2024THECIRCULARITY GAP REPORTA circular economy to live within the safe limits of the planetBEHIND T.
2024-07-15
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Recovering Threatened and Endangered SpeciesFY 20212022 Report to CongressRecovering Threatened and Endangered Species FY 20212022 Report to CongressNational Marine Fisheries Service Mission NMFS is responsible for the stewardship of the nations ocean resources and their habitat.We provide vital services for the nation:productive and sustainable fisheries,safe sources of seafood,the recovery and conservation of protected resources,and healthy ecosystemsall backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management.Recommended Citation:National Marine Fisheries Service.2023.Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species,FY 20212022 Report to Congress.National Marine Fisheries Service.Silver Spring,MD.Report available online at:https:/www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/recovering-threatened-and-endangered-species-report-congress-fy-2021-2022Front cover:Hawaiian monk seal,Coho salmon,and Pacific leatherback sea turtle.Credit:NMFSBack cover:A Rices whale(Balaenoptera ricei)surfaces in the Gulf of Mexico.Credit:NMFS(Permit#21938)Table of ContentsList of Acronyms.2Letter from the Assistant Administrator.3Background.6Overview.7Table 1.ESA-listed Species Under NMFS Jurisdiction.9SPECIES in the SPOTLIGHT.16Rices Whale.18Atlantic Salmon Gulf of Maine DPS.20Central California Coast Coho Salmon ESU.26Cook Inlet Beluga Whale DPS.32Hawaiian Monk Seal.38North Atlantic Right Whale.44Pacific Leatherback Sea Turtle.52Sacramento River Winter-Run Chinook Salmon ESU.58Southern Resident Killer Whale DPS.64White Abalone.72U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service1Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressList of AcronymsADF&G Alaska Department of Fish and GameAKBMP Alaska Beluga Monitoring ProgramASF Atlantic Salmon FederationASTER3 Advanced Sampling and Technology for Extinction Risk Reduction and RecoveryAWA Alaska Wildlife AllianceBCRP Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration ProjectBIL Bipartisan Infrastructure LawBML Bodega Marine LaboratoryBOEM Bureau of Ocean Energy ManagementCCC Central California CoastCDFW California Department of Fish and WildlifeCOVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019CSAMP Collaborative Science and Adaptive Management ProgramCZU San MateoSanta Cruz UnitDFO Fisheries and Oceans CanadaDLNR Department of Land and Natural ResourcesDMA Dynamic Management AreaDPS Distinct Population SegmentDtag Digital Acoustic Recording TagDWR Department of Water ResourcesECHO Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and ObservationeDNA Environmental DNAEEZ Exclusive Economic ZoneePTM Enhanced Particle Tracking ModelESA Endangered Species ActESU Evolutionarily Significant UnitFR Federal RegisterFY Fiscal YearHMAR Hawaii Marine Animal ResponseHMSRP Hawaiian Monk Seal Research ProgramIATTC Inter-American Tropical Tuna CommissionICES International Council for the Exploration of the SeaKPC Kenai Peninsula CollegeMADMF Commonwealth of Massachusetts Division of Marine FisheriesMMPA Marine Mammal Protection ActMPA Marine Protected AreaNASCO North Atlantic Salmon Conservation OrganizationNCCP North Coast Coho ProjectNEFSC Northeast Fisheries Science CenterNEIT Northeast Implementation TeamNFWF National Fish and Wildlife FoundationNGO Non-Governmental OrganizationNMFS National Marine Fisheries ServiceNOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationNWFSC Northwest Fisheries Science CenterNWHI Northwestern Hawaiian IslandsPET Population Evaluation ToolPG&E Pacific Gas and Electric CompanyPIFSC Pacific Islands Fisheries Science CenterPIRO Pacific Islands Regional OfficePMRG Paua Marine Research GroupPSAT Pop-up Satellite Archival TagReclamation U.S.Bureau of ReclamationRFMO Regional Fisheries Management OrganizationROV Remotely Operated VehicleSCUBA Self-Contained Underwater Breathing ApparatusSEIT Southeast Implementation TeamSHA Safe Harbor AgreementSHARE Salmon Habitat and River EnhancementSHaRP Salmonid Habitat Restoration PrioritiesSMA Seasonal Management AreasSWFSC Southwest Fisheries Science CenterTBF The Bay FoundationTCAF The Cultured Abalone FarmTLC Time Lapse CameraTMMC The Marine Mammal CenterTNC The Nature ConservancyTU Trout UnlimitedUCSB University of California Santa BarbaraUME Unusual Mortality EventUSACE U.S.Army Corps of EngineersUSFWS U.S.Fish and Wildlife ServiceUSMCA U.S.Mexico Canada AgreementWCPFC Western and Central Pacific Fisheries CommissionWCR West Coast RegionWRLCM Winter Run Life Cycle ModelWWF World Wildlife Fund for NatureU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service2Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressLetter from the Assistant AdministratorDecember 28,2023,marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.As we celebrate this milestone anniversary throughout this year,I have had many opportunities to reflect on how powerful and effective the ESA has been for conserving species and their habitats.The world is a much different place now than it was when the Act was signed in 1973,and the landscape of threats and challenges facing threatened and endangered species has become increasingly more complex.The ESA has been remarkably effective at preventing the extinction of species and putting many species on the road to recovery.Many of the 160 marine and anadromous species listed under the ESA would not be here today had it not been for the protections of the Act.I am proud of the work NMFS and our partners do every day to implement this landmark piece of legislation that conserves a diverse array of species such as North Atlantic right whales,salmon,sea turtles,corals,smalltooth sawfish,sturgeon,white abalone,giant manta rays,chambered nautiluses,and many others.All ESA-listed species play integral roles in their ecosystems.Extinction is foreveronce species are gone,their ecological,economic,and intrinsic values are lost.I want to express my sincere gratitude to Congress,NMFS staff,and all of our partners for 50 years of dedication to the ESA.This milestone anniversary is also an opportunity to look ahead to the next 50 years and beyond to prepare for the challenges we will face as we work to secure the future of these species.Climate change is changing our oceans,and will continue to impact ecosystems and species.There is much we still do not know about how these effects will impact protected species conservation and recovery.In 2021,we developed the Protected Resources Climate Change Strategic Framework,which identifies the highest priority management and science needs that will enable us to promote strategies to ensure protected species populations are more adaptable and resilient to climate change.This framework guides the planning and coordination of protected resources management and science activities at the national level,as well as the necessary investments at both the national and regional levels.With this strategic framework guiding our efforts,we can be more effective at coordinating high-priority actions,sustaining momentum to address long-term challenges,and measuring our progress along the way.The framework also allows us to communicate the scope of the challenges facing protected species to both internal and external audiences.In 2022,we established a Protected Resources Climate Change Steering Committee to help move this framework forward and guide the planning and coordination of protected resources climate change activities across the agency.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service3Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressWhile the threats and challenges facing our species are becoming more complex,technology is also advancing at an unprecedented pace.I am excited about the potential for science-based innovations to expand our toolbox for effectively tackling conservation challenges.In 2023,we launched a new initiativeAdvanced Sampling and Technology for Extinction Risk Reduction and Recovery(ASTER3)focused on reducing extinction risk and supporting recovery of protected species through technological innovation.New technologies have the potential to minimize some of the threats to species,provide new tools to fill in data gaps,and mitigate our carbon footprint through the use of innovative data collection methods.Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help us process acoustic and visual data to reliably detect the presence of species in near-real-time and inform dynamic management decisions.Uncrewed aircraft systems(also known as drones)can greatly expand our capacity to conduct aerial surveys and capture photos that can help us assess abundance as well as health and body condition of marine species.Multi-spectral and high-resolution satellite imagery can help us identify ice seals in the Arctic and detect whales in the ocean from space.The use of these technologies improves our understanding of how species use their habitats and how those habitats are shifting due to climate change.Additionally,advanced statistical methods,new molecular methods for sampling and analyzing environmental DNA,and new advancements in tagging open the door to more efficient,effective,and better-informed management strategies to recover threatened and endangered species.Through long-term investments in data and technology,we can develop innovative management tools to allow marine species to coexist with human activities in an increasingly complex ocean environment.In the last biennial report,we highlighted the listing of the Gulf of Mexico Brydes whale subspecies as endangered under the ESA in 2019,which was subsequently identified in 2021 as a new species,Rices whale(Balaenoptera ricei).With fewer than 100 individuals remaining,Rices whale is one of the most endangered whales in the world.Since the species was listed,we have learned much more about the threats impacting them,including the chronic effects of acute oil exposure from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010.Since 2010,few calves have been sighted,and there are frequent observations of individual whales in poor body condition.It is likely that the population has been declining since at least 2010.In addition to the long-term effects of oil exposure,we have documented vessel strikes on Rices whales and we know the species is impacted by marine debris and anthropogenic noise.These threats acting on a very small population with limited distribution increases the Rices whales extinction risk.We believe immediate,concerted action can help stabilize this species.Thus,I am announcing its inclusion as a Species in the Spotlight.We will develop a 5-year Priority Action Plan for the Rices whale and report on progress on those priority actions in the next biennial report.In the face of immense challenges for species such as the Rices whale,as well as seemingly intractable problems like global climate change,its important to remember that our actions can make a difference.Our Species in the Spotlight profiles later in this report highlight the progress we have made toward stabilizing these endangered species,including how we are planning for climate change impacts and how we are applying advanced technologies to solve management challenges.For example,we have conducted climate change scenario planning for Atlantic salmon,and have started implementing actions to identify climate-resilient habitat for the species.We have also tested the use of environmental DNA to detect the presence of Central California Coast coho salmon and Cook Inlet beluga whale prey species in waters that would otherwise be difficult and costly to survey.Through strategic,coordinated,and innovative management efforts rooted in sound science,we can safeguard the nations valuable marine resources for another 50 years and beyond.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service4Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service5Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressGiant manta ray.Credit:Joshua StewartBackgroundThe primary purpose of the Endangered Species Act(ESA)as amended(16 USC sections 15311544)is the conservation of endangered and threatened species and the ecosystems on which they depend.Conservation is defined,in part,as“the use of all methods and procedures which are necessary to bring any endangered species or threatened species to the point at which the measures provided pursuant to this Act are no longer necessary.”As one means of achieving recovery,the ESA requires the development of recovery plans for listed endangered or threatened species(except those species for which it is determined that such a plan will not promote the conservation of the species).Recovery plans organize and guide the recovery process,but are not regulatory documents.The ESA requires that we monitor recovery progress by conducting a review of the species status at least once every 5 years to determine,on the basis of such review,whether the species should be reclassified or removed from the List of Threatened and Endangered Species(ESA section 4(c)(2).The ESA amendments of 1988 added a requirement that the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior report to Congress every 2 years on the status of efforts to develop and implement recovery plans,and on the status of all species for which recovery plans have been developed(ESA section 4(f)(3).The Secretary of Commerce has delegated responsibility for endangered and threatened species recovery to the National Marine Fisheries Service(NMFS)of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA).This is NMFS 17th Report to Congress on the status of the recovery program for species under its jurisdiction.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service6Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressOverviewRecovery is the process of restoring listed species to the point they no longer require the protections of the ESA.A recovery plan serves as a road map for species recoveryit lays out where to go and how to get there.Without a plan to organize,coordinate,and prioritize recovery actions,the efforts by so many federal agencies,states,non-governmental organizations(NGOs),tribal entities,stakeholders,and citizens may be inefficient,ineffective,or misdirected.The ESA envisions recovery plans as the central organizing tool guiding each species progress toward recovery.This report summarizes efforts to recover all domestic and transnational species1 under NMFS jurisdiction in FY 20212022(from October 1,2020,through September 30,2022).It includes a summary table(Table 1)providing information such as the status of each species,the status of the recovery plan,and the date the last 5-year review was completed or initiated.With this report,NMFS also is updating progress made on the Species in the Spotlight initiative launched in 2015.The initiative is a strategic approach to endangered species recovery that focuses on species for which immediate,targeted efforts can be taken to stabilize their populations and prevent extinction.During the 2 years covered in this report,we managed 99 domestic and transnational and 66 foreign marine and anadromous speciesincluding salmon,sturgeon,sawfish,sharks,rays,mollusks,sea turtles,corals,and marine mammals.During this period,we delisted two species based on new information indicating they do not meet the definition of a species2 under the ESA and do not qualify for listing:The coral species Siderastrea glynni listed as endangered on November 6,2015(80 FR 60560);delisted on January 31,2022(86 FR 74378).3 Johnsons seagrass(Halophila johnsonii)listed as threatened on October 14,1998(63 FR 49035);delisted on May 16,2022(87 FR 22137).4In this report,we address the 99 species for which a recovery plan would promote their conservation.Between October 1,2020,and September 30,2022,of the 99 domestic or transnational listed species for which a recovery plan would promote its conservation,58 had final recovery plans,35 plans were in development,and six species recovery plans had not been started.During this period,the status of the 99 endangered or threatened species for which recovery plans have or will be developed was:23(23.2%)were stabilized or increasing.13(13.1%)were declining.22(22.2%)were mixed,with their status varying by population location.41(41.4%)were unknown,because we lacked sufficient trend data to make a determination(i.e.,the species has fewer than 3 data points over a 10-year period or all available data years to estimate trends).1 Transnational species are those ESA-listed species with current and/or historical geographical ranges both within the United States,the U.S.exclusive economic zone(EEZ),and/or the high seas,and within the waters or the EEZ of one or more foreign country.2 The ESA defines a species to include any subspecies of fish or wildlife or plants,and any distinct population segment(DPS)of any species of vertebrate fish or wildlife which interbreeds when mature.3 S.glynni is synonymous with S.siderea and is not a separate taxonomic species or subspecies.4 Johnsons seagrass is not a unique taxon but rather a clone of an Indo-Pacific species,Halophila ovalis.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service7Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressGreen sea turtle.Credit:NMFS/Paula AyotteA list of the domestic and transnational species managed by NMFS and for which recovery plans would provide a conservation benefit(99 species)is provided in Table 1.For each species/subspecies/evolutionarily significant unit(ESU)5/DPS,the table lists the population trend(unknown,decreasing,mixed,stable,or increasing),the recovery priority number,6 the status of the recovery plan,and the date the last 5-year review was completed or initiated.Additional information on these species is available online at:http:/www.fisheries.noaa.gov/species-directory/threatened-endangered.Recovery plans are available online at:http:/www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resources/documents?title=&field_category_document_valuerecovery_plan=recovery_plan&sort_by=createdThis report is available online via the NMFS Office of Protected Resources website at:https:/www.fisheries.noaa.gov/resource/document/recovering-threatened-and-endangered-species-report-congress-fy-2021-20225 An ESU is a listable entity under the ESA that is(1)substantially reproductively isolated from other conspecific units and(2)represents an important component of the evolutionary legacy of the species;this is a designation used only for Pacific salmonids(November 20,1991;56 FR 58612).6 The recovery priority number is used to prioritize limited agency resources for recovery plan development and implementation and is assigned based on the application of the Endangered and Threatened Species Listing and Recovery Priority Guidelines(April 30,2019;84 FR 18243).U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service8Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressTable 1.ESA-listed Species Under NMFS JurisdictionESA-listed species under NMFS jurisdiction through September 30,2022,where recovery plans are either complete,in progress,or planned.Information includes the ESA listing status,population trend,recovery priority number,recovery plan status,and date of the most recent 5-year review completion or initiation.(ESA status:T=Threatened;E=Endangered).Species/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8SEA TURTLESHawksbill Sea Turtle06/1970EMixed3CCompleted 01/1998(Pacific);12/1993(Atlantic)Initiated 03/2020Kemps Ridley Sea Turtle12/1970EUnknown1CCompleted 08/1992;Revision Completed 09/2011Initiated 05/2021Leatherback Sea Turtle06/1970EDecreasing 3CCompleted 01/1998(Pacific);04/1992(Atlantic)08/2020GREEN SEA TURTLECentral North Pacific DPS 07/1978;04/2016TUnknown3C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015Central West Pacific DPS07/1978;04/2016EUnknown3C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015Central South Pacific DPS07/1978;04/2016EUnknown3C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015South Atlantic DPS07/1978;04/2016TMixed5C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015East Pacific DPS07/1978;04/2016TMixed5C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015North Atlantic DPS07/1978;04/2016TStable5C1978 Listing:Completed 01/1998(Pacific);10/1991(Atlantic);2016 Listing:Not Started03/2015U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service9Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSpecies/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8LOGGERHEAD SEA TURTLENorthwest Atlantic Ocean DPS07/1978;09/2011TStable5CCompleted 12/1991;Revision Completed 01/20093/2023North Pacific Ocean DPS07/1978;09/2011EUnknown3CCompleted 01/1998;Revision Under Development04/2020OLIVE RIDLEY SEA TURTLEBreeding colony populations of Pacific coast Mexico07/1978EStable5CCompleted 01/199806/2014Rangewide07/1978TMixed5CCompleted 01/199806/2014PACIFIC SALMONCHINOOKChinook,Puget Sound ESU03/1999;06/20059TStable3CCompleted 01/2007Initiated 10/2019Chinook,Lower Columbia River ESU06/20059TStable3CCompleted 07/201310/2022Chinook,Upper Columbia River,Spring-run ESU03/1999;06/20059EStable1CCompleted 10/200708/2022Chinook,Snake River Fall-run ESU04/1992;06/20059TIncreasing5CCompleted 12/2017 08/2022Chinook,Snake River Spring/Summer-run ESU04/1992;06/20059TStable3CCompleted 12/201708/2022Chinook,Upper Willamette River ESU03/1999;06/20059TDecreasing 3CCompleted 08/2011Initiated 10/2019Chinook,California Coastal ESU09/1999;06/20059TMixed3CCompleted 10/2016Initiated 10/2019Chinook,Central Valley Spring-run ESU09/1999;06/20059TDecreasing 3CCompleted 07/2014Initiated 10/2019Chinook,Sacramento River Winter-run ESU11/1990;1/199410,06/20059EDecreasing 1CCompleted 07/2014Initiated 10/2019CHUMChum,Hood Canal Summer-run ESU03/1999;06/20059TIncreasing3CCompleted 05/2007Initiated 10/2019Chum,Columbia River ESU03/1999;06/20059TStable3CCompleted 07/201310/2022U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service10Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSpecies/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8COHOCoho,Lower Columbia River ESU03/1999;06/20059TStable3CCompleted 07/201310/2022Coho,Oregon Coast ESU 08/19989,02/2008TIncreasing5C Completed 12/201610/2022Coho,Southern Oregon/Northern California Coast ESU05/1997;06/20059TUnknown3CCompleted 09/2014Initiated 10/2019Coho,Central California Coast ESU10/1996;06/20059EMixed1CCompleted 09/2012Initiated 10/2019SOCKEYESockeye,Ozette Lake ESU03/1999;06/20059TStable7CCompleted 05/200910/2022Sockeye,Snake River ESU11/1991;06/20059EDecreasing 1CCompleted 06/201508/2022STEELHEADSteelhead,Puget Sound DPS05/2007TIncreasing4CCompleted 12/2019Initiated 10/2019Steelhead,Lower Columbia River DPS03/1998;01/20069TStable3CCompleted 07/201310/2022Steelhead,Upper Columbia River DPS08/1997;01/20069TIncreasing3CCompleted 10/200708/2022Steelhead,Middle Columbia River DPS03/1999;01/20069TStable3CCompleted 09/200908/2022Steelhead,Upper Willamette River DPS03/1999;01/20069TDecreasing 3CCompleted 08/2011Initiated 10/2019STEELHEADSteelhead,Snake River Basin DPS08/1997;01/20069TStable3CCompleted 12/201708/2022Steelhead,Northern California DPS06/2000;01/20069TMixed3CCompleted 10/2016Initiated 10/2019Steelhead,Central California Coast DPS08/1997;01/20069TUnknown3CCompleted 10/2016Initiated 10/2019Steelhead,South-Central California Coast DPS08/1997;01/20069TMixed3CCompleted 12/201312/2022Steelhead,Southern California Coast DPS08/1997;05/200211;01/20069EMixed1CCompleted 01/201212/2022Steelhead,California Central Valley DPS03/1998;01/20069TStable3CCompleted 07/2014Initiated 10/2019U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service11Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSpecies/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8ATLANTIC SALMONGulf of Maine DPS11/2000;06/200912EMixed1CCompleted 02/201911/2020NON-SALMONID FISHBocaccioPuget Sound/Georgia Basin DPS04/2010;01/201713EUnknown7CCompleted 10/2017Initiated 3/2020Eulachon,Southern DPS03/2010TMixed9CCompleted 09/201707/2022Giant Manta Ray01/2018TUnknown6CUnder Development Not startedGreen Sturgeon,Southern DPS04/2006TUnknown6CCompleted 08/201810/2021Gulf Sturgeon09/1991TMixed7CCompleted 09/199505/2022Nassau Grouper06/2016TDecreasing 3CUnder DevelopmentNot startedOceanic Whitetip Shark01/2018TMixed6CUnder DevelopmentNot startedShortnose Sturgeon03/1967EMixed1CCompleted 12/1998Not StartedSmalltooth SawfishU.S.DPS04/2003EIncreasing1CCompleted 01/200909/2018Yelloweye rockfishPuget Sound/Georgia Basin DPS04/2010;01/201713TUnknown9CCompleted 10/2017Initiated 3/2020ATLANTIC STURGEONGulf of Maine DPS02/2012TUnknown3CUnder Development02/2022New York Bight DPS02/2012EUnknown1CUnder Development02/2022Chesapeake Bay DPS02/2012EUnknown1CUnder Development02/2022Carolina DPS02/2012EIncreasing1CUnder DevelopmentInitiated 03/2018South Atlantic DPS02/2012EMixed1CUnder DevelopmentInitiated 03/2018U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service12Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSpecies/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8PLANTSJohnsons Seagrass09/1998 Delisted 04/2022TStableN/ACompleted 09/200211/2007INVERTEBRATESBlack Abalone01/2009EMixed2CCompleted 11/202007/2018White Abalone05/2001EUnknown1CCompleted 10/200807/2018Lobed Star Coral09/2014TMixed3CUnder Development08/2022Mountainous Star Coral09/2014TMixed3CUnder Development08/2022Boulder Star Coral09/2014TMixed3CUnder Development08/2022Pillar Coral09/2014TDecreasing 3CUnder Development08/2022Rough Cactus Coral09/2014TDecreasing 3CUnder Development08/202215 Indo-Pacific Corals1409/2014TUnknown3CUnder DevelopmentInitiated 1/2021Elkhorn Coral05/2006TMixed3CCompleted 03/201508/2022Staghorn Coral05/2006TMixed3CCompleted 03/201508/2022SEALS AND SEA LIONSBearded SealBeringia DPS12/2012TUnknown9CUnder DevelopmentInitiated 1/2021Ringed SealArctic Subspecies12/2012TUnknown9CUnder DevelopmentInitiated 11/2020Hawaiian Monk Seal11/1976EIncreasing1CCompleted 03/1983;Revision Completed 08/2007;Amended with Main Hawaiian Island Management Plan 01/2016;Revision Under Development 01/202308/2007Steller Sea LionWestern DPS04/1990;11/1990;05/1997EMixed5CCompleted 12/1992;Revision Completed 03/20082/2020U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service13Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSpecies/Subspecies ESU/DPSDate Listed/ReclassifiedESA StatusTrendRecovery Priority Number7Status of Recovery PlanDate 5-Year or Status Review Completed/Initiated8WHALESBeluga WhaleCook Inlet DPS10/2008EDecreasing 2CCompleted 01/201709/2022Blue Whale06/1970EUnknown6CCompleted 07/1998;Revision Completed 11/202011/2020False Killer WhaleMain Hawaiian Islands Insular DPS11/2012EUnknown1CCompleted 10/202104/2022Fin Whale06/1970EUnknown8CCompleted 07/201002/2019Killer WhaleSouthern Resident DPS11/2005EDecreasing 1CCompleted 01/200801/2022Rices Whale(formerly Brydes Whale,Gulf of Mexico)04/2019EDecreasing Under DevelopmentN/ANorth Atlantic Right Whale03/2008EDecreasing 1CCompleted 05/200512/2022North Pacific Right Whale03/2008EUnknown5CCompleted 06/2013Initiated 03/2022Sei Whale06/1970EUnknown6CCompleted 12/201108/2021Sperm Whale06/1970EUnknown7CCompleted 12/2010Initiated 05/2021HUMPBACK WHALECentral America DPS06/1970;09/2016EUnknown2C1970 Listing Completed 11/1991;2016 Listing Under DevelopmentInitiated 3/13/2023Mexico DPS06/1970;09/2016TUnknown4C1970 Listing Completed 11/1991;2016 Listing Under DevelopmentInitiated 3/13/2023Western North Pacific DPS06/1970;09/2016EUnknown7C1970 Listing Completed 11/1991;2016 Listing Under DevelopmentInitiated 3/13/2023U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service14Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSmalltooth sawfish.Credit:Tonya Wiley7 Recovery Priority Guidelines(April 30,2019;84 FR 18243).8 For species listed within 5 years,a N/A(Not Applicable)is applied to the status of the 5-Year Review.9 In Alsea Valley Alliance v.Evans,161 F.Supp.2d 1154(D.Or.2001)(Alsea),the U.S.District Court in Eugene,Oregon,ruled that NMFS could not exclude hatchery fish within the ESU when listing.Although the Alsea ruling affected only one ESU,subsequent to the ruling,NMFS initiated new status reviews for 27 ESUs and,in 2005,re-listed 15 ESUs of salmon with revised definitions of the populations to be included in the ESU,delisted one ESU(Oregon Coast coho)and listed one ESU(Lower Columbia River coho);and in 2006,re-listed 10 ESUs of steelhead(and categorized them as DPSs).10 This ESU was first emergency-listed as threatened on 8/4/1989,then officially listed as threatened on 11/5/1990,then reclassified as endangered on 1/4/1994.11 This ESU was first listed on 8/18/1997;the southern range extension to the U.S.-Mexico border was added to the listing for this ESU via a final rule on 5/1/2002.12 The Gulf of Maine Atlantic Salmon DPS was originally listed on November 17,2000(65 FR 69469)and was revised to include the Androscoggin,Kennebec,and Penobscot River basins in 2009(74 FR 29344,June 19,2009).13 The species listing was amended based on a geographic description and to include fish within specified boundaries(January 23,2017;82 FR 7711).14 This includes seven species of threatened Indo-Pacific reef corals known to occur in U.S.waters,as well as eight threatened species known to occur in foreign waters.We have included all 15 species here because NMFS intends to develop a recovery plan for listed Indo-Pacific corals that includes all 15 species.