Dust and Sandstorm (DSS) and Atmosphere

We pursue collaboration with government agencies, researchers and others to achieve a clean atmosphere beyond national borders

Air pollutants such as Dust and Sandstorms (DSS) and PM2.5 have transboundary impacts in the Asian region, particularly in the Northeast Asian region such as Japan, China, Korea, and Mongolia. Cooperation among the countries concerned is essential to solve these problems.

Roles of the OECC

The OECC provides support to relevant parties to promote international environmental cooperation efforts in the fields of DSS and air pollution. With our long experience in Japan-China environmental cooperation, we have been continuously undertaking the role of secretariat for Japan in the multilateral cooperation framework formed amongst administrative agencies and researchers in the field of DSS and air pollution in Japan, China, Korea, Mongolia and other countries. As the secretariat, we have been supporting the formulation of joint research plans, research information exchange and policy dialogue between Japan, China and Korea, as well as examining ways to promote international cooperation.
In the future, the OECC plans to focus on co-benefit approaches that simultaneously promote countermeasures against climate change and air pollution.

Our Business

Contribution to the DSS Joint Research in Northeast Asia

Since 2009, the OECC has served as the Japanese secretariat for the joint research on DSS conducted under the framework of the Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting (TEMM) and has supported cross-regional DSS observations, data sharing and the promotion of research information exchange in the Northeast Asia. In recent years, the international cooperative structure has further strengthened with the participation of researchers from Mongolia and experts from international organizations.
Seeking further development, the OECC proposed and established the “DSS online portal” to globally introduce the contents of the joint research and research papers in addition to convening workshops in cooperation with international organizations.

Projects we were engaged in:

• DSS Joint Research among China, Japan, and Korea (The Ministry of the Environment, Japan)
• TEMM DSS Online Portal

Contribution to International Cooperation in Air Pollution Control

In recent years, air quality in Northeast Asia is being improved, owing to various international cooperations and self-help efforts. Meanwhile, other parts of Asia are beginning to recognize the need to address serious air pollution on a regional scale caused by weather changes and incineration of agricultural wastes, as well as the short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs), which are the cause of climate change. Internationally, there are innovative developments such as the use of low-cost air pollution sensors brought about by advances in semiconductor and digital technologies. The OECC is exploring future opportunities against these backgrounds, including proposing new international cooperation activities and policies in the field of air pollution.

Projects we were engaged in:

• EANET International Coordination Project Survey, Survey and Proposal regarding Air Pollution Observation Method in combination with Low-cost sensor (contracted Survey, the Ministry of the Environment, Japan,2021).
• EANET Project Activity 5, “Expanding monitoring system using Low-cost sensor,” Seminar and Workshop Operation Project (the Ministry of the Environment, 2022, re-commissioned by and Asia Center for Air Pollution Research (ACAP), Japan Environmental Sanitation Center).