EU encourages member states to use eLTER sites for the NEC Directive Monitoring (NEC-D)

The National Emission reduction Commitments Directive (NEC-D) sets national emission reduction commitments for Member States and the EU for five important air pollutants: nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), sulphur dioxide (SO2), ammonia (NH3) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

These pollutants contribute to poor air quality, leading to significant negative impacts on human health and the environment. Nitrogen and ozone affect ecosystems and biodiversity through various processes and degrees. As part of the directive's monitoring efforts, ecosystem data has to be reported every three years since 2018.

Member states are supposed to monitor ecosystem effects in their countries. So far, mostly existing monitoring sites of the CLRTAP International Cooperation Programs (ICP Forests, ICP Integrated Monitoring, etc.) have been used, but a new guideline refers to national LTER networks, encouraging member states to take advantage of the upcoming eLTER RI to fulfil the reporting obligations. Co-location of monitoring and research in Europe will foster cost-efficiency of the ongoing infrastructure development.