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service15Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressCENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST COHO SALMON ESUCOOK INLET BELUGA WHALE DPSATLANTIC SALMON GULF OF MAINE DPSHAWAIIAN MONK SEALNORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT WHALESPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTIn 2015,NMFS launched the Species in the Spotlight initiative,a strategic approach to endangered species recovery that focuses on species for which immediate,targeted actions can be taken to stabilize the population and prevent extinction.For some of these species,their numbers are so low that they need to be bred in captivity;others are facing anthropogenic threats that must be addressed to prevent their extinction.In most cases,we understand the threats to these species,and we know that the necessary management actions are likely to be effective.In some cases,we are prioritizing research to better understand the threats so we can fine-tune our actions for the maximum effect.We know we cannot do this alone.A major part of the Species in the Spotlight initiative is to expand partnerships and motivate individuals to work with us to get these species on the road to recovery.In 2016,NMFS developed 5-year Priority Action Plans for the Species in the Spotlight in order to focus recovery efforts on high-priority actions that we and our partners can take in the near term to address the most urgent threats to the species.In the first 5 years of the initiative,we added around 90 new partners,channeled more than$75 million in NOAA grants and discretionary funding,and achieved some important milestones toward stopping the decline of these species.Due to these successes,we renewed the initiative in 2021 and developed new 20212025 Priority Action Plans,including the first Priority Action Plan for the North Atlantic right whale,which was added to the initiative in 2019.In 2023,we also added Rices whales to the Species in the Spotlight U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service16Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to Congressinitiative due to their critically low abundance,declining population,and exposure to anthropogenic threats in the Gulf of Mexico,their only known home.The stories in this section highlight the progress made in FY 20212022 toward implementing high-priority recovery actions for our Species in the Spotlight.In these stories,we also feature our 2023 Partners in the Spotlight,whose exceptional efforts have made a profound difference for the species and have been a critical part of the initiatives success.Their dedication motivates and inspires further conservation efforts and collaboration,and they deserve special recognition for their work.We appreciate all of our current partners and collaborators,as the steps we need to take to stabilize these species would not be possible without them.While we have made significant progress toward recovering threatened and endangered species,more must be done,locally and globally,to reverse declining populations and address the complex threats facing imperiled species.We will continue to conserve and recover all of the ESA species we are responsible for in collaboration with our partners.SPECIESin theSPOTLIGHTPACIFIC LEATHERBACK SEA TURTLESACRAMENTO RIVER WINTER-RUN CHINOOK SALMON ESUSOUTHERN RESIDENT KILLER WHALEWHITE ABALONERICES WHALEU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service17Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressNEW SPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTRICES WHALERices whales(Balaenoptera ricei)are a new addition to the Species in the Spotlight due to their critically low abundance,declining population and exposure to anthropogenic threats in the Gulf of Mexico,their only known home.The species likely numbers fewer than 100 individualsperhaps as few as 50making it one of the most endangered whales in the world.Initially believed to be a subspecies of the widely distributed Brydes whale,they were listed as a unique,endangered subspecies under the Endangered Species Act(ESA)in 2019.In 2021,Rices whales were determined to be an entirely separate species,based on new research showing they are genetically and morphologically distinct from Brydes whales that inhabit the tropical Atlantic and other ocean basins.Most sightings of Rices whales have been concentrated in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico,offshore of Florida and Alabama,along the continental shelf break in waters 100 to 400 meters deep.Recent passive acoustic monitoring studies and visual surveys have shown that Rices whales also occupy shelf-break habitat in the north-central and northwestern Gulf of Mexico,offshore of Louisiana and Texas.Habitat modeling suggests suitable habitat also exists in the southern Gulf of Mexico,but their existence in Mexican waters is currently unknown.Whaling records and unconfirmed sightings suggest that Rices whales occurred more broadly throughout the Gulf of Mexico historically.The species small population size and limited distribution increase their risk of extinction and vulnerability to threats,which include energy exploration and development,oil spills and spill response,vessel strikes,ocean noise,ocean debris,climate change,and entanglement in fishing gear.Several lines of evidence indicate Rices whales have likely been declining since the 2010 Deepwater Horizon(DWH)oil spill.The DWH Natural Resources Damage Assessment determined Rices whales were more heavily impacted by the spill than any other shelf or oceanic stock of marine mammal in the Gulf of Mexico.The injury assessment estimated that 48 percent of the Rices whale population was exposed to oil,17 percent of the population was likely killed,22 percent of females experienced reproductive failure and 18 percent of the population experienced adverse health effects.The injury assessment applied a population model and estimated a maximum reduction in population size of 22 percent.The same study estimated it could take up to 69 years for the population to recover from these impacts,because of both acute oil exposure and chronic impacts to the population since 2010.Also,few calves have been sighted during surveys since 2010,and there have been frequent observations of individual whales in poor body condition.These data and observations,the small population size,their restricted range,and comparisons with other large whale species with similar demography,all suggest the species has likely been declining since at least that time.Recovering the Rices whale will require a combination of science to better understand the species biology,demographics and threats,and actions to reduce anthropogenic stressors in the Gulf of Mexico.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service18Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressRices whales documented during a research mission in the Gulf of Mexico aboard the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter.Credit NMFS NEFSC and SEFSC(Permit#21938)Recovery ProgressSince 2014,when genetic evidence began to reveal Rices whales are a unique species or subspecies,NMFS has completed a number of conservation and recovery actions,including:(1)publishing a status review,(2)listing them as endangered under the ESA,(3)completing a recovery outline,(4)revising their taxonomy and status to recognize them as a unique species,the Rices whale,(5)conducting a virtual recovery workshop,and(6)publishing a proposed rule to designate critical habitat.During that same time,NMFS scientists and our partners have made significant strides in our understanding of the species,producing four technical reports and eight peer-reviewed articles on Rices whale biology,distribution,habitat use,prey,acoustics,threats,and other information critical to conservation.Still,many challenges stand in the way of Rices whale recovery,including fundamental gaps in our scientific knowledge of the species,how to mitigate threats in their highly industrialized habitat,limited public awareness of the species,and lack of dedicated funds for species recovery.Looking AheadIn collaboration with our partners,we are undertaking additional conservation and recovery actions to support the recovery of Rices whales,including:(1)finalizing the critical habitat designation,(2)developing a Species in the Spotlight Priority Action Plan,(3)writing an ESA recovery plan based on the previously held recovery workshop,(4)developing and implementing conservation measures through the ESA section 7 consultation process with other Federal agencies,and(5)conducting outreach and education with Gulf-coast stakeholders,including fishermen,vessel operators,marine industries,NGOs,and the public.Additionally,NOAA is at the very early stages of implementing two voluntary-based DWH restoration projects to reduce vessel strike risk and impacts from anthropogenic noise to restore for oceanic cetaceans injured as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.Together,these actions will help us identify threats,prioritize recovery actions,and implement recovery with our partners in a holistic manner.Rices whales have three prominent ridges in front of their blowhole.Credit:NMFS(Permit#14450)U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service19Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTATLANTIC SALMON GULF OF MAINE DPSThe Gulf of Maine distinct population segment(DPS)of Atlantic salmon(Salmo salar)was selected as one of the Species in the Spotlight because of its critically low abundance and continuing decline in the population.Atlantic salmon spend the first few years of their life in freshwater rivers and streams,mature in the ocean,and return to the freshwater rivers from which they originated to spawn.The freshwater range of the Gulf of Maine DPS includes all watersheds from the Androscoggin River in central Maine to the Dennys River in Eastern Maine.The marine range is vast:from the Gulf of Maine itself to the Labrador Sea,the coast of Greenland,and as far east as the Faroe Islands.There are three recovery units in the DPSDowneast Coastal,Penobscot Bay,and Merrymeeting Bay.In the United States,Atlantic salmon populations historically extended as far south as Long Island Sound.Before 1900,southern populations were eradicated due to habitat loss,hydropower development,freshwater habitat impairment,and overharvest.Today,the only remaining Atlantic salmon populations in U.S.waters exist in a few rivers and streams in central and eastern Maine.These remaining populations are adapted to specific conditions in their home rivers(often referred to as“river-specific stocks”).Since the endangered listing in 2000,one of these river-specific populations has been extirpated;another is now on the brink of being lost.While the conservation hatcheries operated by the U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service(USFWS)have substantially reduced the short-term extinction risks,there is growing concern about the status of the Gulf of Maine DPS as a whole.River-specific populations still persist in central and eastern Maine,and restoring the rivers that support them is a top priority.In addition,there are rivers in the freshwater range of the Gulf of Maine DPS that lack river-specific stocks,yet still contain abundant high-quality spawning and rearing habitat that is essential to supporting a recovered population.An example is the Kennebec River,which currently supports a small run of Atlantic salmon with the help of ongoing management interventions.Achieving our recovery goals requires restoration of self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon in all three recovery units.Atlantic salmon.Credit:Nick HawkinsU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service20Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressIn 2022,the Atlantic Salmon Federation removed the Waltons Mills Dam on Temple Stream in the Sandy River watershed,which improved access to 40 miles of juvenile salmon rearing habitat.Credit:Atlantic Salmon FederationRecovery ProgressIn FY 20212022,we made progress on the key actions15 identified in the 20212025 Priority Action Plan for the Gulf of Maine DPS of Atlantic salmon:(a)reconnect the Gulf of Maine with headwater streams,(b)improve habitat productivity to increase the number of juvenile salmon(smolts)successfully entering the marine environment,and(c)increase our understanding and ability to improve survival in the marine environment.Reconnect the Gulf of Maine with Headwater Streams In 2021 and 2022,at least 65 aquatic connectivity projects,such as dam removals and the installation of accessible culverts and fishways,were completed within the freshwater range of endangered salmon.These projects have improved access to approximately 200 miles of stream and river habitat.By helping to restore connectivity and ecological stream processes,these projects enhance adult access to spawning grounds and increase the number of fish that are successfully entering the marine environment.Of particular note,the Atlantic Salmon Federation(ASF)removed the dam on Temple Stream in the Sandy River watershed,which reconnected 40 miles of juvenile rearing habitat.The Sandy River has high restoration value,as it contains abundant cool-water Atlantic salmon rearing habitats that will be increasingly important in a warming climate.We continue to improve upstream and downstream fish passage and reduce the impact of hydroelectric dams on Atlantic salmon by working through the Federal Power Act and the ESA.In 2021 and 2022,we worked with hydroelectric dam owners and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to improve fish passage and habitat conditions at more than a dozen dams within the range of the Gulf of Maine DPS.Although no new fishways were constructed at hydroelectric dams in 2021 or 2022,progress was made on planning for new fishways and/or operational changes over the next several years for projects on the Androscoggin,Kennebec,and Penobscot rivers that will considerably improve fish passage.Notably,in 2022 Brookfield Renewable committed to implementing significant fish passage improvements at their four dams on the lower Kennebec River.These measures include the construction of new upstream and downstream fishways as well as an adaptive management strategy to achieve high(96%)passage and survival rates.Fish passage improvements also benefit other species of sea-run fish,including alewives and blueback herring(collectively referred to as river herring)as well as American eel and American shad.These species shared the rivers with salmon historically,but many of the same factors that led to the decline of salmon also severely diminished their populations.When we designated critical habitat for Atlantic salmon in 2009,we emphasized the importance of freshwater and 15 Note:Throughout this report,the order of key actions as they are listed does not imply their relative priority for implementation.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service21Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressThese images depict the same reach of habitat in the Narraguagus River without complexity elements(left)and with complexity elements added(right).Credit:Project SHAREestuary migration sites with abundant,diverse,native fish communities.Abundant populations of sea-run fish provide benefits to Atlantic salmon,such as reducing predation of smolts from species such as seals,cormorants,and striped bass that would otherwise prey on the significantly less common Atlantic salmon.Abundant populations of these fish species also provide other ecosystem services,as they are a food source for fish,birds,and other wildlife.Recent fish passage improvement projects within the freshwater range of the Gulf of Maine DPS can lead to substantial increases in populations of these other species of sea-run fish.For example,following the removal of Great Works and Veazie dams on the Penobscot River(and improved passage at other upstream dams),river herring returns increased from 2,000 in 2011 to nearly 3 million in 2022.Similarly,following the removal of the Edwards and Fort Halifax dams on the Kennebec River in 1999 and 2008,river herring returns increased from 47,000 to well over 5 million in 2018.In 2021 and 2022,fish passage projects were implemented by our partners in the State of Maine that will benefit the full suite of sea-run species.Of particular note,Maine Rivers restored access to China Lake in the lower Kennebec River by removing dams and constructing fishways in Outlet Stream,and the Downeast Salmon Federation removed the dam at the outlet to Meddybemps Lake on the Dennys River.We expect these projects to result in more river herring returning to the rivers of Maine.Although such increases have yet to be observed in listed salmon,increasing abundance and distribution of river herring and other sea-run fish continues to improve the habitat features in our salmon rivers and delivery of ecosystem services.Improve habitat productivity to increase the number of fish successfully entering the marine environmentHistorical practices such as log drives,poor forestry and agriculture practices,pollution,and construction of road networks have damaged rivers and tributaries,greatly altering the complex habitat that once successfully supported Atlantic salmon production.Supporting recovery of the DPS includes increasing smolt production in freshwater habitats,and ensuring these juvenile salmon successfully enter the marine environment.Increasing the production of salmon smolts in freshwater remains a key strategy to mitigate the risk to the DPS given low marine survival.There are numerous threats that affect the number of smolts entering the marine environment,and we are collaborating with partners to better understand and mitigate these threats.Examples of these efforts over the past 2 years include:Increasing Habitat ComplexityProject SHARE(a non-profit organization based in Downeast Maine)is installing large wood and boulder structures in degraded habitat in the Narraguagus River to evaluate the hypothesis that the existing habitat is simplified and less productive.Evaluations are U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service22Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to Congressunderway to see if increased habitat complexity will improve habitat conditions for Atlantic salmon.Preparing for Climate ChangeThe Gulf of Maine DPS was ranked highly vulnerable to climate change in a 2016 climate vulnerability analysis.16 Using climate scenario planning,we identified a number of science and management actions that will support Atlantic salmon resilience across a range of plausible but uncertain future scenarios.One of these actions was to identify climate-resilient freshwater habitats.Stream baseflow(composed primarily of groundwater discharge)influences both water quantity and water temperature,both of which are important limiting factors to Atlantic salmon.In 2021,the U.S.Geological Survey developed a baseflow model for Atlantic salmon watersheds in Maine to help us identify stream reaches that may be more climate-resilient.17 The model identifies stream reaches that have a relatively high proportion of baseflow during summer low flow periods.This will help inform conservation efforts by identifying areas that will likely be best suited for salmon survival in a warming climate.Increase our understanding and ability to improve survival in the marine environmentIn order to successfully reproduce and contribute to future generations,adult Atlantic salmon must return from feeding migrations in the Atlantic Ocean to their home rivers.Marine survival rates remain very low and are a major impediment to the recovery of the Gulf of Maine DPS.The marine habitat of U.S.-origin salmon extends from the Maine coast though Canada to Greenland.We work with domestic and international partners to document catch in international fisheries and to better understand what factors are affecting salmon return rates.NMFS has helped to identify important climate drivers and changes in ocean food webs,and has also clarified migration timing and routes to ocean feeding areas and return migrations.Better understanding of the links between marine growth and marine survival and how they have changed provides insights into future change.This information helps us better understand salmon resiliency in dynamic ocean conditions.Since 2018,we have partnered with ASF(Canada),Fisheries and Oceans Canada,and the Association of Fishers and Hunters(Greenland)to increase knowledge of ocean habitat use by satellite tagging and releasing Atlantic salmon captured at Greenland.This study is improving our understanding of Atlantic salmon migrations by providing insights into habitat preferences and predation of Atlantic salmon as they migrate from Greenland to natal rivers to spawn.NMFS continues to work with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,ASF,and tag manufacturers to develop novel methods to improve monitoring of marine migration of a wide variety of marine animals.Ongoing research has also provided insights into the interdependencies of salmon and the community of 11 other sea-run fish,including blueback herring,alewives,and American shad.Examining community responses to habitat restoration is informing an ecosystem-based approach to understanding their combined abundance,interactions with marine mammals and other predators,and lingering impacts of dams in estuaries for migratory populations.The West Greenland fishery for Atlantic salmon continues to harvest fish of U.S.origin.Through its West Greenland Commission,the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization(NASCO)facilitates negotiation of a regulatory measure for the fishery.The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea(ICES)provides science-based catch advice for the West Greenland fishery based on the status of the stocks that make up that fishery.The United States supports long-standing advice from ICES that there should be no fishery for Atlantic salmon at West Greenland.Denmark(in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland)maintains that the salmon fishery is both culturally and economically important to its people.In 2022,the United States worked cooperatively through NASCOs West Greenland Commission to develop a multi-year regulatory measure for the fishery(20222025).While it did not contain all of the provisions the United States considers necessary 16 Hare,J.A.,Morrison,W.E.,Nelson,M.W.,Stachura,M.M.,Teeters,E.J.,Griffis,R.B.,et al.2016.A Vulnerability Assessment of Fish and Invertebrates to Climate Change on the Northeast U.S.Continental Shelf.PLoS ONE 11(2):e0146756.17 Lombard,P.J.,Dudley,R.W.,Collins,M.J.,Saunders,R.,and Atkinson,E.2021.Model estimated baseflow for streams with endangered Atlantic Salmon in Maine,USA.River Research and Applications,37(9),1254-1264.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service23Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressPop-off locations of all PSAT tags released at West Greenland from 20182022 by region of origin.A number of tags released in 2022 may still be active and additional tagging is planned for 2023.Credit:NOAA NEFSCto ensure appropriate management of the fishery,the measure includes a number of important elements designed to improve the management of the fishery.These include limiting harvest to 27 metric tons and implementing continued monitoring and control measures.Additionally,in 2022 the parties reached agreement on a new measure that closes the fishery when the registered catch has reached no more than 49 percent of the overall total allowable catch.Modeling indicates that stopping the harvest at that point will limit the potential for the quota to be exceeded.This measure was developed in response to situations in prior years where the fishery would be closed when the full quota was reported to have been met but late reporting by fishermen continued well after the fishery closed.As a result,the harvest often exceeded the quota by as much as 10 metric tons.Preliminary results from the 2022 harvest are encouraging.Looking AheadThe 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law(BIL),as well as other grant programs managed by NOAAs Restoration Center,provided significant funding to address connectivity issues in the Gulf of Maine DPS in FY 20212022.These opportunities will provide more than$10 million to our tribal,state,and NGO partners to remove dams,install fishways,and upgrade road-stream crossings.We expect approximately 35 barrier projects will be implemented by our partners using funds provided in FY 2022.Of particular note,over the next 2 years,ASF will use BIL funding to remove the Guilford Dam on the Piscataquis River,a major tributary to the Penobscot River,which will improve access to more than 200 miles of modeled salmon rearing habitat.They will also construct an upstream fishway at a dam on Baskahegan Stream,which flows into the Mattawamkeag River,a major tributary to the Penobscot River.This project will provide access to 16,000 acres of alewife spawning habitat,which will result in a further boost to alewife populations in the Penobscot River.As noted above,alewives and other sea-run fish provide important ecosystem services.We expect that these and other projects implemented over the next 2 years will improve access to hundreds of stream miles containing high-quality Atlantic salmon habitat throughout the Gulf of Maine DPS.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service24Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressPARTNER in the SPOTLIGHT:Joan TrialJoan Trial passed away on March 5,2023,after a short battle with cancer.Joan was a keen scientist,an incredible mentor,and a good friend to many throughout her career.In 2000,Joan was promoted into the Senior Biologist position with the Maine Atlantic Salmon Commission,which later became the Bureau of Sea-run Fisheries and Habitat within the Maine Department of Marine Resources.In this capacity,Joan supervised the assessment,research,and management activities surrounding endangered populations of Atlantic salmon in Maine.In her role,she represented Maine nationally on the U.S.Atlantic Salmon Assessment Committee and internationally on the ICES Working Group on North Atlantic Salmon and the International Joint Commissions St.Croix River Board.Joan Trial retired from the Maine Department of Marine Resources in July of 2013.Even after departing her role in state government,she continued to make important contributions by co-authoring several peer-reviewed publications,serving on graduate committees,and working with Project SHARE to lead the assessment work related to habitat rehabilitation in the Narraguagus River.Joan valued service and professionalism throughout her life.She was an active member of the American Fisheries Society,holding several positions in both the Atlantic International Chapter and the Northeast Division.Joan was awarded the Dwight A.Webster Memorial award in 2013the most prestigious recognition given by the Northeast Division of the American Fisheries Society.Her intellect,enthusiasm,and gusto will not be replaced,but will be remembered fondly by many throughout northern New England and beyond.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service25Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTCENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST COHO SALMON ESUThe Central California Coast(CCC)coho salmon ESU was first listed under the ESA as threatened in 1996,and reclassified as endangered in 2005.At the southern extent of the coho salmon species range,this ESU is at very high risk of extinction.Populations within the ESU reached extremely low levels during the height of Californias recent extended drought.As such,all populations remain depressed and well below recovery targetsparticularly those in the southern portion of the ESU,which are highly vulnerable to extinction and dependent on ongoing conservation hatchery programs.18 A critical emerging challenge to CCC coho salmon survival and recovery is the increased frequency,magnitude,and intensity of adverse environmental conditions resulting from climate change.Habitat conditions have significantly diverged from historical conditions.California now routinely experiences extreme weather patterns that include above-average temperatures and extreme variations in precipitation.Severe wildfires throughout the species range have become a significant habitat concern.Recent fires caused substantial damage to riparian habitat and instream wood shelter,increasing the threat of landslides and sediment inputs to many streams.Restoration and increased monitoring of species and habitat response to these events are necessary to repair and re-evaluate how climate-driven processes influence CCC coho salmons survival and recovery.Despite substantial restoration efforts,habitat challenges for CCC coho salmon still exist at the regional and basin level.As the human population grows,urbanization,rural residential growth,and water supply demands will continue to threaten CCC coho salmon and their habitat.The pace and scale of habitat restoration needs to increase to keep up with disturbance patterns due to human impacts and the changing climate.Juvenile CCC coho salmon.Credit:NMFS/Morgan Bond18 Southwest Fisheries Science Center.2022.Viability assessment for Pacific salmon and steelhead listed under the Endangered Species Act:Southwest.11 July 2022.Report to NMFS West Coast Region from Southwest Fisheries Science Center,Fisheries Ecology Division.