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BACKGROUND:
Sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides are released into
the atmosphere by combustion of fossil fuels. These oxides are transformed
into sulfuric and nitric acids by a complex series of chemical reactions.
They are removed from the atmosphere to earth's surface by both wet and
dry deposition processes. The resulting acid deposition causes serious
environmental damage to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, cultural properties
and buildings. The East Asia region, as a result of rapid industrialization
faces increasing risks of problems related to excess deposition of acidic
substances.
Experts from East Asia met from 1993 - 1997 to discuss the acid deposition
monitoring issues. Based on the findings of the experts, the First Intergovernmental
Meeting (IG) to establish the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East
Asia (EANET) was held in March 1998 in Yokohama, Japan. Based on the agreement
of the First IG, the preparatory-phase activities for EANET started in
April 1998 The Second Session of IG held in 2002 concluded that the preparatory-phase
activities has been successful and decided to start the monitoring on
a regular basis from January 2001 based on the "Joint Announcement
on the Implementation of EANET" and the "Tentative Design of
EANET".
OBJECTIVES:
| 1. |
To create a common understanding of the state of acid deposition
problems in East Asia; |
| 2. |
To provide useful inputs for decision-making at the local, national,
and regional levels aimed at preventing, or reducing adverse impacts
on the environment caused by acid deposition; and |
| 3. |
To contribute to cooperation on the issues related to acid deposition
among the participating countries. |
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PARTICIPATING
COUNTRIES
 Cambodia,
China, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Philippines, Republic
of Korea, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
STRUCTURE OF EANET:
a. Intergovernmental Meeting (IG)
Composed of representatives of the participating countries and make decisions
on implementation of the network
b. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC)
Composed of scientists and technical experts that advise and support the
network on scientific and technical issues.
c. Secretariat
Secretariat is based at UNEP, RRC.AP and coordinate the activities of
EANET, prepare for EANET meetings and make necessary administrative and
financial arrangement and management for activities of the network.
d. Network Center (NC)
NC is based in Niigatta, Japan and provide technical support to the monitoring
network of EANET.
e. National Focal Points (NFP)
Each participating governments nominated NFPs to implement the EANET activities
at the national level. NFPs appointed National Centers for conducting
the air quality monitoring activities. National Quality Control Managers
have also been appointed by the NFP to ensure the data quality.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
1. Implementation of acid deposition monitoring by using common methodologies,
namely: wet deposition monitoring; dry deposition monitoring; soil and
vegetation monitoring; and inland aquatic environment monitoring;
2. Compilation, evaluation, storage and provision of data obtained through
the EANET monitoring;
3. Promotion of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities to
obtain high quality monitoring data;
4. Preparation and publication of periodic reports on the state of acid
deposition in East Asia;
5. Promotion of research and studies related to acid deposition; and
6. Other activities necessary to achieve the objectives of the Network.
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