ADPC-Lao PDR Strengthen Air Pollution, Haze Collaboration
Vientiane, Lao PDR – Air pollution has become an escalating crisis, causing over seven million premature deaths annually, with approximately two-thirds occurring in the Asia-Pacific region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution in Southeast Asia continues to rise at an alarming rate and affects economies and each individual’s quality of life.
When seasonal haze covers Southeast Asia, air quality becomes moderately unsafe. For instance, in Laos, air pollution intensifies during the dry season from February to April, reaching its worst in March. The most recent data reveals that Laos’ annual mean concentration of PM2.5 is five times higher than the WHO's recommended maximum.
PM 2.5 is a type of air pollutant smaller than 2.5 microns in size – making them invisible to the naked eye and harder to detect but they are associated with serious health complications such as lung and heart diseases.
One of the primary contributors to this pollution is agricultural burning. The thick smoke generated during this process fills the air with harmful pollutants, deteriorating the country’s air quality.
Farmers view agricultural burning as a quick and affordable method to clear fields, enrich the soil, and ready the land for the next crop cycle. This practice allows farmers to maximize their yield and increase their income throughout the year. Short-term income gained from quicker land preparation and higher crop yields outweighs concerns about air pollution or haze. More production cycles allow directly increasing profits. Hence, farmers consider agricultural burning as the most economically viable option.
“For my parents, agricultural burning is the source of income,” says Si Sisavanh, a second-year student of the Faculty of Environmental Science at the National University of Laos. “They live in a rural village, and they believe it is the only way they can earn to meet their basic needs. I understand it is harming our health and the environment, and I am determined to find a way to help them stop burning.”
Sisavanh’s determination reflects the broader challenge of combating haze and air pollution in the region. In addition to the national problems that air pollution causes, its regional impact is aggravated by the fact that it doesn’t stop at one country’s borders; it spreads far beyond where it begins, causing a regional environmental crisis.
The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) through its SERVIR Southeast Asia (SERVIR SEA) program helps monitor and forecast air quality, supporting decision-makers with critical information for improved human health.
SERVIR SEA – a joint initiative between the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and ADPC – makes use of publicly available satellite technologies and geospatial data to help communities across Southeast Asia adapt to regional and transboundary climate issues and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Its work includes collaborating with regional and national organizations to tackle agricultural burning and forest fires. By utilizing satellite imagery, SERVIR SEA provides crucial data that enables countries to respond more quickly and effectively to fires. Reducing these burning incidences directly decreases the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
One such collaborative avenue is the (Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA)-USAID Trilateral Transboundary Air Quality Management Project, through which SERVIR SEA aims to provide technical assistance to Laos’ Natural Resources and Environment Statistic and Research Institute (NRERI) of the Ministry of National Resource and Environment (MONRE), and other potential agencies in enhancing its capacity to monitor and manage air quality.
“TICA-USAID Trilateral Transboundary Air Quality Management Project demonstrates our commitment to improving air quality monitoring and management by creating positive impacts on public health and reducing exposure to air pollution in Laos. We aim to significantly reduce respiratory illnesses and health problems,” said Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Acting Director-General of TICA, part of the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“This event is not only an opportunity to acquire knowledge about advanced technology, data, and expertise in air quality monitoring and management but also a valuable platform for fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and building a foundation for mutual growth and progress among experts in effectively addressing challenges of air pollution,” she added. Please watch the video message.
To that end, SERVIR SEA, USAID-Funded Mekong for the Future, implemented by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and the government of Laos co-organized two-day learning exchanges and public awareness events with decision-makers and experts from Laos and Thailand to reflect on the previous haze seasons to shape future strategies, strengthen Laos’ policies on open burning and air quality, and learn from Thailand’s experience in using geospatial data and tools for managing air pollution.
During his opening remarks at the learning exchange event, Michael McCord, USAID/Laos Country Representative, emphasized that “Through initiatives such as SERVIR Southeast Asia and Mekong for the Future, we are working closely with Laos and Thailand government to address air pollution, sustainable land use, and transboundary haze. Together, at this event, we will share knowledge and strategies, raise public awareness about the dangers of air pollution, and catalyze actions to tackle it. Our collective actions are informed by timely and accurate data, which is where our partnership comes in.”
“This event provides a crucial platform for stakeholders to reflect on past challenges and collaborate on sustainable strategies for haze management in Laos. By leveraging insights from previous seasons and advancing the use of geospatial technology, we can enhance decision-making, improve policy implementation, and build a more resilient and informed community to tackle future haze events effectively.” expresses Lienxay Bounmanivanh, Director-General, NRERI.
In addition to the learning exchanges, the Government of Laos organized a series of events in the capital Vientiane, and villages around the capital to increase public awareness of the dangers of air pollution and haze. These events educated communities about the serious health impacts of haze, including respiratory issues, heart conditions, and declining air quality.
The awareness campaign encouraged communities to use air quality tracking tools to monitor pollution levels and make informed decisions about outdoor activities. By regularly checking air quality data, individuals can better protect themselves and support collective efforts to reduce air pollution. Tools such as SERVIR SEA Air Quality Tracker help raise awareness about air pollution and motivate communities to advocate for clean air management solutions.
Communities gathered in Nahoi temple in Sangthong District with the participation of spiritual leaders, respected elders, and youth. The SERVIR SEA team organized hands-on activities with participants to nurture a more inclusive approach to tackling air pollution/ haze and other climate challenges.
“At these events, we introduced geospatial tools such as the SERVIR SEA’s Air Quality Tracker and Air Quality sensors from the Blue Schools program to communities living in the city and villages,” says Aekkapol Aekakkararungroj, Air Quality and Health Thematic Lead, SERVIR SEA.
“SERVIR SEA’s Air Quality Tracker allows users to monitor historical data, near real-time satellite observations, ground-based measurements, and forecasts in one integrated platform. We demonstrated how this geospatial tool works and how individuals can access it with mobiles. It is not just about understanding the risks of air pollution – it is about empowering communities to monitor the air they breathe and take control of their health and environment.” Please check out the tool here.