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service26Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressRecovery ProgressIn 20212022,we made substantial progress on the key actions identified in our 20212025 Priority Action Plan for the CCC coho salmon:(a)Summit to Searestoration at a watershed scale;(b)improving instream flow;(c)continue and expand captive broodstock programs;(d)partnering and outreach,and(e)monitoring and research.Summit to SeaRestoration at a watershed scaleIn 2022,The Nature Conservancy(TNC)implemented the Garcia River Estuary Enhancement Project.This ecosystem-scale estuarine habitat restoration project is working to improve the complexity of the estuary.The project enhances instream,floodplain,and off-channel habitat by adding large wood complex structures and creating off-channel ponds.The project will provide salmon and steelhead refugia and rearing habitat as they transition to the ocean.Funding from the NOAA Restoration Center and California Department of Fish and Wildlife(CDFW)helped make this project possible.Improving instream flowDrought InitiativeNMFS,in collaboration with the CDFW,launched a community program called the Voluntary Drought Initiative.This program recognizes the severe constraints that drought places on agriculture and fish in California and is targeted to work with water users in high-priority areas throughout the State.Specifically,the program seeks to develop voluntary water conservation and in-stream flow agreements with participant water users in high-priority rivers and streams.NMFS considers participation in the program as an important mitigating factor when a participant unintentionally takes an ESA-listed fish while withdrawing water(or other actions that affect fish passage)while complying with an Individual Agreement.This is a strictly voluntary program with the objective to improve the likelihood of ESA-listed fish survival through droughts.Safe Harbor AgreementsSafe Harbor Agreements(SHA)provide an avenue to garner private landowners support and commitment for species conservation on their lands.During the drought conditions in 2022,NMFS and the E&J Gallo Ranch signed an SHA,whereby the ranch released water from an off-stream reservoir into a critical Russian River tributary to enhance CCC coho salmon rearing conditions.The net conservation benefit realized from this SHA includes the enhancement of salmonid habitat from improved flow during spring and summer outmigration,and agency access for studies that have increased our understanding of how instream flows affect fish behavior and feeding ecology.This landowner has embraced their important role in the recovery of the species and has committed to continue these activities pursuant to terms and assurances set forth in the SHA,which protect both the landowner and the salmon.Restoring the Garcia River Estuary with large wood structures and off-channel wetland ponds(left)and a close-up(right).Credit:The Nature ConservancyU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service27Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressCalifornia Sea Grant and Civilian Conservation Corps staff assist NMFS with monitoring CCC coho salmon being reared in a Remote Site Incubator in the Russian River watershed.Credit:California Sea Grant.Continue and expand captive broodstock programsRussian RiverThe CCC coho salmon captive broodstock program at the Don Clausen Fish Hatchery continues to capture natural-origin juveniles from the Russian River and adjacent watersheds in Marin County to diversify its conservation hatchery spawning broodstock.While recent drought years provided challenging conditions,both in the natural environment(requiring numerous rescue operations)and in the hatchery environment(requiring temporary rearing in a local high school hatchery with better water quality),the broodstock program continues to serve as the lifeboat for Russian River CCC coho salmon.Adaptations have been made to ensure program and population resiliency,including adjusting release size and timing.Remote Streamside Incubators have continued to be evaluated for their ability to improve juvenile stream imprinting.The broodstock program partnership includes NMFS West Coast Region(WCR),NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center(SWFSC),the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers(USACE),CDFW,California Sea Grant,Sonoma Water,the United Anglers of Casa Grande High School,and Jackson Family Wines.Santa CruzThe Southern Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program has continued its efforts to conserve and restore nearly extirpated populations of coho salmon in the Santa Cruz Mountains,south of San Francisco.Following the catastrophic CZU19 Lightning Complex Fire of August 2020 and extreme drought conditions in 20202022,the program spent significant effort looking for alternative safe hatchery space for spawning,egg incubation,and rearing of coho salmon,as facilities typically used were destroyed by fire or compromised by extreme weather.Generous grants to program partners from the Wildlife Conservation Board and NMFS WCR allowed for repairs of Kingfisher Flat Hatchery.Adaptively managing program operations at the damaged hatchery facilities forced some tough decisions that ultimately led to positive outcomes,including the release of more than 200 unspawned adult coho salmon broodstock into the Pescadero Creek watershed during the winter of 20212022.This effort was facilitated by the San Mateo Resource Conservation District with support from San Mateo County Parks and private landowners.The adult release was the first of its kind in the Pescadero Creek watershed.This release coincided with record returns of adults observed in many populations of the ESU,including the counting station in Scott Creek.Snorkel surveys conducted by CDFW and NMFS during the summer of 2022 revealed juvenile coho salmon at multiple sites in the Pescadero Creek Watershed.The success of this action,coupled with the somewhat unexpected high return of coho salmon throughout the ESU,illustrates that these populations can exhibit resiliency under certain conditions despite continued deficiencies in program infrastructure and research and monitoring that need to be reversed to elevate program performance and avoid extinction.19 CZU refers to the Cal Fire designation for its San MateoSanta Cruz Unit,the administrative division for San Mateo,Santa Cruz,and San Francisco counties.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service28Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressPartnering and outreachSalmonid Habitat Restoration Priorities(SHaRP)PartnershipA prioritized planning effort called SHaRP has been implemented in the Mendocino Coast,the Lower Russian River Tributaries,and Lagunitas Creek.The Lagunitas Creek SHaRP is complete and an action plan was published in August 2022,identifying priority restoration actions to recover CCC coho salmon and CCC steelhead in the watershed.The Mendocino Coast and the Lower Russian River Tributaries SHaRP watershed meetings were completed in 20212022 and action plans are being finalized.A New Hatchery South of San FranciscoDespite funding for temporary hatchery repairs at Kingfisher Flat Hatchery,the recent fires and extreme periods of drought have highlighted the need to build a safer and larger hatchery facility for the program,as well as the need to establish captive rearing refugia for CCC coho salmon throughout the ESU.NMFS WCR awarded$300,000 to CDFW for the development of a feasibility study for a new state-of-the-art hatchery facility south of San Francisco for CCC coho salmon.Throughout 2022,CDFW worked with NMFS to refine the biological and technical scope for the new hatchery facility and to prepare its request for proposals.Mendocino Broodstock PartnershipCCC coho salmon in the Navarro and Garcia Rivers have experienced historically low abundances.In 2018,the Mendocino Broodstock Partnership began collecting juvenile CCC coho salmon from the Navarro and Garcia rivers and rearing them to adults at the Don Clausen Fish Hatchery.Since then,three year-classes of CCC coho salmon have been captured,raised to adulthood,and released to improve spawner diversity.Partners for this effort included USACE,CDFW,SWFSC,North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board,TNC,The Conservation Fund,and the Mendocino Redwood Company.This partnership made funding,land access,outreach,technical assistance,and collection and rearing of CCC coho salmon possible.Monitoring of returned spawners and the makeup of their genetics will be evaluated by CDFW and the SWFSC,respectively.Monitoring and researchAssessing the effects of wildfire on coho salmon and their habitats in the Santa Cruz Mountains regionScientists at the SWFSC are leading collaborative research to understand how climate-related disturbance events affect the conservation and recovery of CCC coho salmon at the southern end of their range.In August 2020,the CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned more than 350 km2(86,500 acres)of coastal forests in the Santa Cruz Mountains region.Among the watersheds severely affected by the CZU Fire was Scott Creek,a basin where the SWFSC has been conducting comprehensive salmonid life-cycle monitoring since 2002.Scott Creek is also home to the Southern Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program,making it a pivotal recovery watershed in the region.Researchers are leveraging more than two decades of physical,chemical,and biological information collected at Scott Creek to rigorously assess the consequences of wildfire on CCC coho salmon production.Initial results highlight substantial changes in riparian and riverine habitat following the fire,chiefly due CCC coho salmon egg(left)and alevin(right)being raised in a conservation broodstock hatchery.Credit:NMFS U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service29Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to Congressto the loss of vegetation and major landslide events during winter storms.Annual habitat mapping and monitoring has revealed an overall loss in juvenile coho salmon rearing habitat in Scott Creek due to the filling of pools with fine sediment.Moreover,post-fire hydrologic and water temperature regimes appear to be increasingly dynamic,and may be contributing to reduced spawning success and juvenile survival.Continued research and monitoring will improve our understanding of the various pathways through which wildfire affects salmonid populations,and provide important insight into ecosystem recovery following a major disturbance event.Efficacy of eDNA methods for detecting coho salmon in the Santa Cruz MountainsFunding for regional monitoring of adult CCC coho salmon in the Santa Cruz Mountain Diversity Stratum was discontinued after the 20182019 spawning season,in part because the expense of conducting season-long adult spawning ground surveys was difficult to justify given the extremely low numbers of returning adults.Scientists at the SWFSC recently published a study evaluating the efficacy of using environmental DNA(eDNA)methods for detecting the presence of juvenile coho salmon in streams in the region.20Experiments were conducted where known numbers of juvenile coho salmon were held in cages in an otherwise CCC coho salmonfree stream during late summer and early fall to assess how the probability of detecting eDNA changes with density of fish and distance from the eDNA source.Results indicated that,under low flow conditions,eDNA was occasionally detected as far as 1,000 meters from the source population;however,the likelihood of eDNA detection typically dropped to very low levels more than 200 meters from the source.Despite the rapid attenuation of the eDNA signal in streams,a study comparing coho salmon detection using snorkel surveys and eDNA sampling across the Santa Cruz Mountains found that reach-level detection probabilities were identical for the two methods.While eDNA methods do not allow enumeration of fish,in locations where coho salmon are extremely scarce and where the primary management question is whether coho salmon are still present,eDNA sampling can provide reliable information on coho salmon occurrence at a much lower cost compared to conventional adult spawner surveys.Looking AheadImproving conditions for CCC coho salmon,particularly in consideration of climate change,requires adequate seasonal streamflow with improved passage and habitat diversity to improve and maintain population viability.Flow protections and improvements are needed to protect all life stages,habitat,and habitat processes.Passage improvements are needed to remedy both partial and complete barriers to migration and reach-scale movement of adults and juveniles.Habitat improvements should include attention to instream,floodplain,and estuarine habitat complexity,and the geomorphic and watershed processes that support habitat function.Improved population monitoring is needed to better understand the status of populations and the ESU.With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,an unprecedented amount of grant funding is available to fund and implement passage and restoration projects at a greater scale than previously possible.Partnership efforts between state and federal agencies and outreach to NGOs and private landowners are critical to recovery and more important than ever.20 Spence,B.C,Rundio,D.E.,Demetras,N.J.,and Sedoryk,M.2021.Efficacy of environmental DNA sampling to detect the occurrence of coho salmon(Oncorhynchus kisutch)in Mediterranean-climate streams of Californias central coast.Environmental DNA 2021(3):727-744.Juvenile CCC coho salmon.Credit:NMFS/Morgan BondU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service30Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressUpper Noyo before(top left)and after(top right).Credit(below):Anna HalliganPARTNER in the SPOTLIGHT:Trout Unlimiteds North Coast Coho ProjectTrout Unlimiteds North Coast Coho Project(NCCP)was started in 1998 with the establishment of a new public-private partnership with the Mendocino Redwood Company in the Garcia River watershed.In this initial partnership,Trout Unlimited,Mendocino Redwood Company,and Pacific Watershed Associates worked with resource agencies to develop and fund restoration efforts on the South Fork of the Garcia River,important habitat for CCC coho salmon.This partnership and their initial efforts prevented 70 percent of estimated road-related sediment from reaching the river,equivalent to 3,500 full dump trucks.NCCP is a conservation initiative on a large spatial scale.In partnership with timber and gravel companies,wine industry leaders,private landowners,and state and federal agencies,the NCCP is working cooperatively to restore CCC coho salmon habitat.The NCCPs efforts include:assessing watershed conditions,developing and implementing projects to reduce sediment delivery to streams,installing large wood to provide cover and diversify instream habitat,and removing fish passage barriers.NCCP also significantly benefits local economies by creating jobs via focused watershed assessments,restoration construction,and fisheries population monitoring.NCCPs ability to foster new and strengthen existing partnerships with public and private landowners in Mendocino,Sonoma,and Marin counties has accelerated progress on key actions identified in the 20212025 Priority Action Plan and CCC Coho Salmon Recovery Plan.Since 2008,the NCCP has raised and leveraged nearly$25 million for habitat restoration for more than 75 individual projects.NCCP was also a key participant in the SHaRP efforts.The NCCP team attended every watershed meeting,served on expert panels,and provided technical knowledge and insight,resulting in priority restoration actions identified by reach to address the most limiting factors.NCCP has received more than$6 million in grant funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal funding opportunity.This funding will support the removal of nine partial or total barriers in Mendocino County by constructing seven projects and designing two additional projects.The NCCP team has been instrumental in moving habitat restoration forward,and their ability to form diverse partnerships has been key in CCC coho salmon recovery efforts.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service31Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTCOOK INLET BELUGA WHALE DPSThe endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale(Delphinapterus leucas)has been in decline since 1979.Where once there were an estimated 1,300 of these white whales adjacent to Alaskas most populous region,only an estimated 331 remain.The rapid decline and dire status of the Cook Inlet beluga whale population makes it a priority for NMFS and our partners to prevent extinction and promote recovery of this iconic population.The majority of the decline likely resulted from unregulated subsistence hunting but,almost 20 years after the hunting ceased,the population has failed to increase in numbers.We have yet to fully understand the reasons why this beluga whale population is not recovering.Key threats identified in the 2016 Recovery Plan are:noise,catastrophic events,cumulative effects of multiple stressors,disease agents,habitat loss or degradation,reduction in prey,unauthorized take,pollution,predation,and subsistence hunting.Recovery ProgressIn 20212022,we made substantial progress on the key actions identified in the 20212025 Priority Action Plan for the Cook Inlet beluga whale:(a)continue to improve understanding of why Cook Inlet beluga whales are not recovering by enhancing the stranding response program,(b)reduce the threat of anthropogenic noise in Cook Inlet beluga whale habitat,(c)protect habitats that support foraging or reproduction of Cook Inlet beluga whales,(d)gain a better understanding of population characteristics of Cook Inlet beluga whales to ensure effective management actions result in recovery,and(e)ensure healthy and plentiful prey are available.Tail fluke of a Cook Inlet beluga whale.Credit:NMFS/Paul Wade(Permit#20465)U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service32Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressContinue to improve understanding of why Cook Inlet beluga whales are not recovering by enhancing the stranding response programIt is important to determine causes of death(mortality),the extent to which diseases(morbidity)may limit the Cook Inlet beluga populations ability to recover,and how mortality and morbidity may be changing over time.This information is obtained by Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network members and scientists,who perform necropsies of dead stranded Cook Inlet beluga whales.Recent studies from this work indicate that common causes of death include impacts from live stranding,trauma,malnutrition,and perinatal mortality,as well as a variety of diseases.In order to obtain this biological information,we need to find and respond to dead whales before the process of decay has become too advanced.To this end,NMFS continues to redouble its efforts to inform local pilots and members of the public to quickly report sightings of dead(or live-stranded)animals so members of our stranding network can respond rapidly.NMFS continues to distribute stranding response kits to specially trained and authorized partners,giving them the tools to conduct thorough field examinations of beluga carcasses when strandings occur.We updated and revised the stranding response plan to include sample collection protocols and we are currently updating the Cook Inlet beluga whale stranding response plan.NMFS also continues to work to improve service agreements for stranding response,including flight support,veterinarians,and pathologists.We improved coordination with our partners in stranding response to encourage reporting of dead and live beluga whales,with a 10-year average response rate of 81 percent.We continue to improve awareness of the stranding hotline via NMFS websites and partner websites,media stories,public service announcements,outreach events,and internet search engines.We have also continued our social media presence and our partners have several Facebook and Instagram pages specifically for Cook Inlet belugas that have a large followership who have been active in reporting sightings.We promote timely reporting of strandings at public events,including an annual beluga workshop at the Alaska Marine Science Symposium,numerous in-school presentations,outreach booths at large public events(e.g.,boat,plane,and sportsmans shows),the annual Belugas Count!celebration,and community science monitoring sessions.We continue to develop new educational materials with the stranding hotline number and install signs at pullouts along public roadways adjacent to Cook Inlet,Alaska.Reduce the threat of anthropogenic noise in Cook Inlet beluga whale habitatCook Inlet beluga whales are a very difficult species to study.The extraordinarily silty water they live in makes them impossible to see except for the portions of their bodies that break the surface of the water.Thirty-foot tides(the highest in the United States)and miles-wide mudflats make boating extremely dangerous.For a third of the year,belugas dwell among large chunks of ice that swift tides wash back and forth.While the harsh conditions may help protect Cook Inlet belugas from predatory killer whales,this dynamic environment severely hinders our ability to understand what may be limiting their recovery.The turbid waters also limit the whales ability to see their food and each other.They see their world through echolocation,which makes noise pollution in Cook Inlet a potentially serious problem.Cook Inlet is a naturally noisy environment at times,given the hiss of glacial silt in the water,the rushing tides moving rubble on the bottom,and the cracks and rumbles of shifting ice during much of the year.Although belugas in Cook Inlet live in an area where visibility is severely limited and the habitat is naturally noisy,they have managed to adapt to these conditions.What they have perhaps not adapted to as well is human-caused noise from activities such as pile driving,seismic exploration,oil and gas rigs,ship traffic,and military operations.A Cook Inlet beluga calf swims in the Inlet waters.Credit:The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project/Tamara McGuireU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service33Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressManolo Castellote(NOAA Affiliate,University of Washington CICOES)and Chris Garner(DoD,Joint Base Elendorf-Richardson)retrieve acoustic recording equipment from the shore of Knik Arm in upper Cook Inlet.Credit:NMFSA partnership of scientists from NMFS and the Alaska Department of Fish&Game(ADF&G)has been deploying passive acoustic monitors around key locations in Cook Inlet to identify beluga seasonal feeding grounds and to better understand noise in these waters and its potential effects on belugas.Since 2020,13 locations in Cook Inlet have been acoustically monitored seasonally or year-round to identify seasonal feeding grounds and to capture data on anthropogenic noise levels,with a goal of characterizing how noise may affect foraging.With support from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management(BOEM),NMFS has also deployed Cetacean and Porpoise Detectors,which detect the echolocation clicks of toothed whales(like belugas),dolphins,and porpoises,at four key river mouths in lower Cook Inlet.These detectors classify groups of potential echolocation signals based on the intensity,duration,frequency content,and variation in inter-click intervals.These efforts provide temporal data on beluga activity such as presence,feeding behavior,or habitat usage.NMFS is finalizing a Population Consequences of Disturbance model,which will assess the degree to which anthropogenic disturbance,and in particular noise,may impact survival and reproduction of Cook Inlet belugas during different life stages,and will evaluate the impacts of hypothetical noise-producing anthropogenic activities that are representative of the actions anticipated in the near future in Cook Inlet.NMFS works with applicant agencies and industries to develop and implement measures to mitigate the impact of noise in Cook Inlet,including operational windows that reduce noise in seasonally important foraging and calving habitat,and marine mammal monitoring to prevent injurious noise exposure to the whales.In addition,NMFS conducts public education and outreach to encourage“beluga friendly”watercraft to reduce the impact of noise and disturbance from such activities.Protect habitats that support foraging or reproduction of Cook Inlet beluga whalesDirectly across Cook Inlet from Anchorage lies the Susitna River Delta,which appears to function as the very core of essential habitat for these whales in the summer months with its plentiful salmon and eulachon runs.At times,a very large proportion of the population has been sighted congregating there.The Susitna River Delta has also been identified by surveys as an important calving area.This information about foraging and reproduction has led NMFS to give special consideration to protecting the habitat in this area during ESA section 7 consultations.Although we now have a good understanding of areas important to Cook Inlet belugas in the summer,we have historically known little about their winter habits.In an attempt to better document beluga distribution and habitat during non-summer months,NMFS partnered with BOEM to implement winter aerial Cook Inlet beluga mother and calf pair.Credit:The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project/Tamara McGuireU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service34Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to Congresssurveys from 2018 to 2022.The effort has provided valuable information on important wintering areas such as the upper inlet,Kenai River,Tuxedni Bay,and around Kalgin Island,which is being used to inform management decisions and development of mitigation measures.Gain a better understanding of population characteristics of Cook Inlet beluga whales to ensure effective management actions result in recoveryOur best range-wide population monitoring information for Cook Inlet belugas comes from aerial surveys conducted by NMFS in the summer since 1993.These surveys help estimate the abundance of Cook Inlet belugas throughout their range.The most recent survey was completed in June 2022,producing a median abundance estimate of 331 individuals.This recent estimate is an increase from the previous(2018)median estimate of 279,providing hope that the population may be stabilizing and/or increasing;however,wildlife population numbers commonly fluctuate inter-annually,and additional years of survey data will be needed before conclusions can be drawn.Since 2005,NMFS has also supported the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo ID project,which tracks individual beluga whales in Cook Inlet via oblique photographs taken from shore and small boats.Sighting histories are compiled for each known individual in a Cook Inlet beluga photo-ID catalog,providing information on distribution,habitat use,social structure,and reproduction.Since 2017,NMFS has also been employing small unmanned aircraft to collect aerial imagery of belugas to estimate calf production and add to the existing photo-ID catalog.We have been partnering with entities specializing in artificial intelligence photo recognition to develop an automated photo-matching process,allowing for faster processing of photographic data.Since 2016,NMFS has collected data on individual whales by obtaining biopsy samples from Cook Inlet belugas to provide data on genotypes to identify individuals,maternal/paternal relationships,the age of whales using epigenetic methods,health indicators from gene expression and skin microbiomes,pregnant females and sexually mature males,hormone stress levels,contaminant loads,and other important parameters.In 2019,NMFS initiated the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program.This NMFS community science program,supported by multiple partners,trains volunteers to collect data on beluga distribution and habitat and coordinates their shore-based beluga monitoring at five sites throughout Cook Inlet.The data collected are shared with biologists to inform ongoing marine mammal research and management activities and are displayed in the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Sightings Portal.This publically accessible portal is the result of a partnership between NMFS,Axiom,and the Alaska Ocean Observing System.Ensure healthy and plentiful prey are availableThe Cook Inlet beluga population remains suppressed either because they are not reproducing fast enough or their survival rates are too low,or both.The availability of sufficient food could affect either or both of these factors.In order to understand if there is sufficient prey for Cook Inlet belugas,we need to understand the whales nutritional needs for healthy growth and reproduction.In 2018,NMFS partnered with the Georgia Aquarium and University of California Santa Cruz for an ongoing study to determine the energetic requirements and metabolic needs of belugas.Data on oxygen consumption of resting and diving whales housed at Georgia Aquarium were correlated with their overall body condition and daily caloric food intake.This will allow metabolic demands of the whales to be matched An Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center employee monitors for Cook Inlet beluga whales in upper Turnagain Arm,Cook Inlet.Credit:Alaska Beluga Monitoring PartnershipU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service35Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressCook Inlet beluga whale.Credit:NMFS/Paul Wade(Permit#20465)to potential prey resource needs and applied to the wild Cook Inlet beluga population.Data from Phase 1 of this study have been incorporated into the previously described Population Consequences of Disturbance model to address whether sufficient prey resources are available in the Cook Inlet ecosystem to support the beluga population and to assess the impact various sources of disturbance may have on beluga physiology.In addition,NMFS is working to identify year-round distribution and abundance of beluga prey in rivers and streams throughout Cook Inlet.In 2020 and 2021,we conducted a pilot project using eDNA to identify fish species present in the Twentymile and Kenai rivers during months when belugas are using the area.This tool is greatly expanding our understanding of what is available for belugas to eat,particularly during the winter months,which has not been well documented previously,and a collaborative effort aimed at expanding eDNA sampling efforts across the populations range is now underway.Other Recovery ProgressIn addition to addressing the actions identified in the 20212025 Priority Action Plan,NMFS continues to pursue a diversity of activities supporting conservation and recovery of the Cook Inlet beluga whale.Federal and Cook Inlet beluga recovery work is guided and informed by the multi-partner Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Recovery Implementation Task Force,coordinated by NMFS and ADF&G.The primary role of the Task Force is to engage the expertise of researchers,managers,communicators,and various other stakeholders to advise NMFS and ADF&G on specific topics or issues relating to Cook Inlet beluga recovery.During 20212022,the Task Force committees accomplished multiple goals,including the initiation of subcommittees focused on evaluating and addressing contaminant,prey,and habitat restoration issues(Habitat and Threats Committee);development of virtual and printed educational outreach materials(Outreach Committee);and coordination and tracking of research projects and fieldwork(Research Committee).After a 2-year pandemic pause,September 2022 heralded the return of Belugas Count!,Alaskas largest 1-day marine mammal outreach event.The event is hosted by NMFS with support from more than 20 partners from government agencies,universities,NGOs,tribes,industry,zoos,and aquaria across the country.The 2022 event,which featured 30 beluga observation stations,was attended by more than 1,000 members of the public,with another 32,000 people engaging virtually.Also in September 2022,NMFS released the new 5-year review on the status of the Cook Inlet beluga whale.Five-year reviews are periodic analyses of a species status conducted to ensure that the listing classification of a species as threatened or endangered is accurate.Based on the best available scientific and commercial information,NMFS determined that the Cook Inlet beluga whale DPS should remain listed as endangered.In addition to community science efforts such as Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program,Belugas Count!,and other outreach described above,during 20212022 NMFS encouraged media coverage and produced public service announcements regarding Cook Inlet belugas.In fall 2022,Public Broadcasting Service aired an episode of Molly of Denali,an award-winning childrens cartoon dedicated to Belugas Count!and Cook Inlet beluga whales.Looking AheadIn collaboration with our partners,we are continuing to improve our knowledge of Cook Inlet beluga whales and their habitat needs.The most recent abundance estimate indicates slight growth of the population,which is heartening;however,we have not yet definitively identified the root cause(s)for the populations lack of sustained growth to date.Research efforts will continue to focus on that task,which is key to the successful recovery and long-term conservation of the Cook Inlet beluga whale.U.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service36Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressPARTNER in the SPOTLIGHT:Teresa Becher,Intern/Volunteer,University of Alaska Anchorage,Kenai Peninsula College&Alaska Wildlife AllianceIn 2013,Teresa Becher retired from 25 years of service as a peace officer for the California Highway Patrol and moved to Soldotna/Kenai,Alaska,where she returned to school and earned her undergraduate degree in Natural Science from the University of Alaska,Anchorage,with a focus on pre-veterinary medicine.Teresa became intrigued by Cook Inlet beluga whales and,through the NMFS Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program(AKBMP),Alaska Wildlife Alliance,and University of Alaskas Kenai Peninsula College,began monitoring them in the Kenai Peninsula area.In 2019,she became the Kenai and Kasilof Beluga Monitoring Coordinator for the Alaska Wildlife Alliance and Kenai Peninsula College.As of the beginning of 2023,Teresa has logged 378 hours of monitoring with AKBMP.As a result of her efforts and contributions by other volunteers and community members,the Kenai monitoring site consistently has the longest number of days monitored in a row during both the spring and fall monitoring seasons.This total does not include a substantial amount of monitoring that she conducts outside of that program;she is often seen in Kenai and Kasilof collecting opportunistic sighting data and providing support for newer beluga monitors.Teresa is well known in the Kenai Peninsula community and has trained many of the AKBMP volunteers who monitor in the Kenai area.She also dedicates tremendous time and energy to engaging with the local community to educate on the endangered beluga population,promote AKBMP,and recruit new volunteers.In her role with the Alaska Wildlife Alliance,Teresa runs the organizations beluga text alert system,which sends texts to the public when belugas are sighted in the Kenai River.This system both bolsters public enthusiasm for Cook Inlet belugas and alerts fishermen and other recreators on the river of the presence of the imperiled whales so that they can keep an eye out and avoid the whales.Teresa has also supported NMFS Cook Inlet beluga eDNA research since its inception,working with Kenai Peninsula College professors to collect samples at the Kenai River through every month of the year,and training students on sample collection.This eDNA work is invaluable in providing information about the seasonal presence of both belugas and their prey in the Kenai area.In addition,she is a key contact for AKBMP partner organizations,graduate students,and other researchers engaged in Cook Inlet beluga recovery efforts on the Kenai Peninsula.A true team player,Teresa credits all of her mentors and collaborators for the success of her work.However,it is Teresas passion and dedication to Cook Inlet belugas that inspire recovery partners,students,and the public,and her contributions continue to have a lasting impact on Cook Inlet beluga conservation across the Kenai Peninsula region.Credit:Allison Gardell,Kenai Peninsula CollegeU.S.Department of Commerce|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Marine Fisheries Service37Recovering Threatened and Endangered Species:FY 20212022 Report to CongressSPECIES in the SPOTLIGHTHAWAIIAN MONK SEALThe Hawaiian monk seal(Neomonachus schauinslandi)is the worlds only surviving tropical seal species.Hawaiian monk seals are endemic to the Hawaiian Archipelago,which stretches 1,500 miles from Hawaii Island to Kure Atoll.While the predominant trend has been a steep population decline since the 1950s,the past 10 years of population assessments,recovery interventions,partnership growth,and time as a NMFS Species in the Spotlight have yielded some encouraging results.The 2022 annual population assessment showed that Hawaiian monk seals have increased in numbers by about 2 percent annually since 2013,reversing at least six decades of steep population decline.The population is now estimated to be around 1,600,with roughly 1,200 of those seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and approximately 400 in the main Hawaiian Islands.This recent g
