Step-By-Step Approach to Establish Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET): Thailand's Experiences

ISSN： 0049-6979

Source： Water, Air, and Soil Pollution, Vol.130, Iss.1-4, 2001-08, pp. : 151-162

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Abstract

Recognizing the adverse effects of acid deposition and its transboundary nature, efforts have been made for the past six years by countries in the East Asian region to establish acid deposition monitoring network in the region by taking a step-by-step approach towards the formal establishment. The First Intergovernmental Meeting held in March 1998 agreed as the first step to implement preparatory-phase activities for two years with the aim to officially establish the EANET in the year 2000. With the successful implementation of the preparatory-phase activities, the Second Intergovernmental Meeting held in October 2000 subsequently agreed to start the activities of the EANET on a regular basis from January 2001. Thailand developed and carried out the national monitoring plan for the preparatory-phase activities through the cooperation of various agencies. Four monitoring sites were included in the preparatory-phase activities of the EANET. Monitoring capacity in Thailand has been gradually built during the preparatory-phase and Thailand is now ready to start monitoring activities of the EANET on a regular basis. Efforts should be continued to study the complex nature of acid deposition phenomena, to quantify the adverse environmental impacts of acid deposition, and to eventually reduce emissions of acid precursors. Strong supports from international and regional organizations are essential for effective implementation of the EANET activities and to address acid deposition problem in the East Asian region.