The Asian Disaster Preparedness Center (ADPC) is an international organization committed to reducing disaster risks and strengthening climate resilience in Asia and the Pacific. While its primary focus is disaster risk reduction, ADPC has increasingly engaged in air quality management as a critical component of building resilient, healthier communities. Leveraging scientific research, geospatial technologies, and regional partnerships, ADPC addresses air pollution through innovative tools, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative projects.

ADPC collaborates with international experts to advance regional air quality monitoring systems. In 2024, it partnered with the Republic of Korea’s National Institute of Environmental Research (NIER) under the Asia-Pacific Regional Action Programme on Air Pollution (RAPAP). This collaboration trained ADPC staff on advanced PM2.5 monitoring techniques and improved the quality of data available for policymakers across Asia. The upgraded capabilities will allow ADPC to provide hourly high-resolution air quality data to regional stakeholders, facilitating better planning and implementation of air quality management projects.

In addition to technological advancements, ADPC works extensively on integrating air quality considerations into sustainable landscape management. For instance, its “Air Quality Monitoring for Sustainable Landscapes” initiative focuses on reducing emissions from agricultural burning—a significant source of PM2.5 pollution in South Asia—by providing data-driven solutions to regulate such practices. By addressing agricultural emissions, this program not only improves air quality but also mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and enhances climate resilience.

ADPC’s efforts are deeply rooted in fostering regional cooperation to address transboundary pollution challenges. Through its partnerships with organizations like ICIMOD and ASEAN member states, it promotes knowledge-sharing and policy harmonization across borders. These collaborations aim to tackle shared challenges such as haze pollution by aligning national policies with regional agreements.