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2|2023 World Air Quality Report About this report .3Executive summary .4Where does the data come from?.5Why PM2.5?.5Climate change and air pollution.6Data presentation .7Global PM2.5 map .82023 Country/region ranking .92023 World capital city ranking .10Overview of public monitoring status .11Regional summaries .12East Asia .12China .13South Korea .14Southeast Asia .15Indonesia .16Malaysia .17Thailand .18Vietnam .19Central&South Asia .20Bangladesh .21India .22Pakistan .23West Asia .24Europe .25Ukraine .26Northern America .27United States .28Latin America&Caribbean .29Brazil .30Chile .31Colombia .32Africa .33South Africa .34Oceania .35Next steps .36What can governments do?What can I do?.36Become an outdoor data contributor .37Methodology .38Data sources .38Data validation .38Data calibration .38Data calculation .38City level data .38Country/region data .38Data availability .39Disclaimer .39FAQ .40References .41Acknowledgments .45Contents3|2023 World Air Quality Report About this reportThe 2023 World Air Quality Report provides a global review of air quality data for the year 2023.The report summarizes PM2.5 air quality data from 7,812 cities spanning 134 countries,regions,and territories.The data utilized to create this report was aggregated from more than 30,000 air quality monitoring stations operated by research institutions,governmental bodies,universities and educational facilities,non-profit organizations,private companies,and citizen scientists.PM2.5 data is reported in units of micrograms per cubic meter(g/m3)and incorporates the latest World Health Organization(WHO)annual PM2.5 guideline and interim targets for data visualization and risk communication(released in 2021).The 2023 World Air Quality Report was created from real-time air quality data sourced from IQAirs global air quality monitoring platform that vets incoming data with validation and calibration protocols to harmonize air quality data from monitoring stations around the world.Historic air quality data utilized in the creation of this report can be found on the IQAir website,including an interactive map featuring annual city concentrations,global city-level rankings and links to the more than 7,000 dedicated city pages providing local real-time air quality data and information.IQAir strives to actively involve,educate,and motivate governments,educators,researchers,non-profit organizations,corporations,and individuals to foster collaborative endeavors aimed at enhancing public awareness of air quality.IQAir seeks to facilitate well-informed discussions and inspire initiatives that advance air quality and promote the well-being of communities and cities worldwide.4|2023 World Air Quality Report Causing an estimated one in every nine deaths worldwide,air pollution is the greatest environ-mental threat to human health.According to the World Health Organization(WHO),air pollution is responsible for an estimated seven million premature deaths worldwide every year.1Exposure to PM2.5 air pollution leads to and exacerbates numerous health conditions,includ-ing but not limited to asthma,cancer,stroke,and lung disease.2 Additionally,exposure to ele-vated levels of fine particles can impair cognitive development in children,lead to mental health issues,and complicate existing illnesses including diabetes.The data utilized to create this report was aggregated from the global distribution of more than 30,000 regulatory air quality monitoring stations and low-cost air quality sensors operated by research institutions,governmental bodies,universities and educational facilities,non-profit non-governmental organizations,private companies,and citizen scientists.The 2022 World Air Quality Report included data from 7,323 locations in 131 countries,regions,and territories.In 2023,those numbers have grown to include 7,812 locations in 134 countries,regions,and territories.Coverage in Africa has expanded significantly in 2023 with seven new countries being added to the region.Coverage has also expanded across Latin America with four additional countries included in 2023.The African nations of Chad and Sudan,as well as the West Asian country of Iran,are notably absent in 2023 due to a lack of publicly available monitoring data.In 2023,10 out of the reporting 134 countries and regions succeeded in achieving the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 g/m3.With only 9%of globally reporting cities achieving the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline,much more work remains to be done to combat air pollution.While PM2.5 poses direct health risks,its implications extend beyond human health to complex environmental processes impacted by the Earths climate.Climate change,primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions,plays a pivotal role in influencing concentrations of PM2.5 air pollut-ants,and fossil fuel emissions are simultaneously responsible for the majority of PM2.5 related deaths.3 Simultaneously addressing air pollution and climate change goals is feasible,offering opportunities for comprehensive environmental improvements.Executive summary5|2023 World Air Quality Report Unlike many other air quality reports and applications that rely on modeled satellite data,our report ex-clusively utilizes empirically measured PM2.5 data obtained from ground-level air monitoring stations.PM2.5 measurement data in this report is aggregated from a combination of regulatory air quality monitoring equipment and low-cost air quality sensors.These instruments are maintained and oper-ated by a diverse range of entities,including government agencies,educational institutions,non-profit organizations,and individual citizens committed to monitoring their local air quality.Most of the data integrated into the World Air Quality Report is collected in real-time,bolstered by supplementary air quality measurements sourced from historical year-end datasets.This comprehensive approach,blending real-time and historical data,generates our global dataset for in-depth analysis.Individual air quality monitoring stations and sensors are grouped into“settlements,”representing cit-ies,towns,villages,counties,and municipalities,based on local population distributions and admin-istrative divisions.We refer to these“settlements”as cities throughout this report.Our calculations of annual PM2.5 concentrations for countries and regions are population-weighted averages of city-level concentrations.Why PM2.5?PM2.5 concentration,fine particulate aerosol particles measuring up to 2.5 microns in diameter,is the primary air quality indicator for the World Air Quality Report.Measured in micrograms per cubic meter(g/m),PM2.5 is one of six common pollutants monitored and regulated by environmental agencies worldwide due to the significant impacts to human health and the environment.PM2.5 can originate from a variety of sources,each potentially resulting in distinct chemical compo-sitions and physical characteristics.Common components of PM2.5 include sulfates,black carbon,nitrates,and ammonium.Anthropogenic sources of PM2.5 are predominantly linked to combustion engines,industrial processes,power generation,coal and wood burning,agricultural activities,and construction.Natural sources include dust storms,wildfires,and sandstorms.Where does the data come from?6|2023 World Air Quality Report Climate change and air pollutionPM2.5,or particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or smaller,is a key component of air pollution.Exposure to these particles has been directly linked to health problems includ-ing cardiovascular disease,neurological disease,and increased risk of death.While PM2.5 poses direct health risks,its implications extend beyond human health to complex environ-mental processes that are impacted by the Earths climate.Climate change,primarily driven by greenhouse gas emissions,plays a pivotal role in influencing concentrations of PM2.5 air pollutants through various pathways,including the impact of wildfire smoke and pollen-based aeroallergens.Fossil fuel emissions account for 65%of global CO2 emissions and are also the primary cause of the majority of PM2.5-related deaths,highlighting the interconnected rela-tionship between air quality and climate change.4,5,6 Simultaneously addressing air pollution and climate change goals is feasible,offering opportunities for comprehensive environmental improvements.Climate change can alter weather patterns,leading to changes in wind and precipitation.This,in turn,can affect the dispersion and removal of PM2.5 from the atmosphere.Projections indi-cate that climate change will exacerbate air quality issues,with extreme heat events becoming more severe and frequent.In many regions,intense pollution events coincide with extreme heat,exacerbated by air stagnation events where weak winds hinder ground-level ventilation,allowing pollutants to accumulate.As climate change progresses,the frequency of such events is anticipated to increase.Extended periods of dry,hot conditions have led to the increased frequency and severity of wildfires in many regions.Wildfires emit gases and fine particles that pose threats to human health,leading to premature mortality,asthma,and various health issues.Wildfire smoke can travel for hundreds of miles,negatively impacting populations at significant geographic distanc-es from the original fire.Pollen seasons have become longer and more intense with increased levels of grass and tree pollen emissions due to changing climate patterns.Allergic airway disease,such as allergic rhi-nitis and asthma,occur through exposure to allergenic pollens and molds.7,8 The health impact of allergic airway disease is exacerbated by concurrent exposure to allergens and air pollutants like PM2.5.9,107|2023 World Air Quality Report This report employs the World Health Organizations(WHO)annual PM2.5 guideline levels and interim targets for PM2.5 to visualize data.This approach makes it easier to identify cities and regions facing significant health risks due to PM2.5.The table below shows the framework for the color-coding used in this report.The framework employs seven distinct colors.Each color represents a PM2.5 concentration range correspond-ing to WHO annual PM2.5 guideline or target values.The colors range from blue,denoting the lowest PM2.5 levels and locations meeting the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level,to maroon,indicating the highest PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the guideline by tenfold.Data presentation2023 World Air Quality Report visualization frameworkExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by 1 to 2 timesMeets WHO PM2.5 guidelineExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by 2 to 3 timesExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by 3 to 5 timesExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by 5 to 7 timesExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by 7 to 10 timesExceeds WHO PM2.5 guideline by over 10 timesPM2.5Color codeWHO levels5.1-10(g/m)GreenInterim target 40-5(g/m)BlueAir quality guideline10.1-15(g/m)YellowInterim target 315.1-25(g/m)OrangeInterim target 235.1-50(g/m)PurpleExceeds target levels25.1-35(g/m)RedInterim target 150(g/m)MaroonExceeds target levelsAnnual PM2.5 breakpoints based on WHOannual PM2.5 guideline and interim targets8|2023 World Air Quality Report 2023 Global PM2.5 Map2023 global map color coded by annual average PM2.5 concentrationIn 2023,the countries,regions,and territories in Africa and Central and South Asia suffered from the highest annual average PM2.5 concentrations weighted by population.While the availability of air quality data in Africa continues to slowly grow,only 24 out of 54 countries in Africa had sufficient data available to be included in 2023s report,leaving 30 countries unaccounted for.Afghanistan had consistently ranked in the top 15 most polluted countries since 2019,however it,along with the country of Oman(ranked as the 6th most polluted country in 2022),is notably absent due to a lack of data availability.In 2023,20 new countries were represented including Burkina Faso,2023s 5th most polluted country,and Rwanda,2023s 15th most polluted coun-try.In 2023,10 countries,territories,and regions achieved the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline,many of which were located in the region of Oceania.PM2.5(g/m)59|2023 World Air Quality Report Population weighted,2023 average PM2.5 concentration(g/m)for countries,regions,and territories in descending order.91929394959697989910010110210310410510610710810911011111211311411511611711811912012112212312412512612712812913013113213313412345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728 29 30313233 343536373839404142434445BangladeshPakistanIndiaTajikistanBurkina FasoIraqUnited Arab EmiratesNepalEgyptDem.Rep.of the CongoKuwaitBahrainQatarIndonesiaRwandaZimbabweGhanaKyrgyzstanChinaLibyaLaosVietnamUzbekistanGambiaMyanmarSenegalBosnia HerzegovinaUgandaEthiopiaSaudi ArabiaArmeniaNorth MacedoniaZambiaCameroonNigeriaThailandCambodiaMalaysiaMongoliaKazakhstanMontenegroMadagascarSerbiaTurkeyTaiwanSurinameLithuaniaCanadaRussiaSpainJapanPanamaAustriaFranceBelgiumArgentinaUSAGermanySwitzerlandLuxembourgNetherlandsUkraineBelizeLatviaAndorraAngolaUnited KingdomDenmarkAnguillaEcuadorLiechtensteinJamaicaPortugalIrelandNorwayCosta RicaTrinidad and TobagoBahamasSwedenFinlandEstoniaPuerto RicoAustraliaNew ZealandBermudaGrenadaIcelandMauritiusFrench Polynesia79.973.754.449.046.643.8 43.042.442.440.8 39.939.2 37.6 37.1 36.8 33.333.2 33.1 32.530.429.629.628.6 28.5 28.228.2 27.5 27.3 27.0 26.5 26.4 25.224.1 24.0 23.9 23.3 22.8 22.5 22.5 22.2 21.320.620.520.3 20.210.610.4 10.3 10.0 9.99.6 9.6 9.69.5 9.4 9.2 9.19.0 8.9 8.9 8.78.6 8.38.07.9 7.8 7.7 7.7 7.4 7.4 7.2 7.1 6.8 6.3 6.3 6.1 5.8 5.2 5.1 4.9 4.7 4.5 4.5 4.3 4.1 4.1 4.0 3.5 3.2 464748495051525354555657585960616263646566676869707172737475767778798081828384858687888990MexicoSouth AfricaEl SalvadorSri LankaSouth KoreaPeruAzerbaijanChileGuatemalaState of PalestineIsraelGreeceGuyanaGabonAlbaniaIvory CoastGeorgiaTogoMacao SARMoldovaNicaraguaRomaniaHong Kong SARMaldivesHondurasItalySloveniaCyprusPolandColombiaGuineaCroatiaAlgeriaPhilippinesSingaporeBulgariaSlovakiaBrazilBoliviaKosovoMaltaHungaryUruguay Czech Republic Kenya20.119.9 19.5 19.3 19.2 18.8 18.8 18.8 18.7 18.6 17.8 17.4 17.1 16.916.7 16.6 16.4 16.3 16.2 15.7 15.7 15.7 15.6 15.3 15.1 15.0 14.914.3 14.1 14.1 13.913.8 13.8 13.5 13.4 13.2 13.1 12.6 12.612.1 12.0 12.011.7 11.5 10.62023 Country/region ranking10|2023 World Air Quality Report WHO PM2.5 air quality guidelineWHO PM2.5 air quality guideline10102020303040405050606070708090 100 11000Population weighted,2023 average PM2.5 concentration(g/m3)for countries,regions,and territories in descending order 1.New Delhi,India (92.7)2.Dakha,Bangladesh(80.2)3.Ouagadougou,Burkina Faso(46.6)4.Tajikistan,Dushanbe(46.0)5.Baghdad,Iraq(45.8)6.Abuja,Nigeria(45.4)7.Jakarta,Indonesia(43.8)8.Hanoi,Vietnam(43.7)9.Islamabad,Pakistan(42.4)10.Cairo,Egypt(42.4)12.Kinshasa,Democratic Republic of the Congo(40.8)13.Kuwait City,Kuwait(39.9)15.Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates(38.2)14.Manama,Bahrain(39.2)17.Kigali,Rwanda(36.8)18.Beijing,China(34.1)19.Harare,Zimbabwe(33.3)20.Accra,Ghana(33.2)21.Vientiane,Laos(29.7)22.Tashkent,Uzbekistan(28.6)23.Sarajevo,Bosnia Herzegovina(28.6)25.Kampala,Uganda(27.3)26.Addis Ababa,Ethiopia(27.0)27.Yerevan,Armenia(26.4)28.Riyadh,Saudi Arabia(26.1)29.Bishkek,Kyrgyzstan(26.0)30.Skopje,North Macedonia(24.6)31.Lusaka,Zambia(24.1)32.Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia(22.9)33.Phnom Penh,Cambodia(22.8)34.Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia(22.5)35.Mexico City,Mexico(22.3)36.Podgorica,Montenegro(22.1)37.Bangkok,Thailand(21.7)38.Santiago,Chile(21.3)39.Pretoria,South Africa(21.1)40.Antananarivo,Madagascar(20.6)59.Tbilisi,Georgia(15.5)60.Pristina,Kosovo(15.2)61.Tegucigalpa,Honduras(15.1)62.Zagreb,Croatia(14.9)63.Nicosia,Cyprus(14.4)64.Conakry,Guinea(13.9)65.Algiers,Algeria(13.8)66.Singapore,Singapore(13.4)67.Bogot,Colombia(13.4)68.Warsaw,Poland(13.2)69.Rome,Italy(13.1)70.Sucre,Bolivia(12.2)71.Sofia,Bulgaria(12.0)72.Bratislava,Slovakia(11.8)73.Washington D.C.,USA(11.7)74.Montevideo,Uruguay(11.7)75.Budapest,Hungary(11.7)76.Ankara,Turkey(11.3)77.Paramibo,Suriname(10.6)79.Nairobi,Kenya(10.5)78.Vilnius,Lithuania(10.6)11.Kathmandu,Nepal(41.0)24.Dakar,Senegal(28.2)41.Seoul,South Korea(19.7)42.Lima,Peru(19.7)43.Tel Aviv-Yafo,Israel(19.0)44.Belgrade,Serbia(18.8)45.Baku,Azerbaijan(18.8)80.Berlin,Germany(10.5)81.Moscow,Russia(10.4)82.Paris,France(10.3)83.Prague,Czech Republic(9.8)84.Brussels,Belgium(9.8)85.Tokyo,Japan(9.7)86.Ottawa,Canada(9.7)87.Panama,Panama(9.6)88.Buenos Aires,Argentina(9.6)89.Bern,Switzerland(9.1)95.London,United Kingdom(8.4)92.Madrid,Spain(9.0)98.Lisbon,Portugal(7.6)103.Oslo,Norway(6.2)90.Amsterdam,Netherlands(9.1)96.Copenhagen,Denmark(7.9)101.Brasilia,Brazil(6.8)93.Kyiv,Ukraine(8.9)99.Quito,Ecuador(7.4)104.San Jose,Costa Rica(6.1)91.Vienna,Austria(9.1)97.Luanda,Angola(7.8)102.Dublin,Ireland(6.3)94.Luxembourg,Luxembourg(8.8)100.Vaduz,Liechtenstein(7.2)105.Port of Spain,Trinidad and Tobago(5.7)16.Doha,Qatar(37.6)46.Guatemala City,Guatemala(18.7)2023 Regional capital city ranking48.Georgetown,Guyana(17.0)49.Libreville,Gabon(16.9)50.Athens,Greece(16.7)51.Tirana,Albania(16.7)52.Astana,Kazakhstan(16.8)53.Lome,Togo(16.3)109.Tallinn,Estonia(4.6)107.Nassau,Bahamas(5.2)113.Wellington,New Zealand(3.1)110.Hamilton,Bermuda(4.1)108.Helsinki,Finland(4.9)114.San Juan,Puerto Rico(2.7)106.Stockholm,Sweden(5.4)112.Canberra,Australia(3.8)111.Reykjavik,Iceland(3.9)47.Colombo,Sri Lanka(18.3)55.Ljubljana,Slovenia(15.9)54.Macao,Macao SAR(16.2)56.Bucharest,Romania(15.8)57.Chisinau,Moldova(15.7)58.Hong Kong,Hong Kong SAR(15.5)11|2023 World Air Quality Report Overview of public monitoring statusGlobal distribution of PM2.5 monitoring stationsA map illustrating the global distribution of air quality monitoring stations reveals significant disparities in real-time air quality data accessibility for the public.In regions heavily affected by pollution,where effective air quality monitoring is crucial,the availability of data is at times uncertain.Notable countries not included in the 2023 report due to a lack of publicly available monitoring data include the African nations of Chad(2022 rank:1)and Sudan(2022 rank:12)and the West Asian country of Iran(2022 rank:21).Continuous progress in the development of cost-effective monitors has established them as a practical public alternative in countries,regions,and territories where government-operated air quality monitoring stations are absent.These technological advancements facilitate easy deployment and operation even in remote areas.The affordability of these monitors mitigates economic barriers,as their minimal maintenance costs make it feasible to establish a dense network of stations.In 2023,independently operated low-cost air quality monitoring provided the only real-time air quality data for Afghanistan*,Albania,Angola,the Bahamas,Barbados*,Bermuda,Bolivia,Cambodia,Cape Verde*,Cayman Islands,Djibouti*,Dominican Republic*,Ecuador,French Polynesia,Gabon,Gambia,Greenland*,Grenada,Guyana,Honduras,Jamaica,Jersey*,Lebanon*,Libya,Maldives,Mauritius,Montserrat*,Morocco*,Mozambique*,Namibia*,Nicaragua,Niger,Oman*,Panama,Papua New Guinea*,Suriname,Tanzania*,Timor Leste*,Tonga*,Trinidad and Tobago,U.S.Virgin Islands*,Uruguay,Venezuela,Zambia,and Zimbabwe.*Cities in these countries did not meet the required limit of 60%annual data availability and were therefore excluded from the report.Global Distribution of PM2.5 air quality monitoring stations providing data included in this report.Blue markers de-note independently operated monitoring stations,while red markers indicate government-operated stations.Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)12|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY In 2023,the region of East Asia included data from 1,285 cities from seven different countries and territories.China,Macau SAR,Hong Kong SAR,Taiwan,Japan,and South Korea all had increases in their annual average PM2.5 concentrations,while Mongolia showed a decrease in their annual average PM2.5 concentration.Taiwan experienced the largest change in annual PM2.5 concentration with a 50%increase from 13.4 g/m3 in 2022 to 20.2 g/m3 in 2023.Mongolia recorded a nearly 25crease to continue a downward trend in their annual PM2.5 concentration from 2022.The increases in concentrations in 2023 in Taiwan and Hong Kong SAR mark their return to the WHO interim target 2 level,with annual PM2.5 concentrations rising above 15 g/m3.Mongolias decrease in annual average PM2.5 concentration below 25 g/m3 were sufficient to achieve the WHO interim target 2 level.Of the 1,285 cities in the region,the annual average PM2.5 concentrations for 870 cities had increased,remained constant for 28 cities,and decreased for 276 compared to 2022.In 2023,two regional cities,Ibigawa,Japan and Godo,Japan,achieved the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline concentration of 5 g/m3.Despite a three-year downward trend in annual average PM2.5 concentrations,Hotan continues to remain the most polluted city in the region,in 2023 with an annual average of 87.3 g/m3.Hotan is one of 11 regional cities whose annual average exceeds the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline by 10 times or more,all of which are in China.The least polluted city in the region is Ibigawa,Japan which posted an annual average concentration of 4.3 g/m3.MONITORING STATUSGovernment-operated monitoring stations in East Asia continue to provide some of the best monitoring coverage of any region in the world.China,Japan,and South Korea maintain expansive networks of government-operated stations producing 100%,99%,and 81%of the countrys publicly reported air quality data,respectively.Japan continues to provide the highest spatial monitoring resolution in the region.Japan is home to the greatest number of new cities added in 2023 with 51.Government-operated monitors accounted for over 97%of air quality data generated for this specific region in this report.China Mainland|Hong Kong SAR|Japan|Macau SAR|Mongolia|South Korea|Taiwan4.387.3Hotan,ChinaIbigawa,Japan0.2%7.Japan(9.6)2.Mongolia(22.5)1.China(32.5)3.Taiwan(20.2)4.South Korea(19.2)6.Hong Kong SAR(15.6)5.Macau SAR(16.2)EAST ASIA87.372.358.851.354.251.751.150.250.651.650.249.54948.748.6Nyingchi,ChinaKizilsu,ChinaNgari,ChinaAksu,ChinaGodo,JapanKashgar,China5.55.54.44.3Ogasawara,JapanLinfen,ChinaShingu,JapanPuyang,ChinaSuzu,JapanShihezi,ChinaHengchun Township,TaiwanXianyang,ChinaGuanshan,TaiwanAnyang,ChinaWajima,JapanHebi,ChinaGero,JapanYigou,ChinaMinami Ward,JapanShahecheng,ChinaTsubata,JapanXinxiang,ChinaKamaishi,JapanChangji,ChinaUchinada,JapanYanliang,China5.85.86.5Ibigawa,JapanHotan,China5.96.16.26.36.26.46.45.913|2023 World Air Quality Report 601020304050City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationCHINA MAINLANDJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022CityShanghaiBeijingShenzhenChongqingChengduGuangzhouPM2.5 annual mean(g/m)over 5 yearsBeijingShanghaiGuangzhouShenzhenChengduChongqingPROGRESS Chinas five-year historic trend of declining PM2.5 concentrations ended in 2023 following a 6.3%increase in PM2.5 levels with an annual average concentration of 32.5 g/m3.This long-term trend reversal was evident in the capital city of Beijing,where citizens there experienced a 14%increase in the annual average PM2.5 concentration.Air quality in China varies across different regions due to a combination of factors,including diverse geographical features,industrial activities,and sources of pollution.Provinces such as Hebei and Henan show higher pockets of pollution with nearly 75%of provinces cities reporting annual average PM2.5 concentrations seven to ten times the recommended WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value.Air quality conditions in the province of Tibet remain consistent with those reported 2022 with 90%of cities reporting annual averages between 5 and 10 g/m3.CHALLENGESChina has transformed its air quality for the better over the past decade thanks to a government campaign to curb air pollution.11 However,thick smog returned to Beijing,major cities like Tianjin,and numerous provinces for several days in the spring and fall of 2023.12 Following these incidents,Chinas state council released an action plan in December to reduce coal consumption in northern China.13 70%of Chinas emissions can be attributed to coal power.14 Chinas air quality was also impacted by dust storms,coal production,industry,household solid biomass fuel burning,and transportation.15,16HIGHLIGHT:COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT PERMITSChina is the worlds largest emitter of greenhouse gases,emitting 12.7 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide annually.17 The country has committed to reach peak carbon dioxide emissions by 2030,to becoming carbon-neutral by 2060,and increasing non-fossil fuel energy sources.However,China increased approvals for coal-powered power plants,with 243 gigawatts of coal-fired capacity permitted or under construction in 2023.18,19 This recently accelerated permitting jeopardizes countrys ability to meet its goals and commitments.20192020202120222023PM2.5(g/m)5035251510528.725.436.528.031.332.528.326.817.816.119.323.933.448.534.129.832.053.958.641.430.019.418.221.027.035.930.143.217.115.724.220.222.618.317.68.48.010.410.217.422.424.954.138.722.818.913.110.713.414.417.830.047.239.038.374.060.638.324.532.630.423.120.917.024.028.944.572.123.521.329.032.731.123.622.115.312.615.716.223.330.630.225.426.0100P %00pijingAnnual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levels2019202020212022202310.9.2.6.8.9.6.2%9.9.1.9.5.1.3.4.5.7.8.6.5.4%9.4%7.6$.4.3.6.1.6%8.7%5.5).4.2.7.8.8|2023 World Air Quality Report 25201015City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationSOUTH KOREAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsSeoulDaejeonBusanGwangjuDaeguUlsanPROGRESS In 2023,South Korea reversed recent trends of declining annual average PM2.5 concentration,seeing a 5%increase in 2023(19.2 g/m3)compared to 2022(18.3 g/m3).There