On July 14–15, the Ministry of Environment (MOENV) hosted the 2026 7-SEAS International Workshop and the 20th Anniversary Celebration for the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station. The event brought together over one hundred scientists and experts from the United States, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, and Taiwan.

The workshop featured keynote lectures, scientific presentations, poster sessions, and a technical visit to the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station, further strengthening international scientific collaboration.

The MOENV emphasized that responding to climate change, transboundary air pollution, and extreme weather require long-term observations, open data sharing, and sustained international collaboration in order to formulate robust, science-based policies. To this end, the workshop served as an important platform for exchanging scientific findings and strengthening partnerships.

Since its establishment in 2007, the 7-SEAS Project has become one of the leading atmospheric science collaborations in the Asia-Pacific region, conducting joint observations, scientific exchanges, and facilitating capacity building. Valuable research has been done on regional air quality, long-range pollutant transport, the effects of biomass burning, aerosols, and interactions with climate conditions. Recent collaborations with NASA, NOAA, ASIA-AQ, Urban-AQ, and Taiwan's KPEx field projects have further strengthened scientific understanding and supported evidence-based policy-making for air quality.

This year also marks the twentieth anniversary of the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station. Located at 2,862 meters above sea level, Lulin station is one of East Asia's premier high-mountain atmospheric background observatories and has contributed long-term observations to international monitoring networks, including NASA AERONET and NOAA.

Looking ahead, the MOENV will continue promoting science-based environmental governance by integrating advances in artificial intelligence, satellite remote sensing and smart monitoring technologies, while also strengthening international cooperation, in order to attain cleaner air, healthier environments and sustainable development.