International Cooperative Programme for Research on Integrated Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Ecosystems
(EB/ICP Integrated Monitoring)

WEBSITE URL:http://www.unece.org/

ONE PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENCY/PROGRAMME:

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data collected by a network of integrated monitoring sites. The data comes diirectly from the network of monitoring sites, and consists of records of atmospheric deposition, surface and ground water quality, soils and biota. The data collection is coordinated by dedicated meetings.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Data quality control carried out by National Focal Centres, Programme Data Centre, international intercalibration exercises. There is already a harmonized methodology of integrated monitoring data processing and evaluation.

Dynamic modelling is used in selected catchments, and there are also technical meetings aimed at developing an expert system.

Assessment and Analysis
Please refer to Agenda 21: Chapter 9(A) Protection of the Atmosphere, chapter 10, 'Integrated Approach to Planning and Management of Land Resources.' with respect to our area of study and cooperation with other organisations.

The chapter is put into action using data from a network of integrated monitoring sites and where appropriate, applying dynamic modelling for determination and prediction of the state of ecosystems or catchments under the influence of air pollution.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

The information is disseminated using regular publication of data reports, technical reports. Users include governments, experts, and the general public in the ECE region.

Coordination is under the aegis of the EB, as is the inventory of databases.

Information is both promoted and supplied to decision-makers via the publication of reports which present summarized data and indicate trends in selected ecosystems.

Network Development and Support
A network of integrated monitoring sites is maintained.

Capacity-Building
For decision-makers we present a more readable presentation of results, especially trends in the state of selected ecosystems.
Training in data collection, assessment and transformation is provided at technical meetings/workshops.

Data gaps exist: there is a need for more complete geographical coverage of the ECE region, further development of the network of integrated monitoring sites and further improvement in quality of data from individual sites.

Internet Access

http://www.unece.org/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 2354
Fax: +41 22 917 0123

Date of preparation: April 1997

International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollutants and other Stresses on Crops and Non-wood Plants
(EB/ICP Crops)

WEBSITE URL:http://www.unece.org/

ONE PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENCY/PROGRAMME:

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

There exists a network of experimental locations for data collection, which comes directly from field experiments.
Data on effects of ozone on growth and/or visible injury of standard crop cultivars are gathered. Exchange of information coordinates this data collection.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Data quality control carried out by the programme coordinating centre. There is a harmonized methodology of experiments (standard protocol) including evaluation of results.

Assessment and Analysis
For areas of assessment and analysis, as well as coopeeration with other organisations, please refer to Agenda 21: chapter 9(A) 'Protection of the Atmosphere', and chapter 14, 'Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development'.

Evaluation of results from controlled field experiments.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

The information is disseminated using regular publication of data reports, technical reports. Users include governments, experts, and the general public in the ECE region.

Coordination is under the aegis of the EB, as is the inventory of databases.

Information is both promoted and supplied to decision-makers via the publication of reports which present summarized data and scientific interpretations.

Network Development and Support
The EB/ICP maintains a network of experimental locations.

Capacity-Building
Adequate presentation/interpretation of results for decision-makers. Training in data collection is provided in technical meetings/workshops.

Data gaps identified require development of more geographically balanced networks and use of more plant species in experiments.

Internet Access

http://www.unece.org/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 2354
Fax: +41 22 917 0123

Date of preparation:April 1997

International Cooperative Programme on Assessment and Monitoring of Air Pollution Effects on Forests (EB/ICP Forests)

ONE PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENCY/PROGRAMME:

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data is collected using field surveys. Data comes directly from the source, channelled by experts and/or National Focal Centres, designated by the Governments. Coordination in collecting the data is by participation of representatives of the UNEP and EC in coordination meetings.

The information treats of defoliation and discoloration of forest trees, quality of forest soils, foliage analysis.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Quality control includes comparison of results of observations and intercalibration in forest soil analysis. Sampling, assessment, monitoring and analysis of the effects of air pollution on forests are all harmonized.

Assessment and Analysis
Please refer to Agenda 21: Chapter 9(A) Protection of the Atmosphere, chapter 11D Combating Deforestation for our areas of assessment/analysis and cooperation with other organisations.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

Data dissemination is via annual reports to the Governments, experts and general public in the ECE region. It is coordinated within the EB activities and publications with the European Community.