were increases in the key cities of Seoul,Busan,Daegu,Incheon,and Ulsan.Seoul,the capital and most populous city,posted an increase of over 7%to return to the 2021 annual average PM2.5 concentration of 19.7 g/m3.Daejeon was the only key city to reduce their concentration in 2023,dropping from 15.8 g/m3 in 2022 to 12.8 g/m3 in 2023.No cities in South Korea achieved the WHO PM2.5 guideline level of 5 g/m3 in annual or monthly average concentrations.The country saw concentrations increase in 44 cities out of 76 total cities included in the report.CHALLENGESSouth Koreas air pollution stems largely from manufacturing and industrial pollution,city vehicle emissions,and dust and sand from the Gobi Desert.While yellow,desert sand-filled skies are a natural springtime phenomenon,the number of dust storms has risen since the 1960s.20 Climate change is expanding the Gobi and is impacting health across East Asia.South Koreas 57 coal-fired plants are a major source of air pollution.21 To combat this health threat,the country is implementing new air pollution controls,is shifting 24 of the plants to natural gas,and will shutter an additional 30 plants by 2034.HIGHLIGHT:TRANSBOUNDARY INDUSTRIAL POLLUTANTSWhile South Korea faces air pollution from its own industrial and energy production activity,pollution from its neighbors can also play a considerable role.In the fall and winter,prevailing winds blow west across East Asia.Those winds can carry PM2.5 sourced from coal-burning power plants in northern China into South Korea.22 The countrys more immediate neighbor,North Korea,likely plays an even greater role in impacting South Korean air quality.Research and estimations of North Koreas emissions hypothesize that the country has produced roughly similar or less amounts of PM2.5 emissions in comparison to South Korea,while carbon monoxide and sulfur oxide emissions are estimated to be 2.7 times greater.23SeoulBusanGwangjuDaeguDaejeonUlsan19.718.325.329.930.221.518.317.016.412.911.215.017.021.816.215.321.226.321.637.622.830.919.322.316.613.712.19.59.013.115.820.022.221.018.418.615.517.415.518.119.826.424.127.419.816.714.114.110.39.314.317.922.712.815.816.922.017.925.415.39.98.99.17.96.99.810.918.917.315.521.522.423.319.818.217.117.212.510.514.114.417.418.016.720232019202020212022PM2.5(g/m)50352515105100P %00p%Seoul2019202020212022202318.9.5%7.2.7%.8!.9%2.9.3%9.6%6.5.5).5.8%4.8 .4%9.6%5.1%5.9.8.7.5.5%4.9%8.2%9.4.62.9.5.9%9.5.2).7.9%7.7%4.5%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022CityRegional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)15|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY Climate conditions intensified existing air quality issues in Southeast Asia in 2023,with El Nio conditions delaying the onset of the rainy season and its mitigating impact on PM2.5 levels.The primary sources of PM2.5 in the region continue to be power generation,industry,vehicle emissions,and open burning.Transboundary haze has become a critical regional issue,leading the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)to establish the Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control(ACC THPC)in 2023.ACC THPC aims to coordinate regional efforts in combating this problem.24PM2.5 concentrations rose in eight of nine countries in the Southeast Asia region compared to 2022;only the Philippines experienced a reduction in annual average concentrations,with a 10%drop in annual average PM2.5 levels compared to 2022.Indonesia again ranked as the regions most polluted country(ranking 14th globally),2023 experiencing a 20%increase in PM2.5 levels compared to 2022.Despite being the regions least polluted country in 2022,Cambodia saw annual average PM2.5 levels nearly triple in 2023 resulting in Singapore ranking as the least polluted regional country in 2023.Of the 357 cities included in Southeast Asia,only three achieved the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 g/m3,down from eight regional cities in 2022.Broad increases in PM2.5 levels were seen in 2023 as seven regional cities in Indonesia,Vietnam,and Thailand exceeded the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline recommended levels by more than ten times in 2023,compared to 2022 when no city exceeded an annual average concentration of 50 g/m3.MONITORING STATUSThe Southeast Asia region is represented in 2023 by 357 cities in nine countries,a 51 city increase from 2022.Thailand has the greatest number of ground-based monitors in the region,hosting more than 67%of all air quality stations producing publicly available air quality data in Southeast Asia.This region depends heavily on non-government operated air quality monitoring stations to provide publicly available air quality data for its citizens.Non-government operated air quality monitoring stations produce more than 60%of each countrys data for Southeast Asia.Malaysia is the outlier with 19%non-government operated station data,showing a strong government commitment to monitoring air quality.Cambodia|Indonesia|Laos|Malaysia|Myanmar|Philippines|Singapore|Thailand|Vietnam3.771.7South Tangerang,IndonesiaMamuju,Indonesia0.9%1.Indonesia(37.1)2.Vietnam(29.6)3.Laos(29.6)4.Myanmar(28.2)6.Cambodia(22.8)7.Malaysia(22.5)8.Philippines(13.5)9.Singapore(13.4)SOUTHEAST ASIA71.761.554.149.950.850.343.943.743.850.240.139.939.639.438.1Kupang,IndonesiaMamuju,IndonesiaTay Ho,VietnamChiang Rai,Thailand5.64.63.7Bongawan,MalaysiaBan Klang,ThailandHoan Kiem,VietnamCalamba,PhilippinesBekasi,IndonesiaKendari,IndonesiaWiang Phang Kham,ThailandKathu,ThailandJakarta,IndonesiaCarmona,PhilippinesHanoi,VietnamIndrapuri,IndonesiaPong Yang Khok,ThailandPai,ThailandBalanga,PhilippinesNai Wiang,ThailandSandakan,MalaysiaBandung,IndonesiaWiang Nuea,ThailandBalikpapan,IndonesiaNong Jom,Thailand6.78.19.8South Tangerang,IndonesiaTangerang,Indonesia8.28.58.58.99.19.29.69.8Tra Vinh,VietnamBanda Aceh,IndonesiaKapit,Malaysia10.35.Thailand(23.3)16|2023 World Air Quality Report 1020253515304045556050City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationINDONESIAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsJakartaSemarangSurabayaBekasiBandungMakassarPROGRESSIndonesias annual average PM2.5 concentration rose sharply in 2023 to 37.1 g/m3,up more than 20%compared to 2022.The capital city of Jakarta increased by the same proportions,with a 21%increase in concentration from 36.2 g/m3 in 2022 to 43.8 g/m3 in 2023.in 2023,El Nio conditions extended the dry season later into the year contributing to Jakartas air pollution levels peaking later than usual.25 In 2022,monthly average PM2.5 levels peaked from June through July;however,in 2023 peak PM2.5 levels did not occur until October.The delayed start of the rainy season contributed to Octobers average monthly concentration nearly doubling from the same time in 2022(2023:61.1 g/m3,2022:32.1 g/m3).CHALLENGESMost air pollutants in Indonesia come from coal-fired power plants,forest fires,and peatland slash and burn clearing in Sumatra and Kalimantan for agricultural development.26,27 Air pollution can be most acute during the countrys dry season,typically occurring from July to September,but can be impacted by changing meteorological conditions.28 Major cities also struggle with vehicle emissions.Officials have responded by promoting electric vehicles,creating bike lanes in Jakarta,and encouraging public transportation.Though no new coal-fired power plants can be built after 2023,those currently under construction can be completed and operated until 2050.HIGHLIGHT:SUPREME COURT RULES AGAIN FOR ACTIVISTSThe Indonesian government has been criticized by activists for being slow to respond to a landmark case following the 2021 ruling issued by the Central Jakarta District Court finding central and local government officials guilty of negligence for failing to improve air quality in the capital city of Jakarta.29 Ongoing legal battles have delayed the enforcement of the ruling,including a provision for revision of the countrys PM2.5 air quality standard in accordance with the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.In November 2023,appeal attempts by the administration of President Widodo were exhausted when the Supreme Court rejected a cassation petition,thereby finalizing the original ruling from 2021.JakartaSurabayaBandungSemarangMakassarBogor2021202220232020201943.836.220.619.231.228.449.848.755.358.353.061.153.044.327.634.425.318.424.116.419.921.231.331.226.236.939.839.739.626.123.017.831.230.243.343.137.352.742.553.149.849.120.818.624.131.624.720.037.231.438.235.430.449.935.4 13.234.122.939.623.438.071.576.976.660.451.446.847.236.617.410.49.511.311.718.417.720.522.627.126.824.811.928.124.3PM2.5(g/m)50352515105100P %00p%Jakarta2019202020212022202318.8#.5%7.6.1.6%9.3.77.9%3.8#%6.6%7.4&.8$.1.4.9%4.6%9(.2.5.6%5.9%4.6E#.1.3.2%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPR MAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City17|2023 World Air Quality Report 40202510153035City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationMALAYSIAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsPROGRESS PM2.5 levels increased by nearly 30%in Malaysia in 2023,with annual averages rising to 22.5 g/m3 compared to 17.7 g/m3 in 2022.Nearly tripling 2022s monthly average of 14.5 g/m3,October was the most polluted month in 2023 for Kuala Lumpur,the nations capital,with a monthly average of 43 g/m3.While annual averages increased for all 63 cities publicly reporting air quality data in 2023,Sungai Petani,the largest city in the state of Kedah,showed the smallest relative concentration increase with a rise of less than 1%with an annual average of 15.8 g/m3.Kuching,the most populous city in the state of Sarawak,experienced the greatest increase in annual PM2.5 levels with a rise of nearly one and a half times compared to 2022.This increase was largely driven by the drastic rise in PM2.5 levels during the month of October when concentrations peaked at 51.8 g/m3,exceeding the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline by more than ten times.No Malaysian city met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level in 2023.CHALLENGESVehicle emissions,rapid industrial growth and slash and burn agriculture(both domestic and foreign through transboundary smoke)are serious threats to air quality in Malaysia.30 The strong El Nio weather pattern in 2023 extended the dry season,exacerbating air quality issues in the region.Deteriorating air quality conditions led to school closings in October to protect the health of children by limiting exposure to air pollution.31Malaysias Ministry of Natural Resources,Environment and Climate Change(NRECC)is trying to curb vehicular air pollution by promoting low carbon transportation projects,including turning to biodiesel for buses.32 The country also intends to reduce vehicle emissions by deploying 885,000 EV cars by 2030.33HIGHLIGHT:TRANSBOUNDARY HAZE FROM BURNING PEATBOGSDuring Southeast Asias dry season,plantation companies burn peatbogs for palm oil and paper products.34 In 2023,Malaysia considered penalizing foreign companies for their contributions to transboundary haze35;however,the strategy was not pursued due to enforcement and evidence gathering difficulties.In 2023 the Association of Southeast Asian Nations(ASEAN)established the Coordinating Center for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control(ACC THPC),an initial step to coordinate efforts in the region.36 Greenpeace Southeast Asia has petitioned these governing bodies to address haze pollution sources through a regional legal framework,by regulating transparency and traceability from plantation companies,agribusiness,and supply chains,and for standardizing air quality indicators in ASEAN member states.37Kuala LumpurIpohPetaling JayaKuantanJohor BahruKlangPM2.5(g/m)50352515105Kuala LumpurJohor BahruPetaling JayaKuantanKlangIpoh22.917.618.116.919.727.118.023.418.923.935.343.016.313.519.326.616.916.314.321.025.118.121.122.419.423.824.612.128.017.126.520.610.321.69.620.410.221.912.135.321.228.618.031.925.122.515.127.618.438.328.546.730.820.07.820.26.119.614.735.324.626.626.432.037.752.818.513.433.527.134.523.929.117.736.428.031.826.632.133.562.727.534.513.3100P %00p%Kuala Lumpur201920212022202310.6%5.7%9.64.1 .2.5%4.2.63.4).2.6%3.7.29.1%.4.88.9(.7%3.8%4.8%4.6%8.9R.9$.2%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City20212022202320202019202017%2.9|2023 World Air Quality Report 5003060708090110201040100City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationTHAILANDBangkokUdon ThaiChiang MaiNakhon RatchasimaKhon KaenPROGRESS The annual average PM2.5 concentration rose 28%in Thailand in 2023,climbing from 18.1 g/m3 in 2022 to 23.3 g/m3.2023 concentrations have returned to pre-pandemic levels and are on track to exceed 2019s recorded concentration of 24.3 g/m3.The annual average in the capital city of Bangkok was up more than 20%,with an annual average PM2.5 level of 21.7 g/m3 in 2023.The months of February to April were the most polluted period in 2023,when monthly averages for the 24 reporting cities in Chiang Mai province ranged from 53.4 to 106.4 g/m3.For March and April this represents a 150%increase in PM2.5 concentrations compared to the same period in 2022.One city met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline value of 5 g/m3;the Bang Sao Thong district of Samut Prakan province southeast of Bangkok saw a 20crease in its annual average due to significant drops in PM2.5 concentrations from June to December in 2023 as compared to 2022.CHALLENGESAgricultural burning,forest fires,industrial pollution,and vehicle emissions are all serious air quality and health concerns in Thailand.38 Dry air from 2023s El Nio climate pattern has worsened the impacts.From December through April,smoke from stubble burning can make the Chiang Mai and northern Thailand particularly polluted.In April,authorities encouraged people to avoid going outdoors as the city became one of the most polluted cities in the world.39 In November,Thailands cabinet approved a draft clean air act designed to reduce industrial,agricultural,and transportation pollution.40HIGHLIGHT:THAI COURT ORDERS RELEASE OF POLLUTION DATAIn Thailand,environmental organizations supported by private citizens are increasingly leveraging the legal system to address pressing environmental concerns.In April 2023,a coalition of plaintiffs petitioned the Chiang Mai Administrative Court to compel government agencies to intensify efforts in combating the pervasive issue of PM2.5 haze.41,42The Central Administrative Court ruled in August that the government was required to release PM2.5 air pollution data gathered from a Pollutant Release and Transfer Register(PRTR)to the public by the end of October.43,44 The registry documents which chemicals are being released by which factories,including where and how much of the pollutant has been released.20192020202120222023JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022CityUdon ThaniChiang MaiKhon KaenNakhon RatchasimaBangkok24.221.639.250.349.826.212.79.614.39.713.618.019.333.418.434.756.797.8104.227.28.95.310.86.49.016.824.826.225.140.746.849.744.826.611.86.912.66.914.621.422.713.919.942.751.541.324.09.97.010.27.413.720.824.221.318.028.634.737.438.420.18.77.39.48.717.52125.2PM2.5(g/m)50352515105PM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years100P %00pngkok2019202020212023202215.3%8.9%8.3%9.4.1#.1!.8.8.8%3.1.8.8.9#.1.5.4%6.8%9.3.7#.3.1.4%7.9%8.9.5.9.1.3%5%7.1.9.4%.3%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levels24.729.019|2023 World Air Quality Report 506070201003040City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationVIETNAMPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years20212022Ho Chi Minh CityHanoiTra VinhTay HoHoan KiemPROGRESS Vietnams PM2.5 levels increased nearly 9%in 2023,now back to pre-pandemic concentrations,to an annual average of 29.6 g/m3 and tying with Laos as the second most polluted country in the region.For the third year in a row,nearly eight million people in Hanoi experienced escalating PM2.5 concentrations with levels rising 9%to 43.7 g/m3 in 2023,nearly nine times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.Every Vietnamese city with historical data for comparison experienced increased PM2.5 concentrations in 2023,with a third of included cities reporting annual concentrations exceeding the annual WHO annual PM2.5 guideline by seven to ten times.No city in Vietnam attained the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level in 2023.CHALLENGESAir pollution sources in Vietnam include an aging fleet of vehicle,coal power plants,industrial activities,indoor coal and biomass cooking stoves,ineffective waste management practices,and agriculture.45,46 According to the World Bank,80%of rice straw is burned in the Mekong Delta after harvest,significantly contributing to pollution in the region.HIGHLIGHT:JUST ENERGY TRANSITION PARTNERSHIP PROGRESSThe launch of the Resource Mobilization Plan(RMP)in December 2023 marked a major milestone towards the implementation of Just Energy Transition Partnership(JETP).The RMP identified and prioritized key policy actions and regulatory reforms necessary to ensure the success of JETP,a multilateral program financing$15.8 billion in resources aimed at equitably reducing the countrys reliance on fossil fuels,a key source of air pollution.The European Commission launch statement reiterated language from the JETP Political Declaration on the necessity of transparent involvement by civil society“at all stages of the JETP to make sure the necessary transition will be just and inclusive,”47 possibly in response to the recent arrest and imprisonment of key NGO environmental leaders that have sparked public outcry.48202020192023HanoiTay HoHoan KiemHo Chi Minh CityTra Vinh43.740.173.846.154.447.333.827.022.028.230.840.758.661.3NO DATANO DATA86.8117.221.850.261.521.221.124.873.280.726.444.572.219.835.643.615.532.833.315.529.526.414.833.038.617.137.241.526.351.050.031.974.172.524.462.774.65.65.5NO DATA5.96.224.159.088.46.15.74.65.56.25.75.15.55.2PM2.5(g/m)50352515105100P %00p%Hanoi201920202021202220234.7%6.1$.5.6 .1%4.4%2.40.5!.9.3%6.2#.4%9.5 .8.5.2.4.3%6.5.3.1.7.31.6(#.6.3%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022CityRegional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)20|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY The Central and South Asia region reports data from ten nations.All four of 2023s most polluted countries in the world are hosted in this region,including Bangladesh,India,Tajikistan,and Pakistan.In addition,this region is home to the top ten most polluted global cities.Included are highly populated and historically polluted cities such as Delhi,India and Lahore,Pakistan.A breakdown of annual average PM2.5 concentrations per city indicates 31%of the regions cities reported concentrations more than ten times the WHO annual average guideline value,a proportion vastly exceeding any other region in the report.These cities include some of the regions most densely populated urban centers and are home to more than 44%of the regions population.Conversely,two cities in Kazakhstan reported annual average PM2.5 concentrations below 5 g/m3,meeting the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.Consistent exposure to poor air quality can impact health outcomes for people exposed to polluted air.Brick kiln and other industrial emissions,agricultural waste burning,and cremation practices are common in the region.Combustion of solid fuel sources for cooking and heating during cold months creates an additional pollution burden.Geographical and climatological factors lead to the accumulation of air pollution in the densely populated Indo-Gangetic Plain.This low-lying landscape spans northern India,eastern Pakistan,and parts of Bangladesh.Pollutants generated in the region combine with pollutants brought into the region by winds blowing in from the coast where they become trapped by the Himalayas bordering the north.Temperature inversions further exacerbate the trapping effect by decreasing atmospheric mixing holding pollutants close to the earths surface resulting in the worst air pollution conditions in the world.MONITORING STATUSAcross the region,most real-time data remains produced by government-operated monitoring stations,with more than 70%of the regions data coming from these sources.However,cities that have some of the highest pollution levels in the world,such as Lahore in Pakistan,Dhaka in Bangladesh,and Peshawar in Pakistan,have a much higher ratio of non-government-operated stations.96%of the stations reporting data in those cities are not government-operated.This highlights the citizens desire to monitor their own air in these areas and an example of places where government-operated station network expansion is needed.Bangladesh|India|Kazakhstan|Kyrgyzstan|Maldives|Nepal|Pakistan|Sri Lanka|Tajikistan|Uzbekistan 1.5 118.9Begusarai,IndiaChu,Kazakhstan0.9%1.Bangladesh(79.9)3.India(54.4)2.Pakistan(73.7)4.Tajikistan(49.0)5.Nepal(42.4)6.Kyrgyzstan(33.1)7.Uzbekistan(28.6)8.Kazakhstan(22.2)9.Sri Lanka(19.3)10.Maldives(15.3)CENTRAL&SOUTH ASIA102.199.589.488.889.390.688.685.785.385.084.0Kyzyl-Orda,KazakhstanLahore,PakistanPervomayka,Kazakhstan118.9Guwahati,IndiaShchuchinsk,Kazakhstan6.96.53.01.5Siwan,IndiaZhanaozen,KazakhstanSaharsa,IndiaSilchar,IndiaGoshaingaon,IndiaAqtobe,KazakhstanKatihar,IndiaTurkestan,KazakhstanGreater Noida,India Kostanay,KazakhstanBettiah,IndiaPavlodar,KazakhstanSamastipur,IndiaShetpe,KazakhstanMuzaffarnagar,IndiaKokshetau,KazakhstanGurugram,IndiaDamoh,India83.683.6Dadri,IndiaArrah,India8.59.716.1105.4Delhi,India10.111.312.612.714.214.315.415.7Chu,KazakhstanAktau,KazakhstanAizawl,IndiaBegusarai,India21|2023 World Air Quality Report DhakaAnnual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levels7050608090100City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationBANGLADESHPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsPROGRESS Bangladesh recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 79.9 g/m3,ranking number one among countries and territories in 2023.This marks the first increase in their average concentration since 2018.Dhaka,the capital and most populous city,recorded an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 80.2 g/m3.This represents pollution levels more than 16 times the concentration recommended by the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.The citys concentration increased over 20%from 2022s mark of 65.8 g/m3.There were four months in 2023 where the monthly concentration averages were above 100 g/m3 and two months where the average breached 150 g/m3.CHALLENGESBangladeshs air pollution is largely sourced from brick kilns and vehicle emissions.49 Other factors impacting the countrys air quality include surface dust,factories,household cookstoves,plastic trash incineration,and unlined landfills.Air pollution in northern South Asia can be transboundary in nature,as pollutants converge and drift across the shared Indo-Gangetic Plain.Smoke from countries,including India,Nepal,and Pakistan,can drift into Bangladesh during crop burning season.50,51 HIGHLIGHT:EMISSIONS FROM BRICK KILNSBricks play an essential role in Bangladeshs construction sector due to a lack of naturally occurring rock in the flat alluvial plain which dominates up most of the countrys geography.52 Rapid urbanization has increased the demand for bricks,spurring the growth of widespread informal brick manufacturing during the dry winter months from November to April.Consequently,there are an estimated 8,000 brick kilns operating across the country.Most Bangladeshi kilns operate illegally;despite a 2013 law restricting where they can be built,95%of the population lives within one kilometer of a brick kiln.53Bangladeshs Department of the Environment under the Ministry of Environment,Forest and Climate Change has identified brick manufacturing as a major source of the countrys air pollution.54,55 To reduce the number of illegal kilns,the Ministry intends to use a brick kiln tracker to help improve enforcement and reduce pollution at the source.56DhakaSreepur80.265.8175.5107.082.561.649.242.723.644.839.074.9101.6160.352.053.682.2NO DATA130.576.159.745.715.739.824.952.558.068.6PM2.5(g/m)5100P %00p%9.9X.5.3.7%2.0.1%3.1I.0%4.3.7.3%JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City50352515102022202320212022202020232019DhakaSreepur22|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)503525151051001101208050203040607090City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationINDIAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years201920202021DelhiHyderabadKolkataBengaluruMumbaiChennaiPROGRESS Ranking as the third most polluted country in the region and world in 2023,India continues to struggle with drastically poor air quality.Annual average PM2.5 concentrations rose slightly in 2023 to 54.4 g/m3 compared to 53.3 g/m3 in 2022.PM2.5 levels in the National Capital Territory,Delhi,rose by 10%in 2023,with levels peaking in November which saw a monthly average of 255 g/m3.It is estimated that 1.36 billion people in India experience PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the WHO recommended annual guideline level of 5 g/m3;furthermore,1.33 billion,or 96%of the population,experience PM2.5 levels more than seven times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.57 This trend is reflected in city-level data with more than 66%of the countrys cities reporting annual averages greater than 35 g/m3.India has an extensive air quality monitoring network,hosting more air quality monitoring stations than all other countries in the region combined.The vast monitoring network has contributed data from 256 cities in 2023,representing 74%of cities in the Central and South Asia region.A nearly commensurate proportion of Indian cities has ranked in the regions most polluted cities list,with 13 of the 15 ranked cities located in India.CHALLENGESNorthern India and Delhi struggle with smoke from crop burning,vehicle emissions,coal burning,waste burning,and biomass burning for heat and cooking.Annual crop burning in northern India and neighboring Pakistan regularly results in Delhi experiencing emergency-level air quality days.58 Indian scientists have turned to cloud seeding as a possible solution to help clear up Delhis smog in November.59Vehicle emissions are responsible for 40%of PM2.5 emissions in the nations capital.60 In response,older vehicles were banned in Delhi.61 The number of cars on the road has dropped by 35%since the ban took effect in late 2018.62HIGHLIGHT:CAPITAL AREA COAL BURNING BANCoal burning was banned in the NCR(National Capital Region)effective January 1,2023.63 The NCR is a planning region that includes the National Capital Territory of Delhi,New Delhi,and several districts in neighboring states.Coal use was banned for most commercial and industrial concerns in the area and accompanied by a heavy fine for offenders.The region burns 1.87 million tons of coal annually.Even with the reduction in coal dependency,there are challenges to the region and the country.Natural gas cost and access,as well as emissions from biomass burning have posed new challenges for the NCR.Meanwhile,the national governments policy remains fixed on increasing coal-fired power plant investment even though it has pledged to shift to 50%non-fossil fuel-based power capacity.6420222023DelhiKolkataMumbaiHyderabadBengaluruChennai102.192.6171.8114.377.471.067.442.935.334.839.7106.3255.1210.047.850.298.254.644.542.727.624.813.131.220.150.580.885.943.839.946.785.577.661.034.921.417.114.616.520.459.758.560.256.854.142.135.524.218.227.319.043.251.558.928.631.542.442.940.936.248.635.023.616.112.419.314.635.831.435.828.025.346.135.524.719.526.924.620.423.717.128.428.940.1100P %00p%New Delhi201920202021202319.3%7.4V.6.7%7f.3%9.2.3%7.6c.1.5.9%8.4V.3.8.1%5S.5.7.2%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City202223|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510510080504030607090City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationPAKISTANPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years201920202021FaisalabadKarachiLahoreIslamabadRawalpindiPeshawarPROGRESS Pakistan remains one of the worlds most polluted countries,ranking in second place behind Bangladesh in 2023.With a 2023 annual concentration of 73.7 g/m3,PM2.5 levels continue to rise,and are on target to eclipse 2018s peak reported value of 74.3 g/m3 by early 2025.In 2023,annual PM2.5 concentrations in the countrys capital,Islamabad,have risen to the highest level in the citys seven-year history in this report at 42.4 g/m3 or nearly eight and a half times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level.Although Lahore is no longer the most polluted city in the world,the citys annual average PM2.5 concentration has risen by more than 20 g/m3 over the past four years,with PM2.5 levels in 2023 reaching 99.5 g/m3.In November,Lahores monthly average soared to 251 g/m3,spawning an environmental health emergency.In contrast,Peshawar has reported a 16crease with an annual PM2.5 levels dropping to 76.5 g/m3.Every city in Pakistan included in the 2023 report measured concentrations above 30 g/m3,at least six times the recommended WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.CHALLENGESPakistan can often experience hazardous levels of air quality,from a combination of pollutant sources crop burning stubble and deforestation have played a role in impacting air quality in rural areas.Winter temperatures and temperature inversions combine with crop burning smoke,industrial and vehicle emissions,and brick kiln activity to create severely smoggy conditions in Punjab Province.65,66In response,Punjab Province has banned crop burning,prioritized reforestation,and launched public transportation projects.HIGHLIGHT:LAHORE CITYWIDE SHUTDOWNPakistans Punjab province declared an environmental and health emergency in three cities in early November.Lahore,Gujranwala,and Hafizabad shut down their cities as all public spaces were closed due to hazardous levels of air pollution.67 Later in November,Punjab made face masks mandatory for a week in smog-impacted communities,including Lahore.68 While the public health measures are a positive step towards protecting health,stronger measures are needed to stop the regions frequently very unhealthy and hazardous air quality at their sources-vehicle pollution,crop burning,and industrial pollution.20222023JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022CityFaisalabadLahorePeshawarRawalpindiKarachiIslamabadPakistan88.284.592.0106.566.544.542.943.8NO DATA38.946.070.4196.8204.299.597.4143.2117.373.852.952.446.439.842.253.8125.9251.0197.544.052.876.559.591.848.5135.987.878.772.753.343.534.226.239.026.842.930.535.529.841.748.183.161.6155.8106.7166.3139.756.498.965.128.227.030.232.130.143.238.2121.0109.742.440.670.447.532.453.521.221.527.823.331.931.441.266.793.650.6100P %00p%Islamabad24.7%3.8(.6.8.2%8.1.6%4.9%.1!.1 .8%7.6 .1%6.8).6.5.9%8.2.7%3.7$.2.3%7.4%7.2.6(.4.8%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levels20192021202220232020Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)24|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY In 2023,two West Asia countries,Iraq(43.8 g/m3)and United Arab Emirates(43.0 g/m3)ranked among the ten most polluted countries in the world.Five of the top eight most polluted cities in the region are capital cities:Baghdad,Kuwait City,Manama,Abu Dhabi,and Doha.However,there was a reduction in the annual average PM2.5 concentrations for the nine most polluted cities in West Asia.In 2023,there is only one city with an annual average above 50 g/m3,whereas there were five such cities in 2022.Baghdad,previously the most polluted city,saw a reduction of over 25%,dropping from 62.8 g/m3 in 2022 to 46.5 g/m3 in 2023.Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates recorded the highest annual average PM2.5 concentration in West Asia in 2023,with 52 g/m3.The region witnessed improvements in air quality compared to 2022.Out of the cities included in 2022s report,only four experienced an increase in their annual averages,while 17 showed decreased concentrations.Similarly,all countries featured in the 2023 and 2022 reports demonstrated a decrease in their annual weighted PM2.5 concentrations,with reductions ranging from 0.2 g/m3 to 36.3 g/m3.However,there is still ample room for improvement.None of the cities in the region recorded an annual average concentration lower than 10 g/m3,while no country reported an annual average concentration below 15 g/m3.MONITORING STATUSThere remains a pressing need for more robust monitoring in the area.Israel and the United Arab Emirates contribute to over two thirds of the stations providing data to the region.Israel also has the highest monitoring spatial resolution in the region by providing data for 64 cities,which represents an increase of 12 cities from 2022.There continues to be an increase in non-government operated stations in the region,which demonstrates citizens desire to know more about the breathability of their air.In a change from 2022,there are more non-government operated stations reporting data than government operated stations,with a ratio of 54%non-government to 46%government operated stations.Armenia|Azerbaijan|Bahrain|Georgia|Iraq|Israel|Kuwait|Qatar|Saudi Arabia|State of Palestine|United Arab Emirates10.552.0Ras Al Khaimah,UAEMiilya,Israel0%1.Iraq(43.8)2.United Arab Emirates (43.0)4.Bahrain(39.2)3.Kuwait(39.9)5.Qatar(37.6)6.Saudi Arabia(26.5)7.Armenia(26.4)8.Azerbaijan(18.8)9.State of Palestine(18.6)10.Israel(17.8)11.Georgia(16.4)WEST ASIA52.046.545.838.243.639.937.630.437.239.226.926.826.426.125.0Mitzpe Netofa,IsraelDubai,UAECaesarea,IsraelBaghdad,IraqMeirav,IsraelDhahran,Saudi Arabia13.313.313.010.5Nesher,IsraelKuwait City,KuwaitHaifa,IsraelManama,BahrainKiryat Shmona,IsraelAbu Dhabi,UAEIsfaya,IsraelDoha,QatarKiryat Ata,IsraelAsh Shihaniyah,QatarKiryat Tivon,IsraelErbil,IraqGush Etzion,IsraelOr Yehuda,IsraelZikhron Yaakov,IsraelBat Yam,IsraelKfar Menahem,IsraelYerevan,ArmeniaTbilisi,GeorgiaRiyadh,Saudi ArabiaEin Tamar,IsraelGdekli,Armenia13.815.115.6Miilya,IsraelRas Al Khaimah,UAE15.215.315.415.415.415.415.415.5Regional cities which met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 annual average(g/m)25|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Country/Region RankingSUMMARY In 2023,the region of Europe is represented by 2,006 cities in 43 countries.Despite a slight increase in annual average PM2.5 levels,Iceland remains the least polluted country in the region with an average concentration of 4 g/m3.Bosnia Herzegovina saw an 18crease in PM2.5 levels in 2023 compared to 2022,but remains the most polluted country in the region,reporting an annual average concentration of 27.5 g/m3.In a repeated trend from 2022,Iceland,Estonia,and Finland are the only countries in the region to achieve the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level.Croatia showed the most progress in 2023 in lowering PM2.5 levels with the annual average dropping more than 40%compared to 2022.Montenegro experienced the greatest absolute increase in PM2.5 concentrations with annual levels rising by more than 4 g/m3 in 2023 for an annual average of 20 g/m3.Annual average PM2.5 levels fell in 2023 for 36 countries in the region,increased for six countries,and remained constant for one country.In 2023,7%(135)of the cities in the region achieved the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 g/m3,including every city in Iceland.The United Kingdom had the highest number of cities in the region to achieve the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline level,with 30 cities reporting annual averages less than 5 g/m3,followed by Finland with 27,and Sweden with 14.Overall,there was a general trend of lower annual average PM2.5 levels for European cities in 2023.There was a substantial shift in the number of cities previously classified in the yellow(2 to 3 times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline)and orange(3 to 5 times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline)breakpoint ranges in 2022,shifting to the green range(1 to 2 times the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline)in 2023.While 39%of European cities were classified in the green breakpoint in 2022,more than half(54%)of European cities fell within this range in 2023.MONITORING STATUSA dense monitoring network continues to provide high geospatial resolution for air quality data in Europe with 73%of data for this region generated by government-operated stations.In 2023,Slovakia added 22 cities,and Germany had the highest number of cities included for this region with data from 260 cities reported.Data from government-operated stations in Russia were bolstered by non-government operated stations providing 83%of the countrys data for the 2023 report.Albania|Andorra|Austria|Belgium|Bosnia and Herzegovina|Bulgaria|Croatia|Cyprus|Czech Republic|Denmark|Estonia|Finland|France|Germany|Greece|Hungary|Iceland|Ireland|Italy|Kosovo|Latvia|Liechtenstein|Lithuania|Luxembourg|Malta|Moldova|Montenegro|Netherlands|North Macedonia|Norway|Poland|Portugal|Romania|Russia|Serbia|Slovakia|Slovenia|Spain|Sweden|Switzerland|Turkey|Ukraine|United Kingdom0.347.2Igdir,TurkeySodankylae,Finland6.7%1.Bosnia Herzegovina(27.5)2.North Macedonia(25.2)3.Montenegro(21.3)4.Serbia(20.5)5.Turkey(20.3)6.Greece(17.4)7.Albania(16.7)8.Moldova(15.7)9.Romania(15.7)10.Italy(15.0)11.Slovenia(14.9)12.Cyprus(14.3)13.Poland(14.1)14.Croatia(13.8)15.Bulgaria(13.2)16.Slovakia(13.1)17.Kosovo(12.1)18.Malta(12.0)19.Hungary(12.0)20.Czech Republic(11.5)21.Lithuania(10.4)22.Russia(10.0)23.Spain(9.9)24.Austria(9.6)25.France(9.5)26.Belgium(9.4)27.Germany(9.0)28.Switzerland(8.9)29.Luxembourg(8.9)30.Netherlands(8.7)31.Ukraine(8.6)32.Latvia(8.0)33.Andorra(7.9)34.United Kingdom(7.7)35.Denmark(7.7)36.Liechtenstein(7.2)37.Portugal(6.8)38.Ireland(6.3)39.Norway(6.3)40.Sweden(5.1)41.Finland(4.9)42.Estonia 4.7)43.Iceland(4.0)EUROPE47.240.138.535.037.336.234.533.233.736.132.931.631.130.930.1Hsavik,IcelandOsmaniye,TurkeyHendek,TurkeyTuzla,Bosnia HerzegovinaBanja Luka,Bosnia HerzegovinaKonya,TurkeyKuusamo,FinlandIgdir,TurkeyAlasehir,TurkeyStrumica,North MacedoniaUtsjoki,FinlandPljevlja,Montenegro2.30.30.30.3Vaasa,FinlandLamas de Olo,PortugalVaqueiros,PortugalEl Grao de Castellon,SpainSainte-Ode,BelgiumZenica,Bosnia HerzegovinaBredkalen,SwedenKouvola,FinlandGaziantep,TurkeySaint-Joseph,FranceBijelo Polje,MontenegroBod,NorwayNiluefer,TurkeyTetovo,North MacedoniaCacak,SerbiaKuyulusebil,TurkeySantana,Portugal2.82.83.4Sodankylae,Finland2.93.03.13.13.23.23.23.226|2023 World Air Quality Report 2021202530 051015City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationUKRAINEPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsKyivChernivtsiLvivPROGRESS Despite the intensive hardships faced,the dedicated air quality professionals and citizen scientists in Ukraine have maintained and expanded air quality monitoring networks in 2023.In 2023,data was sufficient to expanded coverage to 28 cities from only 22 cities in 2022.PM2.5 levels have continued to fall across most of the country due to war-based deindustrialization with the annual average dropping 11%in 2023 down to 8.6 g/m3,compared to 9.7 g/m3 in 2022.Attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure in the winter season of 2022-2023 resulted in a severe energy crisis requiring the use of solid fuel sources to heat homes.69 This trend is seen nationwide where monthly PM2.5 levels peaked in January 2023,with cities in the province of Kyiv seeing on average a 65%increase in monthly average concentrations compared to 2022.The onset of the cold months in the 2023-2024 winter season again correspond to increasing PM2.5 levels with a secondary annual peak in the month of December.CHALLENGESUkraine has endured two years of war,during which time the ongoing Russian invasion has harmed air quality.Military vehicle and aircraft emissions continue to pollute the skies.On December 28,Russia launched 122 missiles at cities across Ukraine,killing 24 civilians.70 While it was the largest missile attack of 2023,the country has been subjected to hundreds of missile and drone attacks throughout the year.Energy generation and industry have historically been leading emission sources,including coal mining,metals,machinery,and chemical processing sectors.71 In Kyiv,pre-war pollutant sources included motor vehicles,construction,and industrial activity.72HIGHLIGHT:INDUSTRIAL POLLUTIONUkraines occupied eastern region is the nations mining country and industrial heartland.Prior to the war,eastern cities like Donetsk and Mariupol were the most polluted in the country due to coal-fired power plants,mining,and metallurgy activity.73 However,a study utilizing satellite data found an overall reduction in nitrogen dioxide(NO2)emissions(which correlates with burning of fossil fuels and the generation of soot)in urban and industrial centers in comparison to peacetime.74 As is common in war zones,the NO2 decrease is likely due to facility shutdowns and population displacement.These findings suggest that enhanced pollution monitoring and a focus on sustainable industrial and energy production practices must play an important role in the post-war rebuilding period.LvivKyivOdessaChernivtsi2023201920202022PM2.5(g/m)50352515105Odessa100P %00p%Kyiv11.2 .08.3(.6%4.6.7.72.30.9 .5.3%3.9.2!.9.3.8.3.7%5.5%8.8.1 .2.4.7.7%4.3%6.7%8.7.6&.4%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City201920212022202320209.38.910.89.511.413.911.811.211.413.48.88.17.26.17.67.37.66.79.28.09.97.67.56.38.67.610.910.87.19.09.210.09.55.55.46.26.07.56.94.76.110.015.127.320.521.519.714.610.18.19.610.212.813.816.923.4Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)27|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY In 2023,air quality in Northern America was significantly influenced by extensive Canadian wildfires that raged from May to October,burning an area roughly half the size of Germany.75 During May,the monthly average PM2.5 levels in Alberta,Canada,surged almost ninefold compared to the same period in 2022.This trend persisted through late spring and summer,with the state experiencing PM2.5 levels nearly three times higher than those recorded in 2022.Consequently,2023 marked the first instance in this reports history where Canada surpassed the United States in regional pollution rankings,with Canadas annual PM2.5 concentration of 10.3 g/m3 exceeding the U.S.level of 9.1 g/m3.In 2023,41%of Canadian cities recorded annual PM2.5 levels exceeding 10 g/m3,or twice the WHO annual guideline level,with 11%(35 cities)exceeding three times the guideline value.In contrast,only one Canadian city in 2022 had an annual PM2.5 concentration surpassing 15 g/m3.The total number of cities meeting the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline decreased from 514 to 454.Furthermore,Canada witnessed a one-third reduction in cities meeting the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline,dropping from 61 in 2022 to 23 in 2023.MONITORING STATUSNorthern America maintains its status as the most extensively monitored region on the basis of city count.3,242 cities are included for the region in 2023,representing 40%of the total number of global cities included in the report.The vital role of non-government-operated air quality monitors became evident in monitoring fire and smoke plume progression across Northern America,where these monitors played a crucial part in supplying a significant portion of the regions data,contributing 90%of real-time data for the United States and 77%for Canada.Specifically,in the Canadian province of Alberta,76%of real-time data originates from non-government-operated air quality monitors.In British Columbia,an even higher percentage,87%,is sourced from these monitors.Canada|United StatesFort McMurray,CanadaKihei,HI,USA14.0%2.United States(9.1)1.Canada(10.3)NORTHERN AMERICA*For the region of Northern America,only cities with populations 5,000 are ranked here22.822.420.816.618.716.815.815.515.716.815.314.814.814.814.1Gypsum,CO,USAFort St John,CanadaDurango,CO,USAYellowknife,CanadaWaimea,HI,USAPeace River,Canada2.52.52.22.2Silverthorne,CO,USAFort Saskatchewen,CanadaHilo,HI,USASpruce Grove,CanadaMountain View,HI,USAEdmonton,CanadaLander,WY,USASt.Albert,CanadaPrince Rupert,CanadaSherwood Park,CanadaAspen,CO,USASaskatoon,CanadaSteamboat Springs,CO,USACamrose,CanadaOcean View,HI,USACold Lake,CanadaAnchorage,AK,USALeduc,CanadaSanta Fe,NM,USABeloit,WI,USAPrescott,AZ,USAPrince George,Canada2.52.53.0Kihei,HI,USAFort McMurray,Canada2.52.52.72.82.82.82.92.92.222.828|2023 World Air Quality Report 20051015City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationUNITED STATESPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsNew York CityLos AngelesChicagoSan FranciscoDenverPROGRESS In 2023,the United States experienced a slight increase in annual average PM2.5 levels,climbing from 8.9 g/m3 in 2022 to 9.1 g/m3.The Upper Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states were notably affected by smoke from Canadian wildfires,causing a significant surge in PM2.5 levels.In some cities,including Minneapolis and Detroit,annual averages rose by 30 to 50%compared to the previous year.Milwaukee,Wisconsin,was particularly impacted,with a substantial increase of 51%,closing 2023 with an annual average of 11.8 g/m3.For a second year in a row,the most polluted major city in the U.S.was Columbus,Ohio.The West Coast experienced a less severe wildfire season in 2023,due in part to the implementation of aggressive mitigation strategies,including the utilization of technology for early warning systems and the allocation of additional ground resources to enable earlier deployments.Portland,Oregon;Seattle,Washington;and Los Angeles,California experienced major improvements with 37%,36%,and 10%drops in annual average PM2.5 levels respectively.Of the nations 25 most populous cities,Las Vegas was the least polluted major city in the country with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 4.9 g/m3.The states of Wyoming and Colorado in the Mountain West,along with the states of Arizona and New Mexico in the Desert Southwest,experienced the lowest PM2.5 levels in the continental United States with Tucson,Arizona(3.5 g/m3)and Albuquerque,New Mexico(4 g/m3)both reporting annual averages that meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline levels.CHALLENGESThough overall wildfires in the United States were reduced in 2023,the Lahaina fire in Hawaii killed 100 people,76 making it the deadliest U.S.fire since the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise,California.Other emission sources leading to poor air quality in the U.S.include vehicle emissions,power plants,industrial and agricultural activities,wood burning fireplaces,and wind-blown dust.Ground-level ozone,a known respiratory irritant,is formed when combustion-related pollutants react with sunlight.Data from the U.S.EPA indicates that approximately 115 million Americans reside in regions that do no meet the federal ozone standard.77HIGHLIGHT:TRANSBORDER WILDFIRE SMOKEOver the course of Canadas wildfire season,about 4%of the countrys forests were burned.The entire Northwest Territories city of Yellowknife had to be evacuated.78 Unhealthy and hazardous air quality was recorded in the Great Lakes,Midwest,East Coast,and Pacific Northwest after Canadian wildfire smoke drifted south.Schools closed and companies encouraged employees to work from home.79 In one incident,wildfire smoke traveled from Alberta to Quebec,over the Atlantic Ocean,and returned west,leading to hazy skies and poor air quality in Florida.80New York CityWashington,D.C.Los AngelesChicagoSan FranciscoDenver20232019202020212022PM2.5(g/m)50352515105Washington,D.C.11.611.79.99.810.710.111.89.38.08.29.48.68.09.824.826.617.416.612.313.410.99.98.37.47.910.010.310.19.510.55.76.05.912.010.19.313.511.213.88.77.49.913.011.814.69.410.19.09.828.417.416.812.67.99.99.85.83.76.83.34.24.35.89.110.95.56.37.42.66.44.910.04.66.53.510.94.56.46.35.75.75.46.78.1100P %00p%Washington18.12.9#.3.1.32.7.55.6.7.8%4.5.3%4.5.8P.7).1#.4%8.2D.9.4%4.5%3.1%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City20192021202220232020Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)29|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY Deforestation,wildfires,emissions from mobile sources,and pollution from mining operations are significant sources of PM2.5 air pollution in the Latin American and Caribbean region.Climate change exacerbates some of these issues to threaten human health through extreme weather events and the PM2.5 emissions associated with them.Citizen activism and government action to shift energy policies to more renewable resources continue to be at the forefront of the regions air quality policy.In 2023,the region is represented by 26 countries and territories.New regional countries added in 2023 include Bahamas and Ecuador.Exactly half of this regions countries and territories,13 out of 26,showed increases in their average annual PM2.5 concentrations ranging from a 0.3%increase in Guatemala to a 72.2%increase in Bolivia.Grenada and Puerto Rico meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline with annual average PM2.5 concentrations of 4.1 g/m3 and 4.5 g/m3 respectively.This represents a reduction in the number of countries in the region that meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline from 2022.Additionally,there was a decrease in the percentage of cities in the region that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline:5.8%in 2023 compared to 9.3%in 2022.The least polluted city in the region is Puerto Ricos capital,San Juan,with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 2.7 g/m3.MONITORING STATUSThis region continues to expand its monitoring network as evidenced by the 38 new cities included in 2023.These new cities house a total of 81 government-operated and non-government-operated stations.This carries on the trend from 2022 and previous years of expanding air quality monitoring coverage into previously underrepresented places.Mexico is home to the newest cities in the region with ten,while Colombia is close behind with nine new cities.Continued support for the air monitoring network Aires Nuevos helps to maintain and expand the regions monitoring capabilities.Non-government-operated stations make up the majority of Latin American and Caribbean region stations.Government-operated stations account for 30.2%of the total stations.This ratio demonstrates citizens involvement in measuring their communities air quality.Anguilla|Argentina|Bahamas|Belize|Bermuda|Bolivia|Brazil|Chile|Colombia|Costa Rica|Ecuador|El Salvador|Grenada|Guatemala|Guyana|Honduras|Jamaica|Mxico|Nicaragua|Panama|Per|Puerto Rico|Suriname|Trinidad and Tobago|Uruguay2.733.2Coyhaique,ChileSan Juan,Puerto Rico5.93.232.429.427.429.228.327.425.725.828.025.125.024.224.224.0Nassau,BahamasXonacatlan,MexicoPuntas Arenas,ChilePadre las Casas,ChileCaguas,Puerto RicoNacimiento,Chile5.23.83.62.7Cuncumen,ChileToluca de Lerdo,MexicoCordoba,ArgentinaCarabayllo,PeruPort of Spain,Trinidad and TobagoVictoria,ChileSan Jose,Costa RicaPuente Piedra,PeruChaguanas,Trinidad and TobagoGuadalajara,MexicoBrasilia,BrazilPudahuel,ChileCuidad Juarez,MexicoAtotonilco de Tula,MexicoMerida,MexicoLlaillay,ChileGeneral Pico,ArgentinaRancagua,ChileCalama,ChileCelaya,MexicoPuno,PeruQuilicura,Chile5.55.77.017.Ecuador(7.4)25.Bermuda(4.1)16.Belize(8.3)24.Grenada(4.1)15.Argentina(9.2)22.Bahamas(5.2)23.Puerto Rico(4.5)14.Panama(9.6)20.Costa Rica(6.1)21.Trinidad and Tobago(5.8)13.Suriname(10.6)19.Jamaica(7.1)12.Uruguay(11.7)18.Anguilla(7.4)11.Bolivia(12.6)10.Brazil(12.6)9.Colombia(14.1)8.Honduras(15.1)7.Nicaragua(15.7)6.Guyana(17.1)5.Guatemala(18.7)4.Chile(18.8)3.Peru(18.8)2.El Salvador(19.5)1.Mexico(20.1)San Juan,Puerto RicoCoyhaique,Chile5.76.16.76.86.86.86.97.0LATIN AMERICA&CARIBBEAN30|2023 World Air Quality Report 2051015City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationBRAZILPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years201920202021So PauloSo Jos dos CamposRio de JaneiroManausCampinasGuarulhosPROGRESS The annual PM2.5 concentration average for Brazil increased by 6%,rising from 12.2 g/m3 in 2022 to 12.9 g/m3 in 2023.However,the capital city Brasilia showed a 32crease in 2023 with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 6.8 g/m3.The most populous city in Brazil,Rio de Janeiro,showed a slight increase,going from 10.6 g/m3 in 2022 to 11.7 g/m3 in 2023.A winter heatwave and dry climate drove an intensive wildfire period in September for western Brazils Amazon states,with nearly twice as many wildfires recorded this month than in previous years.81 This resulted in peak PM2.5 levels for cities in Acre,Rondonia,and Tocontins,with monthly averages for all reporting cities ranging between 22 and 43 g/m3.September was also the most polluted month for the city of Fortazela,located on the northeastern coast of the country,and Brazils only city to achieve the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023.CHALLENGESIn Brazils north,deforestation and wildfires in the Amazon rainforest have heavily impacted the countrys air quality.Deforestation is being driven by cattle,soybean,and sugarcane production,land speculation,as well as the wood charcoal industry.82,83 Though annual forest clearances were recently reduced,26%of the 8 million square kilometer region has already experienced severe land degradation.Meanwhile,air pollution from the regions wildfires poses a significant health hazard for the country.84Urban air pollution can be traced to a variety of sources.In So Paulo,most air pollution stems from vehicle emissions.85 In the nearby town of Betim,pollution has been traced to metallurgical companies and a refinery.HIGHLIGHT:DROUGHT FUELS FOREST FIRESBrazil experienced a brutal heat wave in late 2023.86 The heat wave increased the number of wildfires across the north and in the southeastern Pantanale biome,adding understory wildfires to the annual mix of intentional deforestation fires.87 Amazonas State experienced 2,700 fires in early October alone,more fires than in any other month since 1998.88 The fire seasons peak coincided with a drought in the north and west of the Amazon basin.Brazils deeply interwoven crises of drought,heat waves,poor air quality,significant fires and a strengthening El Nio can all be attributed to human-driven climate change.8920222023So PauloRio de JaneiroCampinasManausGuarulhosPM2.5(g/m)5035251510514.313.59.710.012.611.316.918.917.919.617.512.012.111.711.79.010.18.610.816.114.113.914.111.113.811.7116.57.39.210.511.515.413.514.812.77.310.79.412.118.019.021.517.413.513.713.116.85.03.96.112.24.75.07.912.819.033.053.639.86.91615.010.510.312.811.818.621.319.820.319.613.116.215.91519.47.79.510.610.215.512.79.9100P %00p%So Paulo3.4%8.3).9.1#.8%2.6%6.12 .8#.3.43.2!.4$.6%7.1%3.7%8.8%3.6%72.9.8.6%3.6%7.5#.1(.5&.3%9.4%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City20192021202220232020So Jos dos Campos31|2023 World Air Quality Report 20255101530City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationCHILEPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years201920202021SantiagoAntofagastaConcepcionVina del MarPuente AltoValparaisoPROGRESS Despite wildfires doubling Februarys PM2.5 monthly average concentrations relative to 2022,the country of Chile reported a 15crease in annual PM2.5 concentrations,falling from 22.2 g/m3 in 2022 to 18.8 g/m3 in 2023.This trend was mirrored in the capital city of Santiago,which saw a 17.4crease in PM2.5 levels,closing 2023 with an annual average concentration of 21.3 g/m3.Although 37 cities nationwide recorded decreases in annual levels in 2023,the key cities of Puente Alto and Antafagasta saw increases in annual average PM2.5 concentrations.As in 2022,Punta Arenas remained the only city in the country to meet the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.Nationwide,air quality monitoring coverage expanded in 2023,with four additional cities contributing data,bringing the total up to 63 included in 2023s report.Chile has the densest air quality monitoring coverage in the region,comprised of both government and non-government operated air quality monitoring stations.It hosts more government-operated monitoring stations than any other country in the region and has nearly the equivalent number of non-government operated stations.CHALLENGESClimate change and decades of mining-related pollution are taking an extreme toll on Chiles environment and on marginalized communities.90 In 2023,Chile faced severe weather events that were greatly intensified by climate change and by a strong El Nio weather pattern.In February,the Andean country experienced devastating wildfires that killed 26 people and directly impacted another 7,835.91,92 Over 439,000 hectares of land were burned.Other sources of poor air quality include the mining industry and wood burning stoves.93HIGHLIGHT:CHILES MINING INDUSTRYChile is addressing air pollution from its mining industry,with mixed effectiveness.The state-owned Ventana copper smelter,a long-standing source of over 60%of all sulfur dioxide emissions in and around Quintero Bay,was shut down in June.94 Operations harmed the health of marginalized and vulnerable communities for decades.95However,in a move criticized by environmentalists and social groups,the Chilean government provided an environmental permit for an extension of the Los Brances open-pit copper mine northeast of Santiago.Activists are concerned that the mine,operating near Andean glaciers,will increase regional glacial melt through snow pollution and that mining dust will severely harm air quality.As part of the approved plan,the mine owners have committed to replacing 70,000 Santiago wood-burning stoves with electric burners.96,9720222023Santiago21.3 25.811.127.512.820.540.231.032.523.819.114.59.913.2ConcepcionPuente AltoAntofagastaVina del MarValparaiso15.520.66.620.28.214.225.624.828.023.314.89.35.24.020.819.711.210.611.826.514.117.231.727.430.621.119.615.5NO DATA13.07.98.212.215.616.213.713.912.611.38.57.013.116.29.822.013.68.114.119.117.515.512.27.88.87.89.115.117.710.921.913.214.322.421.517.812.510.110.99.210.8PM2.5(g/m)50352515105100P %00p%Santiago6.7.3.2#.6#.2.6%5.4.7.3!.2.6.7%8.6.2.7 .1.7.8.8%3.6%6.3%9.91!.1.7.1.3(.5.9.2.5%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City2019202120222023202032|2023 World Air Quality Report 202551015City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationCOLOMBIAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 years201920202021BogotMedellinEnvigadoGuarnePROGRESS Colombias annual average PM2.5 concentration dropped by 10%in 2023,down to 14.1 g/m3 to achieve the WHO interim target 3 level.This improvement was bolstered by decreases in PM2.5 levels in Envigado,Medellin,and the capital city Bogot.Bogot showed an 11crease in PM2.5 levels relative to 2022 with an annual average concentration of 13.4 g/m3,the lowest value reported in the past four years.Meteorological conditions resulting in temperature inversions contributed to poor air quality conditions in March for Bogot,resulting in the highest recorded monthly averages for the city in 2023.Monitoring network coverage nearly tripled the number of cities reporting data in Colombia in 2023,with nine new cities being added to 2023s report.Despite the overall improvement in air quality levels for the country of Colombia,no city met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.CHALLENGESColombians are often exposed to air pollution,though from divergent sources.Vehicle emissions and industrial pollution account for much of city air pollution,while wood and other solid fuel used for cooking and heating are the dominant sources in the countryside.98 Both environs struggle with air quality during wildfire season.The El Nio weather phenomenon has worsened the nations air quality.99 There were 2,378 wildfires recorded by early October 2023,69%more than in 2022.And though El Nio brought rain to some parts of the country,10 drier departments in northern and central Colombia endured the most fires.Annually,fires usually start through arson,urban sprawl,and cattle ranching;in 2023,dry conditions were a likely factor in the increased number of fires.HIGHLIGHT:BOGOT TEMPERATURE INVERSIONLocated on a plateau between mountains,Bogot experiences temperature inversions in which a warm atmospheric layer traps a colder layer.This weather phenomenon traps and prevents ground-level pollutants from dispersing.Temperature inversions were visible in Bogot during March,November,and December.On some days,local environmental authorities tightened existing vehicle restrictions and required face masks on public transportation.100,101 To help reduce they citys car dependency,work began to build a city bus rapid transit system,while heavy rail line financing was approved by the Inter-American Development Bank(IDB).102,10320222023EnvigadoBogotMedellinGuarne9.8PM2.5(g/m)5035251510517.423.520.626.923.417.315.312.512.215.517.917.612.916.613.415.115.915.820.021.116.611.46.97.59.711.314.411.914.915.516.223.021.115.315.011.712.014.415.815.411.514.710.0NO DATA21.28.59.988.410.410.711.58.611.412.9100P %00p%Bogot30.6.3.1#.7.7.5.2%2.3.61.6.6.5.4.3.5%2.2(.6.7.1%.2.2%3.8.6%2.7.9 .6.87%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City20192021202220232020Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)33|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY Across 24 countries,data from 80 cities are included in the 2023 global report,yet about 34%of Africas population remains unrepresented due to a lack of publicly