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- 1. A Regional Network using Standardized Monitoring Methodologies
Currently there are 51 of acid deposition monitoring sites in the EANET
network (20 remote, 12 rural and 19 urban). Of these 51 sites conduct wet
deposition monitoring, 39 conduct air concentration monitoring. Data and
information for ecological impact studies are currently collected from
14 inland aquatic monitoring sites and 16 soil and forest vegetation monitoring
sites. All the sites follow a standardized set of methodologies for site
selection, sampling and chemical analyses to ensure technical conformity
within the network.
- 2. A Central Data Collection System
The Network Center has established a central data collection system for
compiling, storing and managing the data from the EANET monitoring sites.
Since the start of EANET activities, a high quality dataset is being compiled
through activities such as the implementation of QA/QC measures at the
national level and the Inter-laboratory Comparison Projects carried out
annually. Since 2000, summaries of the monitoring data have been published
annually as the Data Report on Acid Deposition in the East Asian Region.
The monitoring data is also available from the EANET website and on compact
disk upon request.
- 3. Enhanced Capacities in Monitoring and Assessing Acid Deposition
The technical capabilities and skills of those involved in managing acid
deposition in the participating countries were significantly enhanced through
a number of EANET activities. Technical missions were dispatched annually
to all participating countries to assist in monitoring performance, laboratory
operations, data management and other procedures. Other activities to enhance
the skills and knowledge of personnel include national workshops, scientific
workshops, individual training courses at the Network Center and annual
expert meetings. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in
cooperation with EANET, conducts the JICA Training Course on EANET held
in Japan and the Third Country Training Program on acid deposition and
other air pollution issues held in Thailand annually.
Numerous EANET publications (technical manuals, monitoring guidelines,
data publications, QA/QC programs, training materials etc.) have been disseminated
to EANET countries and will continue to be produced for use by countries
to further enhance capabilities of personnel in monitoring, assessment
and management of acid deposition. Most of the publications are available
on this EANET website.
- 4. Enhanced Public Awareness on Acid Deposition Issues
EANET organizes a Workshop on Public Awareness held annually in a member
country involving participants from EANET member countries to enhance public
awareness on acid deposition problems and the importance of community support
to improve the environment. Awareness about acid deposition among the general
public, particularly among school children and teachers were raised through
a number of activities supported by EANET. Several joint projects with
participating countries have been undertaken to develop brochures and videotapes
on acid deposition in the national language for dissemination within the
country. National workshops on acid deposition problems were organized
by the countries in collaboration with EANET. An e-learning program on
acid deposition issues was developed for environmental education.
A special report titled Report for Policy Makers on Acid Deposition Monitoring
Network in East Asia (EANET): Goals, Achievements and Way Forward was launched
at a High Level Meeting in 2005. EANET also publishes a Newsletter biannually
which highlights its recent achievements and progress.
- 5. Periodic Assessments on Status of Acid Deposition in East Asian region
Annual assessments of the state of acid deposition in the region have been
conducted based on the data collected from the monitoring sites and this
information is exchanged among the participating countries. EANET has recently
completed a Periodic Report on the State of Acid Deposition in East Asia
based on the data accumulated from the start of monitoring up till 2004.
It consists of 3 volumes: Executive Summary, Part I: Regional Assessment
and Part II: National Assessments.
- 6. Joint Research Activities to better understand Acid Deposition Issues
A number of scientific research projects on acid deposition and its effects
were conducted by EANET in collaboration with scientists from the participating
countries. The projects were conducted in countries with diverse natural
environments and climatic conditions in the East Asian region to obtain
a better understanding of the processes involved.
Since 2005 EANET has implemented a research fellowship program to encourage
young scientists from the region to carry out air pollution research activities
at the Network Center in Japan. Two researchers participate in this activity
annually.
- 7. Cooperation Among Countries and with Other Regional Initiatives
Since the start of EANET activities, countries in the East Asian region
have cooperated in monitoring acid deposition under the EANET umbrella.
Thirteen countries are now members of EANET: Cambodia, China, Indonesia,
Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Republic of Korea,
Russia, Thailand and Viet Nam. EANET has also succeeded in promoting cooperation
with other regional initiatives, in particular the Convention on Long Range
Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP), and established strong links with
international organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Experts from these initiatives
have been regularly invited to attend EANET meetings and many have contributed
their expertise in enhancing the network.
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