On 10 March 1997, the Asian Development Bank approved Technical Assistance (TA) for Acid Rain and Emissions Reduction in Asia, Phase II. The primary objective of the TA is to expand and apply the methodology developed in Phase I to a broader set of air pollution applications in Asia so that crucial geographical and sectorical tradeoffs of alternative energy and abatement strategies can be addressed comprehensively. The project will be implemented over a period of twenty months commencing on 15 August 1997. The total cost of the TA is estimated at US dollar 1.0 million.

UNEP has been selected as an international organization to: (i) monitor and assess the TA's progress; (ii) serve as a reference center for technical questions related to the installation, use and upgrading of the model; (iii) coordinate the dissemination of transboundary data and environmental concerns; (iv) organize regional seminars and national workshops; (v) prepare documentation for seminars and workshops; and (vi) evaluate a need for sulfur protocol in Asia.

On August 1997, the Bank and the UNEP agreed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on working arrangements to implement this TA. The following specific agreements were agreed:

• UNEP, in coordination with the Bank, will organize two regional seminars and eight national workshops (two workshops in each of the four primary participating countries: PR China, India, Indonesia and Thailand).
• UNEP will prepare publicity materials, working materials and documents for seminars and workshops (such as newsletter, poster, information sheet etc.).
• UNEP will provide at no cost the:
• Services of one professional staff in its office;
• Information and database in its possession;
• Office space and office accommodation for one personnel recruited by the Bank to coordinate the TA.
• UNEP will evaluate the need for a regional protocol to control acid rain and emissions and deposition. UNEP will present its findings and recommendations during the second regional seminar.

The following table summarizes the goals and objectives achieved by UNEP in coordinating the project with support from the Bank.