nam to identify and control nitrate pollution in water bodies, reflecting the global significance of nitrogen management.

The seminar featured Q&A sessions, where participants raised questions regarding the implications of ammonia as a new fuel and the role of nitrogen in European farming practices. Discussions revolved around the need for enhanced collaboration and the significance of localized approaches in nitrogen management strategies.

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Moving Forward

Wrapping up Part I, Prof. Hayashi emphasized the pivotal role of EANET in addressing atmospheric aspects of nitrogen management, stressing its direct and indirect contributions to sustainable practices. Dr. Sase concluded Part II by highlighting EANET’s extensive data accumulation efforts, emphasizing its potential to understand nitrogen flows comprehensively. Experts reiterated the importance of EANET’s role in nitrogen management, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration and data-driven approaches.

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Find out more about the EANET Project Fund

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Useful Resources

Panelists’ Presentations

1. Update on UNEP Working Group on Nitrogen by Mr. Liu

2. The overall story about the nitrogen issue connected to the atmosphere by Prof. Hayashi

3. Using nitrogen budgets for sustainable nitrogen management by Dr. Winiwarter

4. The Potential of EANET to Contribute to Sustainable Nitrogen Management by Dr. Sase

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Photo credits: featured photo by Dr. Mingqun Huo, all rights reserved.

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.

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 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.

EANET Seminar: Learnings on Reducing Emissions from Open Burning

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

7 September 2022 – Niigata, Japan

The Network Center for the EANET organized the Seminar « Learnings on Reducing Emissions from Open Burning » in a hybrid format, in Suwon, Republic of Korea, and online, on 6 September 2022, with the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) (UNEP) and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategy (IGES) as co-organizers. The Seminar focused on good practices to reduce emissions from open burning and presented sustainable alternatives to improve air quality in the region. 144 participants from 17 countries from the Asian region and beyond joined the Seminar.

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Opening Session

Moderated by Ms. Maria Katherina Patdu, Associate Programme Officer – Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP) (UNEP), the Seminar started with the Opening and Welcome Remarks by Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in charge of the NC for the EANET, and by Dr. Mushtaq Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Dr. Memon also co-moderated the second part of the Seminar.

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Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama and Dr. Mushtaq Memon delivered the opening remarks.

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Remarks emphasized the new role of the EANET with the expansion of its scope from acid deposition to air pollution (including PM2.5), and the technical and financial challenges leading to open burning practices in the region.

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Open Biomass Burning and Regional Challenges

Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, a Senior Instructor of the Faculty of Public Health, at Thammasat University, Thailand, presented the various causes of open burning in Thailand, with a particular focus on Northern Thailand’s situation and showed the direct impacts on air quality, the environment, and public health. In his presentation, he highlighted the challenges and needs for more government-driven incentives, policies, technical assistance, and education toward non-burning agricultural practices.

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Panelists during the Seminar. From left to right: Ms. Maria Katherina Patdu, Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, Ms. Etwin Sabarini, Dr. Eric Zusman, Dr. Alison Simcox, and Ms. Azka Ghaida.

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Sharing Good Practices to Reduce Open Burning

Ms. Etwin Sabarini, Programme Coordinator, Measurable Action for Haze-Free Sustainable Land Management in Southeast Asia (MAHFSA), ASEAN Secretariat introduced the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution. She explained the history, objective, and framework of the ASEAN Agreement on Transboundary Haze Pollution and focused her talk on the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy (APMS) initiative aiming at conserving peatlands, the largest carbon store in the ASEAN region.

Ms. Do Van Nguyet, Director at Live & Learn for Environment and Community, then shared examples of good practices from Viet Nam, including their collective action to control open burning in Hanoi. These included: policy development, monitoring, and technical assistance with a special focus on multi-stakeholder engagement.

Dr. Eric Zusman, a Senior Policy Researcher and Area Leader at the Institute for Global Environmental Strategy (IGES), presented priority actions in Southeast Asia to reduce open burning, and possible solutions, while analyzing barriers to their implementation based on the example of Thailand. To deal with these barriers, he explained the polycentric system approach, where different governing authorities may organize themselves in non-hierarchical relationships, and he emphasized the need to mix solutions of alternatives to open burning.

