Hanoi, France’s IRD to join hands on air pollution monitoring project
The French Institute for Research and Development (IRD) has proposed launching the SEACAI project on air quality monitoring across several Southeast Asian countries with three devices to be installed in Hanoi and other Vietnamese localities.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi welcomed the idea of the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) to install an air quality monitoring device in the city as part of efforts to reduce pollution.
During talks with Sylvain Ouillon, Chief Representative of IRD in Vietnam, Quyen welcomed the institute’s proposal to implement the SEACAI project - a regional initiative designed to monitor and reduce air pollution across Southeast Asia.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Commitee Nguyen Manh Quyen (right) meets with Sylvain Ouillon, Chief Representative of the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development in Vietnam. Photo: The Hanoi Times
During this period, IRD will deploy air quality monitoring stations across several Southeast Asian countries, including three in Vietnam, one of which will be located in Hanoi.
The SEACAI project will help Hanoi and other major Southeast Asian cities improve forecasting capacity, identify pollution sources, and provide scientific data for effective and practical solutions to address air pollution and improve urban living standards.
Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen welcomed the SEACAI proposal, describing it as “an effective contribution to the city’s development goals.”
He stressed the need for accurate site surveys for monitoring stations to ensure reliable data collection and analysis.
Quyen said that as a rapidly growing capital, Hanoi continues to face challenges such as traffic congestion, emissions from fossil-fuel vehicles and infrastructure pressure.
Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen hands a gift to Sylvain Ouillon at their meeting. Photo: The Hanoi Times
He noted that the city has implemented both short- and long-term measures to reduce air pollution, including plans to convert the entire public bus fleet to electric vehicles by 2030 and establish low-emission zones.
Hanoi considers the partnership with IRD through the SEACAI project a key step in its environmental policy, the vice chairman said.
He also proposed joint initiatives on environmental sustainability and training programs for local research staff.
Sylvain Ouillon commended Hanoi’s leadership for its forward-looking approach to environmental protection and urban management.
He said IRD stands ready to work with the city to organize training programs, share scientific data, and seek funding from international and regional partners to ensure the project’s success.