available air quality data.This limited data perpetuates inequality as communities lack crucial information to address air pollution issues effectively.Accurate measurement of air pollution is essential for developing and implementing policies to safeguard human health in the region.By 2060,it is expected that over 65%of the continents population will reside in urban areas104,where air pollution levels tend to rise due to increased energy demand,expanded industrial activity,and a growing number of vehicles.A 2023 report by the Clean Air Fund warns that without key urban development interventions during this period,the economic cost of air pollution in six rapidly expanding urban cities-Accra,Cairo,Johannesburg,Lagos,Nairobi,and Yaounde-could reach a total of$137.8 billion by 2040.105 Despite a 10.5crease in 2023,PM2.5 levels in Cairo continue to exceed the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline by more than eight times,with an annual average of 42.4 g/m3.PM2.5 levels also rose by 10.3%in Accra,Ghana,with an annual average concentration of 33.2 g/m3.Benoni,a South African town 26 miles east of Johannesburg,was the most polluted city in the region in 2023,with an annual average PM2.5 concentration of 54.9 g/m3.There are two cities in the region that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of 5 g/m3:two cities in South Africa.MONITORING STATUSPublicly available air quality monitoring data is not keeping pace with Africas rapid urbanization,and most countries in Africa continue to be underrepresented due to a lack of consistently reported data.Notable countries not included in 2023s report due to a lack of publicly available monitoring data include the African nations of Chad(2022 rank:1)and Sudan(2022 rank:12).This impacts the ability of people in the region to make informed decisions about their health regarding their local air quality.The data in this region is sourced almost evenly from both government and non-government-operated sources,with 58.2%of stations being government-operated.The continued operation and maintenance of non-government operated stations speaks to the desire of the people to be informed on the quality of air they breathe.Countries and territories included in 2023 that were not in the 2022 report are Cameroon,Gambia,Guinea,Libya,Mauritius,Togo,and Zimbabwe.The represented cities include three capital cities:Conakry in Guinea,Lome in Togo,and Harare in Zimbabwe.Gambia reported data for three cities in 2023.Algeria|Angola|Burkina Faso|Cameroon|Democratic Republic of the Congo|Egypt|Ethiopia|Gabon|Gambia|Ghana|Guinea|Ivory Coast|Kenya|Libya|Madagascar|Mauritius|Nigeria|Rwanda|Senegal|South Africa|Togo|Uganda|Zambia|Zimbabwe2.154.9Benoni,South AfricaNieuwoudtville,South Africa3.8RICA1.Burkina Faso(46.6)2.Egypt(42.4)3.Democratic Republic of the Congo(40.8)4.Rwanda(36.8)5.Zimbabwe(33.3)6.Ghana(33.2)7.Libya(30.4)8.Gambia(28.5)14.Nigeria(23.9)9.Senegal(28.2)15.Madagascar(20.6)10.Uganda(27.3)16.South Africa(19.9)11.Ethiopia(27.0)17.Gabon(16.9)12.Zambia(24.1)18.Ivory Coast (16.6)13.Cameroon(24.0)19.Togo(16.3)54.949.446.636.845.442.433.633.233.340.832.732.432.331.831.6Cape Town,South AfricaAbuja,NigeriaLichtenburg,South AfricaKinshasa,Democratic Republic of the CongoBot River,South AfricaBloemfontein,South Africa5.95.12.82.1Pietermaritzburg,South AfricaCairo,EgyptGeorge,South AfricaOuagadougou,Burkina FasoGqeberha,South AfricaKigali,RwandaPort Elizabeth,South AfricaBrits,South AfricaPort Shepstone,South AfricaHarare,ZimbabweKraaifontein,South AfricaAccra,GhanaHendrina,South AfricaOlifantsfontein,South AfricaNairobi,KenyaVereeniging,South AfricaKlerksdorp,South AfricaAkasia,South AfricaMokopane,South AfricaVereeniging NU,South AfricaKapsabet,KenyaAlexandra,South Africa6.87.911.5Nieuwoudtville,South AfricaBenoni,South Africa8.69.59.621.Algeria(13.8)22.Kenya(10.6)20.Guinea(13.9)23.Angola (7.8)24.Mauritius(3.5)9.610.010.510.611.334|2023 World Air Quality Report 5020010304060City markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for populationSOUTH AFRICAPM2.5 annual average(g/m)over 5 yearsCape TownBloemfonteinHartbeespoorteMbalenhlePretoriaJohannesburgPROGRESS The air quality in South Africa as a whole has improved significantly from 2022.The countrys annual average PM2.5 concentration showed a 14.8crease going from 23.4 g/m3 in 2022 to 19.9 g/m3 in 2023.Although there are roughly equal numbers of cities whose PM2.5 concentration increased and decreased,18 cities and 17 cities respectively,there were improvements in key cities across the country.Cape Town,eMbalenhle,Harbeespoort,Johannesburg,and the capital city Pretoria all showed decreases in annual average PM2.5 concentrations from 2022.Pretoria continues its long-term trend of air pollution reduction through a 17.2%overall decrease from the data reported in 2019.South Africa has two cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline of having an annual average PM2.5 concentration at or below 5 g/m3:Nieuwoudville and Bot River.Cape Town met these requirements for four months but reported an annual average concentration of 5.9 g/m3 for the entire year.CHALLENGESTwo of the biggest contributors to air pollution in South Africa are coal-powered and industrial plants,especially in Mpumalanga Province near Johannesburg.106 Fossil fuels fulfill 90%of the countrys energy demand,leading to South Africa being the continents largest emitter of sulfur dioxide.107 As a major carbon dioxide emitter,the country is the 12th biggest greenhouse gas polluter in the world.A 2022 Pretoria High Court ruling found that air quality in the region violated the constitutional right to“an environment not harmful to their health or wellbeing.”108 The court ordered the government to improve air quality in the area.Other air pollution sources in South Africa include vehicle exhaust,coal mines,metal smelters,and petrochemical facilities.109 Coal is often used for domestic cooking and heating.110HIGHLIGHT:CHILDRENS HEALTHTwo studies conducted in the Highveld-the industrial region surrounding Johannesburg found that lax emission standards harmed childrens health.Children in the Highveld were afflicted with greater susceptibility to allergens,respiratory inflammation,and increased asthma cases.111 Though commissioned by the South African government and released in 2016 and 2019,the study results werent made widely available to the public.The South African government has faced two lawsuits over not enforcing existing air pollution laws and failing to mitigate air pollution.United Nations(UN)Special Rapporteur on toxics and human rights Marcos Orellana noted in August that while South Africa has strong environmental laws on its books,the government fails to enforce them.11220192020202120232022Bloemfontein49.416.219.114.020.066.878.897.9106.683.155.721.815.612.0HartbeespoortJohannesburgPretoriaeMbalenhleCape Town15.621.79.78.79.918.615.226.225.927.020.513.96.55.418.721.121.721.715.211.214.410.413.911.921.822.519.821.122.735.026.637.523.038.221.128.315.117.315.910.613.08.516.516.38.56.25.23.216.622.734.428.523.717.717.214.25.96.72.83.14.97.86.18.56.39.25.05.16.75.2PM2.5(g/m)5100P %00p%Pretoria16.7.2%8.3%8.9.6.6.7.8.4%4.7.6.3.5.8.4%8.8%3.1.3&.3.4%7.4%7.9.1.8#.7.7.7%6.4%8.1.9!#.6.2%Annual hours spent at different PM2.5 pollution levelsJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC20232022City503525151020192021202220232020Regional cities that met the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline in 2023Most Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity2023123456789101112131415123456789101112131415Least Polluted Regional CitiesRankCity20231009080706050403020100Range of 2023 average PM2.5(g/m)across regional citiesCity markers indicating 2023 PM2.5 levels,size adjusted for population2023 PM2.5 average(g/m)35|2023 World Air Quality Report PM2.5(g/m)5035251510550352515105Country/Region RankingSUMMARY In 2023,Oceania remains the worlds cleanest region.Despite slight increases in average PM2.5 concentrations for Australia( 0.3 g/m3)and French Polynesia( 0.7 g/m3)compared to 2022,all countries in the region achieved the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline.Despite a nearly 1 g/m3 increase in PM2.5 concentration in Wellington,New Zealands capital,the overall country average fell by approximately half that amount to 4.3 g/m3.This region distinguishes itself by having the largest proportion of cities meeting the WHO annual PM2.5 guideline,with 55%of the 207 reporting cities having annual averages below 5 g/m3.Australia has experienced three years of La Nia conditions,bringing significant amounts of rain during the summer months in some areas leading to increased vegetation and increased risk of severe brushfires under hot and dry conditions.Prescribed burns around the country in late Autumn and through winter months(April-August)resulted in peak PM2.5 pollution periods.113Despite the overall positive results,there is still progress to be made.Annual
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June 2024 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?report Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 2 Contents Acronyms.4 Overview.5 Executive summary.6 Key findings.6 Data sources and systems.6 Key systems case studies.7 Data use.7 Data governance and management.8 Introduction.9 Background.9 Framing the study in Uganda.9 Data landscaping and the studys objective.9 Approach and methodology.10 Structure of the report.10 Part 1 Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data inventory.12 Part 1.1 Existing data sources and systems.12 Disaggregation.16 Frequency.18 Timeliness.19 Mode of collection.19 Part 1.2 The National Single Registry and the need for a National Social Registry20 Part 1.3 Is National ID a hindrance or helpful?.22 Part 1.4 Getting CRVS right is critical for Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.24 Part 2 Access and use of vulnerability and resilience data in Uganda.25 2.1 Access.25 2.2 Data use.26 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 3 Metadata.27 Part 3 The foundations of Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.28 Governance and management.28 3.1 Stakeholder coordination.28 3.2 Financing.29 3.3 Policy.30 Part 4 Recommendations.32 4.1 Data sources and systems.32 4.2 Data use.33 4.3 Data governance and management.34 Notes.36 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 4 Acronyms EOC Equal Opportunities Commission MDAs ministries,departments and agencies MAAIF Ministry of Agriculture,Animal Industry and Fisheries MoGLSD Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Development HSP Ministry of Health Strategic Plan(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25)MIS management information system NAP National Action Plan III on Women,Peace and Security(20212025)NIN National Identification Number NIRA National Identification and Registration Authority NSPP National Social Protection Policy(2015)NSR National Single Registry NSS National Statistical System PNSD Third Plan for National Statistical Development(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25)SCG Senior Citizens Grant UBOS Uganda Bureau of Statistics UNIDSR United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 5 Overview The promise to leave no one behind(LNOB)is central to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its aim to tackle poverty in all forms.As part of the LNOB commitment,UN member states are compelled to consider those being left behind first,and to tackle the discrimination and exclusion that lead to inequality.Development Initiatives(DI)has produced a series of LNOB assessments in Benin,Kenya and two municipalities in Nepal,Simta and Tulsipur.We worked with local partners to identify and develop the focus of each paper.DI has also published reports looking at aid effectiveness in Uganda,and Ugandas aid information management platform.This particular report is a data landscaping assessment.It examines the vulnerability and resilience data landscape in Uganda,and was carried out against a background of dynamic and,at times,volatile poverty and wellbeing outcomes.Individuals and communities can move in and out of poverty due to slow incremental changes,or sudden shocks or crises.Shock-responsive social protection systems and other interventions can help to secure vulnerable groups and people,but only if they are successfully managed and targeted.The report aims to understand the data ecosystem that informs responsive social protection systems,and provide evidence-informed policy recommendations on how it can be strengthened.This information can be leveraged by the Ugandan Government,civil society and development partners.Part 1 of this report describes the number of relevant data sources identified by the study team,and the quantity and quality of that data.It also provides case studies on the National Single Registry,the national ID system,and civil registration and vital statistics.Part 2 describes how this data is used in Uganda,and Part 3 reviews the governance and management of data systems and data use.Part 4 documents top-level policy recommendations.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 6 Executive summary Leaving no one behind(LNOB)is the core promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.It compels development actors to consider the furthest behind first and to tackle the discrimination and exclusion that lead to inequality.Development Initiatives has produced several LNOB assessments through our Poverty&Inequality programme to address data and information needs of our partners and allies.This assessment examines the vulnerability and resilience data landscape in Uganda,and recognises the dynamic and often volatile nature of poverty and wellbeing outcomes in the country.It aims to assess the data ecosystem that is related to people and their changing needs,focusing on different factors associated with their vulnerability and resilience.This information can be leveraged by the Ugandan Government,civil society and development partners to strengthen responsive social protection systems and other similar interventions associated with vulnerability and/or resilience.Key findings Data sources and systems A total of 56 data sources and 40 data systems measuring peoples vulnerability and resilience were identified for the period from 2013 to 2023.Most of Ugandas official data sources and systems are quantitative,while more than half of non-official data sources/systems are qualitative.The majority(58%)of the identified data sources/systems are“one-offs”which enable a single snapshot limited to a restricted period.Less than one-third(23)of the identified sources/systems produce widely accessible data that is disaggregated below the district level.The majority(70%)of the identified data sources/systems are non-official and are focused on small geographic areas(for example,on one or perhaps two sub-counties).Data disaggregation is still a challenge about half(47)of the identified data sources/systems had data disaggregated by gender;37 had data disaggregated by age;and only 23 produce data that is disaggregated by disability type.Ugandas Data Protection and Privacy Act(2019)makes provisions for how sensitive data should be handled properly.Stakeholders involved in any step of a data lifecycle when the subjects are vulnerable individuals and/or groups need to be trained in how to apply its principles.Data access is still a general problem in Uganda.Many of the actors that we spoke to said that the biggest problem is the inability to access microdata.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 7 Key systems case studies Key systems here refers to the National Single Registry(NSR),national IDs and civil registration and vital statistics.Effective stakeholder coordination is a key element in the production,sharing and use of data on vulnerability and resilience.The NSR is an important intervention that resulted from policy being enacted and well-coordinated stakeholder cooperation.However,the system in its current form cannot help the government to better target beneficiaries of social protection programmes.Challenges remain in how to keep the data up to date and how to build capacities in local governments.Uganda now uses the national ID system as the sole tool for enrolment of beneficiaries into social protection programmes.However,some major problems persist with the use of national IDs in social protection programmes.For example,around 43,000 national ID cards have the wrong data on them,which government officials we spoke to believe is the“biggest problem”.Uganda has embraced the use of vital statistics,however,these cannot be used to monitor real-time changes,or to guide stakeholders responses to unfolding situations.This is because vital statistics are not produced using data from the civil registration system.Only 32%of births and 23%of deaths are registered in Uganda,and there are some data gaps in the information collected by the National Identification and Registration Authority(NIRA)(such as place of birth and mothers details).Interviewees explained that death registration is the biggest problem,claiming that in some cases there are actually incentives not to register deaths.Data use There is a culture of limited data use in Uganda especially among those institutions and individuals working to reduce peoples vulnerability and increase their resilience.Of these,there are generally two categories:o Those that have no interest in using data:A culture of data use is not embedded in many government and non-government organisations.Some actors stick to different ways of working,some actors are motivated by priorities other than evidence,some actors assume useful data is not available,and some actors are sceptical about the accuracy of the data.o Those that want to use data but cannot:Actors data needs are not met.For example,the data that they might want such as data on indicators,geographic locations,time series or disaggregation does not exist.Many actors do not have the specialised skill set,time and/or resources to fully utilise the data available to them.The pool of data that actors are prepared to select from is limited,as they are hesitant to use data which is not produced by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics(UBOS).The unavailability of microdata severely curtails what insight users can create for themselves.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 8 Data governance and management There is evidence of effective cooperation leading to desirable results in Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.However,these instances are embedded in a data ecosystem that is more often characterised by a disconnect,for example.o While UBOS is mandated to coordinate government-wide data collection,many stakeholders think the agency can do better as it has struggled to bring other agencies into the national statistical system(NSS).o No government agency is mandated to coordinate data management,and the void created means it is largely unattended to.There is also a lack of harmony in donors work in the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.Most donors operate in silos to gatekeep their priority areas and pursue the interests of their countries governments.Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem faces a major financing problem.There is not enough funding for data activities,especially at the sub-national level.Much of the funding that does exist primarily comes from donors,with the two main consequences of this being that:o National interests are compromised as donors have a powerful say in what work is done;and o Sustainability is undermined as donor funding cycles are relatively short-term and can be susceptible to change.Uganda has high-quality policies relevant to the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.Examples include the National Social Protection Policy(2015)and the National Action Plan III on Women,Peace and Security(20212025)(NAP).These provide proper guidance for clear targeting,delegate roles and responsibilities,include costs,and sections on monitoring and evaluation.There is limited awareness among stakeholders of the existing policy frameworks for vulnerability and resilience data in Uganda.Interviewees had very little knowledge about what the policies aimed to achieve specifically,or of how it was proposed those aims would be achieved.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 9 Introduction Background Leave no one behind(LNOB)is the central transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.It compels development actors to consider the furthest behind first and to tackle the discrimination and exclusion that cause inequalities.Through the Poverty&Inequality programme,DI has produced LNOB assessments that meet the needs of our partners and allies.DI completed four assessments in 2022/2023 in Benin,Kenya and two in Nepal.Each had a different focus that was identified and developed with local partners.Framing the study in Uganda Poverty and wellbeing outcomes in Uganda are dynamic,and at times extremely volatile;individuals and communities can move in and out of poverty due to slow incremental changes,or sudden shocks or crises.The Covid-19 pandemic was one such crisis that resulted in a sudden increase in poverty in the country.1 Shock-responsive social protection systems and other humanitarian,insurance and welfare interventions can help to secure vulnerable groups and people,but only if they are successfully managed and targeted.During the pandemic,extra resources were allocated towards supporting vulnerable people.However,there was insufficient data and evidence to identify the most vulnerable and appropriately allocate these resources.Data landscaping and the studys objective LNOB assessments are split into two parts:1)data landscaping;and 2)data analysis.This report is the data landscaping section of this LNOB assessment.Data landscaping is the systematic analysis of data ecosystems.A data ecosystem consists of data sources and systems,data use and the governance and management of data.The primary objective of data landscaping is to contribute towards the strengthening of data ecosystems,by a)providing an evaluation of the composite factors and b)providing evidence-informed policy recommendations on how these factors can be strengthened.The main objective of this data landscaping study is to:Understand the data ecosystem that informs responsive social protection systems and other similar interventions that aim to minimise the impact of changes in peoples vulnerability and/or resilience(see Box 1 for an explanation of vulnerability and resilience).Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 10 Approach and methodology DI held an inception workshop in Kampala in December 2022,which served as the platform for the studys co-creation.The workshop was attended by representatives from government,donors,academia,and civil society organisations.2 The stakeholders identified the priority research objective and discussed the methodological approach.Based on this,DI adapted our general analytical framework for data landscaping(see Table 1 for the four key resources included in our data landscaping toolkit).The team then conducted a desk-based review of grey literature and face-to-face key informant interviews(KIIs)between February and March 2023.3 Finally,DI held a virtual validation workshop in August 2023.Table 1.The key resources in DIs data landscaping toolkit Name of resource Description Desk research checklist List of actions,key variables,and evaluative criteria,organised around three thematic areas:data systems;data use;and data governance.Questionnaire for KIIs 26 standard questions organised around three thematic areas:data systems;data use;and data governance.Data inventory Excel-based table consisting of 22 fields to record identified systems(e.g.,censuses,surveys,management information systems,etc.),capture vital metadata and map data flows.Findings matrix Excel-based template consisting of flexible criteria to generate evidence-based analytical points.Structure of the report Part 1 of this report describes the quantity and quality of data included in the data inventory,in addition to case studies on the NSR,the national ID system,and civil registration and vital statistics.4 Part 2 describes how this data is used in Uganda,and Part 3 reviews the governance and management of data systems and data use.Part 4 documents top-level policy recommendations based on evidence from Parts 13.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 11 Box 1:Understanding vulnerability and resilience Vulnerability and resilience are interrelated concepts.Our understanding of the two concepts lends from definitions put forward by the United Nations Office for Disaster Reduction(UNDRR)and UNICEF below.According to the UNISDR,vulnerability is the“conditions determined by physical,social,economic,and environmental factors or processes,which increase the susceptibility of a community to the impact of hazards”.5 Vulnerability thus depends on several factors,including peoples state of health,poverty and inequality,social status,disability and age,poor environmental management,climate change,the quality and state of local infrastructure,their location with respect to hazards,access to information,and awareness about potential risks,shocks,and hazards.6 Resilience refers to the ability of individuals and communities to withstand threats or shocks,or their ability to adapt to new livelihood options,in ways that preserve integrity and that do not deepen existing vulnerability.For a household,resilience is related to resources such as income,human capital and the social resources at its disposal.Resilience also depends on the households ability to use these resources,for example,whether it has access to markets,public services and social protection services.7 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 12 Part 1 Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data inventory Part 1.1 Existing data sources and systems The study team identified 56 relevant data sources that were published in the last decade(i.e.,since 2013).Data sources are single datasets produced by single data collection exercises.For example,the National Labour Force Surveys carried out in 2018 and 2021 count as two sources.The study team also identified 40 data systems that have produced relevant data over the last decade.Data systems refer to a single system that produces data continually or at relatively frequent intervals,for example,the health management information system counts as one system.8 Table 2.Number and type of data sources and data systems Type of source Number of data sources Official census 1 Official survey 29 Non-official survey 8 Mixed official9 1 Non-official qualitative 7 Non-official quantitative and qualitative10 10 Total 56 Type of system Number of data systems Official administrative 36 Official Geographic Information System 1 Non-official administrative 3 Total 40 Source:Development Initiatives based on study findings.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 13 Official data sources/systems are overwhelmingly quantitative(see Figure 1).Figure 1.Official data sources and data systems by type of source/system Source:Development Initiatives,2023.Over half of non-official data sources/systems are qualitative(see Figure 2).11 Figure 2.Non-official data sources and data systems by type of source/system Source:Development Initiatives,2023.Qualitative research can help to explain quantitative findings,and quantitative data can test qualitative findings.Therefore,it is ideal if qualitative and quantitative data sources and systems overlap.However,in this ecosystem,the two types of data generally do not overlap.For example,15 quantitative data sources and systems produced data on health but only three qualitative data sources and systems did.Moreover,the response to Covid-19 in Pallisa District accounted for two of the qualitative data sources/systems,96%4%QuantitativeQualitative39a%QuantitativeQualitative Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 14 therefore there is even less overlap with the quantitative data sources and systems which are mostly national in scope.The study team could only find complete information that is,for all the fields in our inventory for 57 data sources and systems.These sources and systems therefore provide the sample for the following analysis.Table 3.Identified data systems by type Type of source Number of sources Official census data 1 Official survey data 23 Mixed official 1 Non-official survey data 6 Non-official qualitative data 7 Non-official quantitative and qualitative data 10 Total 48 Type of systems Number of systems Official administrative data 7 Non-official administrative data 2 Total 9 Source:Development Initiatives based on study findings.The identified data sources and systems have produced an array of data that measures vulnerability and resilience,including information specifically related to social protection programmes and other similar interventions.12 See Table 4 for examples.