There is an inventory of relevant databases of monitoring programmes/activities under the EB. Promotion of data use is by publication of reports. Decision-makers are catered for by preparation of summary (executive) reports on results of annual surveys.

Network Development and Support
EB/ICP manages a network of observation plots.

Capacity-Building
The information for decision-makers is made easier to use by improved presentation of data/results of assessment. National experts are regularly trained in data collection, assessment and transformation.

Data gaps identified require improved knowledge on effects of air pollutants on the state of forests.

Internet Access

http://www.unece.org/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 2354
Fax: +41 22 917 0123

Date of preparation:April 1997

ONE PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENCY/PROGRAMME:

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data on water chemistry and biota is collected directly from a network of monitoring sites. Data collection coordination is supplied by the exchange of information.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Quality is assured by regular intercalibration exercises, as well as harmonized sampling, analysis, and evaluation of water chemistry and biota.

Assessment and Analysis
Please refer to Agenda 21: Chapter 9(A) "Protection of the Atmosphere, chapter 18B Protection of the Quality and Supply of Freshwater Resources" for both our areas of assessment/analysis and the scope of our cooperation with other organisations. The EB/ICP uses statistical evaluation of data from an international network of monitoring sites for its assessment and analysis.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems


Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

The publication of annual data and technical reports is used to disseminate the information to Governments, experts and the general public in the ECE region. "Special" summary reports area also created for selected categories of users. The activities are coordinated within the EB activities.

There is an inventory of relevant databases of monitoring programmes/activities under the EB.

Network Development and Support
The EB/ICP manages a network of monitoring sites.

Capacity-Building
Decision-makers receive a more efficient presentation of findings/results. Training in data collecion, assessment and transformation of findings/results is provided in technical workshops.

Data gaps require more detailed knowledge on long-term effects of air pollution on surface water; biota; long-term trends in water quality.

Internet Access

http://www.unece.org/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 2354
Fax: +41 22 917 0123

Date of preparation:April 1997

International Cooperative Programme on Effects of Air Pollution on Materials, including Historic and Cultural Monuments (EB/ICP Materials)

WEBSITE URL:http://www.unece.org/

ONE PARAGRAPH DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENCY/PROGRAMME:

AGENDA 21 CHAPTERS AND PROGRAMME AREAS OF PARTICULAR FOCUS OR INTEREST:
See check list in annex.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data on atmospheric corrosion of materials, air pollution and selected climatic parameters. is collected via a network of test sites, directly from specialized laboratories analyzing samples after their exposure.

Data collection is coordinated via exchange of information.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Quality control is assured by comparison of results of analysis and the use of specialized laboratories for individual investigated materials. There is a standard methodology for exposure and evaluation of specimens.

Assessment and Analysis
Please refer to Agenda 21: Chapter 9(A) Protection of the Atmosphere, chapter 7G "Promoting Sustainable Human Settlement Development" for details of our areas of assessment and analysis of results, as well as the remit of our cooperation with other organisations..

The experiment format is evaluation of corrosion of important materials, exposed to effect of air pollution at a number of test sites.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

Use of the analyzed/assessed data is encouraged by publication of Data and Technical reports for Governments, experts and the general public in the ECE region, as well as summarized reports for decision-makers. Publication is coordinated within the EB activities, as well as the exchange of Technical information with other organizations.

There is also an inventory of data base/results of monitoring programmes under the EB, relevant WHO and other international programmes dealing with pollution inventories.

Network Development and Support
The EB/ICP maintains a network of test sites.

Capacity-Building
a. Decision-makers use of information
Decision-makers receive a more efficient presentation of results, evaluation of trends, assessment of (economic) damage. Training in data collecion, assessment and transformation is provided in technical meetings/workshops.

Data gaps require more complete data on air pollution at test sites and a more balanced geographical distribution of test sites.

Internet Access

http://www.unece.org/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Economic Commission for Europe (ECE)
Palais des Nations
1211 Geneva 10, Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 917 2354
Fax: +41 22 917 0123

Date of preparation: April 1997