Dr. Alison Simcox, from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), shared an overview of agricultural burning and smoke management in the USA. After explaining the history of agricultural burning practices, she detailed the recent changes in practices and the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) focusing on the Smoke Management Program (SMP) and on alternatives to burning in the USA, such as no-till farming.

Dr. Ken Yamashita summarized the Seminar.

Ms. Azka Ghaida, an Air Quality and Climate Research Analyst at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Indonesia, presented the use case of crop residue open burning in Indonesia by explaining the cause of the phenomenon, the government’s action, the barriers, and the solutions such as education and community involvement, sustainable farming and farm management practices.

Dr. Ken Yamashita who is Head of the Planning and Training Department at the Network Center for the EANET (ACAP) thanked all panelists and participants and summarized the Seminar by highlighting the key points of the challenges such as technical, financial limitations but also cultural barriers, and opportunities including mixed alternatives and operating in polycentric governance systems, to reduce open burning practices from ASEAN, Thailand, Indonesia, Viet Nam, and the USA.

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Useful Resources

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

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Photo credits: featured photo of Mù Cang Chai, Mù Cang Chai District, Yên Bái, Viet Nam (2020) by Hoach Le Dinh on Unsplash, other photos: all rights reserved to the EANET.

EANET Seminar on Expanding Monitoring Systems using LCS

Posted on by Aurélia Lemoine

23 August 2022 – Niigata, Japan

The Network Center for the EANET organized the Seminar on Expanding Monitoring Systems using Low-Cost Sensor (LCS) online on 21 July 2022. It gathered representatives, experts, and practitioners of air quality monitoring from the EANET Participating Countries, and other participants from international organizations, academia, and monitoring-related service providers. 127 participants joined the Seminar.

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Opening Session

The Seminar started with the Opening and Welcome Remarks by Dr. Shiro Hatakeyama, Director General of the Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP) in charge of the NC for the EANET, and by Dr. Mushtaq Memon, Regional Coordinator for Chemicals and Pollution Action Subprogramme, UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific. Remarks were followed by an Introductory Presentation by Mr. Taku Ohmura from the Overseas Environmental Cooperation Center, Japan (OECC) on the Overview of issues and opportunities of using LCS for air quality administrations and surveys.

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Understanding Challenges and Opportunities of LCS

Key presentations by Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana, a Senior Instructor of the Faculty of Public Health, at Thammasat University, Thailand, and by Dr. Alison Simcox from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA), delved into the limitations and opportunities of Low-cost sensor technology (LCS) for measuring air quality in the contexts of Thailand and of the United States.

Dr. Keiichi SATO, Head of the Atmospheric Research Department at ACAP, in charge of the NC for the EANET, then introduced the results of a survey on a Hybrid Air Quality Monitoring Network (HAQMN) and related technical studies in five EANET countries, namely Japan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

His presentation was followed by discussions and presentations by Ms. Karma Yangzom, a Principal Environment Specialist from the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department, at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), on ADB’s experience with LCS as part of the Technical Assistance (TA) 9608 on “Strengthening Knowledge and Actions for Air Quality Improvement”, and by Ms. Maria-Katharina Patdu’s presentation, an Associate Programme Officer, from the Asia Pacific Clean Air Partnership (APCAP), at UNEP Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, on air quality data challenges and opportunities in developing Asia.

While the lack of precision of LCS and the variety of qualities and standards of sensors, may lead to data misinterpretation and presentation issues, keynote speakers and panelists mentioned that the cost-efficiency of LCS and the wide use of these air quality sensors by “citizen-scientists” educate the public and inspire behavioral changes. In addition, the effective utilization of regular monitoring data for the quality control of LCS, the importance of consistent city, regional, and country-level monitoring, and the continued cooperation with other networks and international organizations, were also key points presented to mitigate the limitations of LCS.

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Download the Workshop’s Presentations

–Issues of LCS and Efforts Against the Issues: Thailand’s Experiences (presented by Dr. Supat Wangwongwatana)

–US-EPA’s efforts on wise use of LCS (presented by Dr. Alison Simcox)

–Results of the survey on HAQMN and technical studies in some EANET Participating Countries (presented by Dr. Keiichi Sato)

–Experience in using Low-Cost Sensors under ADB TA 9608 (presented by Ms. Karma Yangzom)

–Air quality data challenges and opportunities in developing Asia (presented by Ms. Maria Katherina Patdu)

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

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Photo credits: All rights reserved to EANET.