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 15 Table 4.Examples of relevant indicators by theme and data source Example indicator Example theme Example source Distribution of persons in paid employment by type of social security and selected background characteristics.Social protection National Labour Force Survey Percentage of children under age 5 whose births are registered with the civil authorities,according to background characteristics.Civil registration Demographic Health Survey Possession of National identity card.National identification National Service Delivery Survey Percentage of agricultural households that received extension services in the previous 12 months.Agriculture Annual Agricultural Survey Persons with disabilities aged 18 years and above with access to social transfers.Disability Functional Difficulties Survey Geographical distribution of orphans and vulnerable children served per district in the country.Orphans and vulnerable children Orphans and Vulnerable Children Management Information System Percentage distribution of persons in vulnerable employment by selected background characteristics.Economy National Labour Force Survey Availability of food stock at households and projected duration.Food security Situation of Food Security and Nutrition in Northern Uganda Electricity reliability by background characteristics.Service delivery National Service Delivery Survey Percentage of women that have ever been physically abused who had knowledge and use of services.Violence against children and women National Survey on Violence in Uganda Ownership of insecticide-treated nets by wealth.Health Malaria Indicator Survey Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 16 Example indicator Example theme Example source Literate persons aged 18 years and above for selected characteristics and sex.Education National Household Survey Perception by respondents and extent to which public security forces are involved in corruption by sex and residence.Peace and security National Governance Peace and Security Survey Distribution of women and men in local government councils.Political participation Women in Local Government Source:Development Initiatives based on study findings.Disaggregation In order to inform a leave-no-one-behind approach,it is necessary to identify individual and group-based characteristics that may influence poverty outcomes.To enable this,data must capture variables relating to multiple dimensions of vulnerability/resilience,such as asset ownership or access to social protection,but also include variables that can allow for disaggregation by characteristics that may be associated with inequality and exclusion within a population,such as gender,age or geography.Group-based disaggregation Data disaggregated by gender is produced by 47 of the identified data sources and systems.This high number is testament to the success of efforts to mainstream the collection of gender-disaggregated data in Uganda.Such efforts include UBOSs Strategy for the Development of Gender Statistics13 and National Priority Gender Equality Indicators Framework,14 as well as the repeated inclusion of strategic objectives to improve disaggregation by gender in multiple National Statistical Development Plans.15 Data disaggregated by age is produced by 37 of the data sources and systems.While not as high a number as gender,it is still significant in representing over half of the identified data sources and systems,indicating that efforts to mainstream the collection of age-disaggregated data in Uganda are underway.However,in the data sources and systems that do produce data disaggregated by age,age groupings are usually large(e.g.,“over 18 years”).The lack of granularity means the usefulness of age-disaggregated data is limited.Conversely,only 23 of the data sources and systems produce data that is disaggregated by(type of)disability.This represents around 40%of the identified data systems.This means a majority of the identified data systems cannot be used by actors interested in issues that impact persons with disabilities.As a consequence,the range of evidence these actors can draw from is limited.16 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 17 The type of disaggregated data least collected is ethnicity(or tribe).This data is only collected by four of the data sources and systems.Interviewees reported several reasons why this is the case.For example,powerful groups that want to avoid highlighting disparities to protect their privilege,and some minority groups that prefer not to give information due to a fear of potential repercussions.These are factors that combine to cause what is,in essence,a culture of silence.This means that actors interested in issues that impact different ethnic groups have barely any evidence to use.Figure 3.Types of disaggregation by number of data sources/systems Source:Development Initiatives,2023.Geographic disaggregation Geographic disaggregation plays a significant part in determining how useful a dataset is to an actor.It is generally accepted that for data to be useful it needs to be disaggregated to at least one administrative tier below where it is being used.For example,someone at the national level needs data disaggregated by region and/or below;someone at the regional level needs data disaggregated by sub-region and/or below,and so on.This is so actors can allocate funding,design and provide services,make policy and so on tailored to the needs of their jurisdiction.Localisation,if inclusive,has the potential to significantly contribute towards LNOB.17 DI generally considers the local level to be the lowest administrative tier in a country that has significant decision-making power and/or responsibility for policymaking and/or service delivery.In Uganda,this would be at the district level.Only 23 of the identified data sources and systems produce data disaggregated below the district level(approximately 40%).18 Of these,16 are non-official and because non-official data sources and systems are usually concerned with specific areas,for example,one or perhaps two sub-counties,their usefulness is severely limited.In other words,many districts have very limited,if any data to work with.01020304050EthnicityDisabilityAgeGenderNumber of data systemsTypes of disaggregation Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 18 Figure 4.Number of data sources/systems by geographic disaggregation and type Source:Development Initiatives,2023.Frequency There was a spike in the publication of data in 2020(see Figure 5),but this was not directly related to Covid-19 as only three of the 17 datasets are about the pandemic.Instead,the rise was caused by a seemingly coincidental flurry of non-official publications covering an array of thematic focuses.For example,female political participation,the quality of tuberculosis services,and the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.19 Figure 5.Number of datasets published per year Source:Development Initiatives,2023.0246810121416Number of data source/systemsLevel of disaggregationNumber of non-official systemsNumber of officialsystems435717932016201720182019202020212022Number of datasetsYear Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 19 Timeliness Stakeholders can respond to what are often rapidly changing circumstances if data is collected frequently and made available quickly.Advanced administrative data systems have this capability,such as the health management information system which runs through the District Health Information System 2 software.However,data from these types of systems is only accessible to officials with login credentials,which means the majority of stakeholders cannot use it to respond to unfolding situations.There is an inevitable delay between data being collected by household surveys,censuses,and qualitative studies and it being made available for use.In this sample,there is a mean of just over a year between data collection starting and publication.Although in some instances the gap is smaller.For example,UBOS and UNWOMEN published data from the Covid-19 Rapid Gender Assessment Survey roughly seven months after it had been collected.Delays mean these types of data sources and systems are not directly useful for actors responding to rapidly changing circumstances.Nevertheless,they are still very important because the data they produce is of a higher quality and can be used to make administrative information more meaningful.On average it takes longer for official data to be made available than non-official data.Contributing factors include official data sources and systems having more indicators,greater sample sizes,and covering larger geographic areas.Mode of collection The mode of collection refers to whether data collection is completed face-to-face or remotely and with the use of technology or not.For sources and systems where mode of data collection was specified,data for at least 65%of the data sources and systems was collected face-to-face.The benefits of face-to-face data collection include being able to reach some vulnerable groups that may be excluded when data is collected remotely(for example,elderly people who are less likely to have access to required technology)and a reduced risk of response bias(which is higher when data is collected remotely).20 However,face-to-face data collection is generally more expensive,and can pose security risks in dangerous contexts.No security problems were recorded during any of the collection exercises included in the sample this analysis is based on.21 Over half(62%)of the data sources and systems where the mode of collection was specified were collected with the use of technology.22 Using technology to collect data can increase the efficiency of the process and can increase the quality of the data as it can reduce the likelihood of human errors being made.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 20 Figure 6.Mode of data collection by percentage of sources/systems23 Source:Development Initiatives,2023.Part 1.2 The National Single Registry and the need for a National Social Registry The Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Development(MoGLSD)launched a digital NSR in February 2021.24 Among other objectives,the MoGLSD wants to use the NSR to facilitate the harmonisation of siloed social protection programmes.The NSR is linked to management information systems(MIS)embedded in national social protection systems,which collect data during beneficiary registration and from the point of service delivery,and include:The Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment MIS The Northern Uganda Social Action Fund MIS The Orphans and Other Vulnerable Children MIS The Uganda Child Helpline MIS The National ID Database The Youth Livelihood Programme MIS The Disability Grant MIS The Development Response to Displacement Impact Project MIS The MoGLSD confirmed that its long-term goal is to connect all MISs that collect data on social protection and other complimentary services to the NSR.Hence,it aims to connect the National Social Security Fund MIS and National Gender-Based Violence MIS soon.It Dont know27ce-to-face technology54ce-to-face manual11%Remote technology8c specified modes Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 21 also aims to connect a Public Service Extension MIS when it is ready(it is being built now),in addition to any new MISs if they are established(for example,a proposed National Health Insurance MIS).25 Interviewees said that for the NSR to achieve a more advanced functionality,connecting MISs to it needs to be complemented by the implementation of standardised classifications within the different MISs it brings together.For example,the geocoding used by different MISs varies at the moment and needs to be aligned so the different data they produce can be used together.The NSR has a public dashboard through which any user can access aggregated data,some of which can be disaggregated by programme,district,gender and year.Users with login credentials can automatically access microdata,however other users have to make requests via the portal.26 Therefore,while the NSR does promote data availability for a subset of mainly MoGLSD staff,it does not markedly increase the availability of data for the larger proportion of other potential users.Arguably the most important lessons from the establishment of the NSR are that it has shown that:1.Policy can be an effective catalyst of action.2.Significant developments can be achieved when cooperation is well coordinated between stakeholders.The objective to implement an NSR was initially formalised in the National Social Protection Policy(2015)(NSPP).When talking about the NSR actors routinely acknowledge this,as well as the importance it had in driving its implementation.The establishment of the NSR also hinged on a)clear leadership by the MoGLSD and a dedicated unit from the Expanding Social Protection Secretariat,and b)the willing participation of members of a cross-ministerial Steering Committee,including representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology,the National Information Technology Authority,the Office of the Prime Minister,NIRA,the Ministry of Local Government,and development partners.27 However,in its current state,the NSR does have a significant flaw;its inability to help the government better target beneficiaries of social protection programmes.In response to this need,numerous voices called for the development of a social registry module to be added to the NSR.For example,in April 2023 the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights(ISER)said:“Social registers are information systems that aid in the registration and determination of possible eligibility for social programs.ISER affirms the need for a comprehensive social register”.28 ISER,2023 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 22 This endorsement was echoed by the State Minister for Disability Affairs,Asamo Hellen Grace.In May 2023 she publicly stated that Uganda“needs to fast-track the upgrading of the social registry module of the NSR to facilitate beneficiary targeting”.29 Interviewees told us that demand for the implementation of a social registry was ramped up because of how chronic shortfalls in the current way of working became emphasised during the Covid-19 pandemic,in addition to stakeholders looking to other countries and learning about the benefits of their social registries.In May 2023,the Government of Uganda stated in the Stakeholder Engagement Plan for the National Uganda Social Action Fund Project that it would“support the operationalization of a dynamic national social registry”.30 Since this declaration it has begun work on the social registry.31,32 The MoGLSD has already conducted a feasibility study.Officials visited Pakistan and plans to visit Kenya in month(May,2024)to study their social registries,and to observe first-hand how these countries systems operate.33 Additionally,early development work is well underway,with support from the World Bank.Particular data fields are still not fully decided on,but stakeholders are aiming for the social registry to produce highly disaggregated data.34,35 Looking forward,the actors we interviewed say the two most significant challenges they foresee in the long-term implementation of the social registry are:1.Keeping the data up to date.2.Building capacities in local governments.As things stand both of these problems remain unsolved,even theoretically.However,officials have turned their attention to them.Interviewees reported they are exploring the option of implementing mobile data capture at the local level to facilitate frequent data collection.They are also thinking about ways to generate core funding from the central government to provide a pipeline to strengthen the resources available to local administrations.Part 1.3 Is National ID a hindrance or helpful?In Uganda,as is the case in many places around the world,national ID cards and national identification numbers(NINs)are used to administer social protection transfers.Theoretically,their application is supposed to upgrade the systems by making them more efficient for the government and individual recipients.In Uganda,though,many stakeholders are questioning the functionality of theirs.For example,the Center for Human Rights and Global Justice,ISER and The Unwanted Witness joined forces and authored a report(2021)which presented a damning indictment of the system.36 In it,it is argued that because vulnerable groups are disproportionately excluded from obtaining national IDs(and therefore NINs),they are disproportionately excluded from accessing social protection programmes.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 23“Ndaga Muntu Ugandas national ID system has led to mass exclusion,shutting out as many as one third of Ugandas adult population,and has become a barrier for women and older persons,as well as many other marginalized individuals,to access their human rights to health and social security.”37 The reasons for this vary depending on the social protection programme in question.However,by looking at the Senior Citizens Grant(SCG)it is possible to gleam some generally applicable insight.To access their payments recipients must physically present their ID card(along with their NIN)to officials at payment points.38 However,many older people do not have a national ID card or NIN,and therefore cannot receive their SCG.There are a number of obstacles blocking older people from obtaining national IDs,including them not being able to prove an exact date of birth,being unable to present documented proof of citizenship,illiteracy,making form-filling impossible and equipment not being able to record worn fingerprints.Government officials we spoke to agree with some of the points raised in the report.They acknowledged that“not everyone has an ID”,estimating that around 10,000 older people currently do not have one.They also acknowledged the“bigger problem”that many national ID cards,around 43,000,have the wrong data on them(for example,date of birth being too recent,so someone who is 80 and is therefore eligible for the SCG,is recorded as being 60 and therefore cannot access their payments).Officials emphasised however,that while the previous system was mistake-laden,being based on a multitude of paper documents,the national ID system is in its nascent stage and still needs time to develop fully.Some recent developments have also set a precedent that means there is reason to believe the national ID system can advance closer to where it needs to be.For example,one of the main reasons given in the report as to why older and other marginalised people cannot register for a national ID is NIRAs use of mass registration drives rather than a continuous enrolment model.However,since the report was published NIRA has made the switch to the latter from the former.Moreover,NIRA has expanded the coverage of its offices and personnel,provided more technical infrastructure,increased the level of outreach it conducts(including through strengthened partnerships with departments that administer social protection),and has made strategic adjustments to the system with a view to future long-term gains(for example,infants are now designated a NIN when their birth is registered,which they will be able to make use of when they are 18 years old).However,this is not to say that all improvements are a foregone conclusion.One of the flagship advances NIRA is currently touting is its planned upgrading of national ID cards from 1st to 2nd generation ones in 2024,about which the Auditor General commented:Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 24“NIRA has no clear plan on when the new IDs will be rolled out,the costs involved,sensitisation arrangements of the public were also not clear and other key activities such as signing of contracts for supply of the blank cards,procurement of equipment and recruitment of staff to manage the exercise were yet to be undertaken.”39 An official we spoke to explained:“The new ID cards will collect biometric information in the form of fingerprints and iris scans.However,there is a sizeable portion of people with disabilities,amputees for example,who it is not possible to collect this kind of information from.We need to think about this and make additions accordingly.”Part 1.4 Getting CRVS right is critical for Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem Civil registration and vital statistics incorporates data systems which support the provision of and access to social protection services,in addition to facilitating protection from a number of harmful practices(for example,child marriage,child labour,and trafficking).40 The vital statistics produced from civil registration data can also be an important source of up-to-date information,which are near real-time in advanced statistical systems.Specifically,they can help governments and other actors to“understand population dynamics”and to“assess levels of inequality”.41 However,in Uganda,vital statistics are not produced using data from civil registration systems.42 Instead,“UBOS collects,compiles and disseminates vital statistics from decennial population censuses and household surveys such as the Demographic and Health Survey every 5-years or so”.43 As people are at risk of suffering sudden shocks,the government and other actors cannot use these vital statistics to monitor real-time changes or,therefore,to guide their responses to unfolding situations.Reasons why vital statistics are not calculated using civil registration data might be because only 32%of births and 23%of deaths are registered in the country.44,45 In addition,there are a number of data gaps in the information collected by NIRA(for example,places of birth and mothers details).46 Interviewees explained that the lack of death registration is the biggest problem,and claimed that in some cases there are actually incentives not to register deaths.However,the combination of the need for a national ID to claim social protection and the requirement that individual beneficiaries physically attend distribution points should close some of these loopholes.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 25 Part 2 Access and use of vulnerability and resilience data in Uganda 2.1 Access Open data allows evidence to be used and reused and can contribute to reduced duplication and increased harmonisation of data and programmes alike.In Uganda,accessing data,especially microdata,is a big problem.Any ability to access information normally mirrors the extent of social connectedness,as actors tend to use their connections to informally access information instead of through established data sharing/open data protocols.“Makerere University recently completed a study on vulnerability and equity in service delivery in Uganda,but one needs to be part of their network to access the data and information”.Key informant interviewee Factors that contribute to the reluctance to share data include:No culture of collaboration and openness when it comes to data.A lack of trust between organisations,especially when there is competition or rivalry between them.Organisations considering their data to be a potential source of revenue and not sharing it without a clear business case.A belief that data breaches or cyberattacks are more likely if data is shared,especially when robust cybersecurity measures are not in place.A lack of clear policies and procedures for sharing data responsibly,which feeds into concerns about violating privacy regulations and/or exposing sensitive information.Insufficient technological infrastructure,for example,data management systems,which makes it challenging to share data effectively and securely.The datas usefulness being undervalued because of concerns about its quality,including the lack of standardised formats.Regulatory barriers impeding data sharing,particularly when the data is sensitive.The study team gathered some experiences of people when trying to access information,for example:Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 26“UBOS bureaucracy is not good when it comes to data sharing.For example,a person asks for data from the Department of Social Statistics,this department then asks another department to clean and anonymise the data,that department replies saying it is not a priority,and so on.In the end,the user who requested the data ends up giving up on his or her request”.2.2 Data use Interviewees report that the use of data within the vulnerability and resilience space in Uganda is weak.First and foremost,many government and non-governmental organisations do not have a culture of data use.In other words,people do not refer to evidence while making policy,designing and administering services,monitoring programmes,carrying out advocacy work and so on.There are many reasons why this is the case,including actors sticking to different ways of working,actors being motivated by priorities other than evidence,and actors assuming useful data is not available.Some potential users are also sceptical about the accuracy of the data in the space;in their eyes data that shines a light on deprivations,marginalisation and so forth highlights government failures,which they believe makes producing this kind of data politically inexpedient.They therefore believe,justifiably or not,that the data there is has been massaged.This means these potential users prefer not to use the data.On the other hand,using data can be difficult for the actors who do attempt to work with evidence.It is often the case that actors data needs are not met within the vulnerability and resilience space(that is,data for the indicators,geographic locations,time series,disaggregation and so on they demand does not exist).47 For example,an interviewee explained that even though UBOS does produce some information about persons with disabilities,48 the Bureau does not routinely produce data that helps practitioners understand how poverty affects persons with disabilities.The pool of data that actors in the space are prepared to pick from is limited,as they are hesitant to use data that is not produced by UBOS,and therefore are unprepared to look elsewhere to source the data they need.This compounds data needs not being met.Interviewees explain that this attitude is rooted in a belief that using other data can“create issues”for them.For example,the reliability of their analysis,and the validity of their conclusions being questioned.As discussed previously it is very rare that data producers,including UBOS or the MoGLSD,make the microdata they collect publicly available.When microdata is not available,it severely curtails what insight users can make.However,the unavailability of microdata is only one-half of the problem.This is because managing and analysing it requires a specialised skillset,in addition to time and resources(e.g.,finance,ICT hardware and software,etc.),which are not in abundance in Uganda.It is often therefore Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 27 the case that potential users do not possess one or more of these variables,and therefore cannot fully use the microdata even when it is available to them.Metadata The difficulty the study team had accessing systems metadata is symptomatic of the absence of readily accessible metadata in the country.Complete and available metadata allows potential data users to a)more easily identify information that is useful for them,and b)understand the context surrounding datasets,which can influence how they conduct their analyses.Data systems which publish datasets along with complete metadata are virtually non-existent.49 However,metadata for some UBOS surveys is published by third party partners who also store the data,such as The DHS Program with the Demographic Health Survey.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 28 Part 3 The foundations of Ugandas vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem Governance and management 3.1 Stakeholder coordination There are instances when actors have worked together to produce desirable results in Uganda.For example,the case of the NSR shows what is possible when stakeholders willingly coordinate with each other,as joined-up working led to the implementation of a much-needed tool(which looks set to be enhanced to fill a significant gap in the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem).Moreover,interviewees explained how actors from government and donor communities come together in times of crisis,such as when there is a natural disaster,in the form of committees,to work on data-related issues.However,these instances are embedded in a data ecosystem that is more often characterised by a disconnection.For example,UBOS is mandated with coordinating official data collection across the whole government,but interviewees state that it has struggled to bring other agencies into the NSS,with some interviewees arguing that the Bureau has inadvertently created barriers that prevent other organisations from being amalgamated into the NSS.Auditing,quality assurance,etc.are good but should come when you already have people on board,not imposed as a criterion for participation in the NSS.These conditions actually cause a roadblock for the participation of Ministries,Departments and Agencies,and other non-state actors.You can push for more participation but when you are also putting in place terms and conditions that are not very welcome it does not help.Key informant interviewee Furthermore,while UBOS is mandated with coordinating data production it is less clear which organisation is responsible for coordinating data management,and the resulting void means that it is largely unattended to.50 The absence of government-wide data management causes issues,including:Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 29“The principal statistician in the Ministry of Agriculture,Animal Industry and Fisheries(MAAIF)said they did not have the data we requested and referred us to UBOS,but UBOS referred us back to the MAAIF.”Key informant interviewee At the same time,donor work on data in the vulnerability and resilience space is generally not harmonised.Interviewees explained that this is for several reasons including individual donors shirking cooperation as they try to gatekeep the areas of work they prioritise;donor outlooks being focused on the narrow interests of their countries governments;and a need for their data collection activities to produce evidence which reflects favourably on their activities and programmes.3.2 Financing The study team identified two prominent issues with financing that damage the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem in Uganda:1.There is not enough funding,especially at the subnational level.2.Funding primarily comes from donors,not the government.Interviewees explained that budgets committed towards data-related activities are too small.in addition,offices rarely receive the full amounts originally committed to.These funding gaps cause big challenges in data collection and data management,and affect UBOS and other organisations,such as the Equal Opportunities Commission(EOC).A lack of funding causes shortfalls in human resources(that is,in staff and skills shortages)and core infrastructure(for example,ICT hardware and internet connection)and restricts activities(for example,the EOC has had to limit data collection activities to 16 of Ugandas 136 districts).51 These issues are amplified at the subnational level,where it is often the case that local governments do not allocate any portion of their budgets specifically towards data-related activities.52 However,in spite of funding shortfalls,and the problems they cause,activities are still duplicated.For example,there are 10 dashboards related to HIV/AIDS in,and seven dashboards related to medical supply chains in operation in Uganda.53 A great deal of this lack of harmonisation is rooted in donors funding siloed vertical programmes.The consequence is that the small pool of resources available covers even less than it could do if financing was better coordinated.54 The other issue is that too small a proportion of the governments data-related activities is funded by the government.Interviewees stressed that“even UBOS largely relies on donor money”.The same situation is found at the subnational level.The two main consequences of this are that 1)national interests are compromised as donors have a powerful say in what work is done;and 2)sustainability is undermined as donor funding Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 30 cycles are relatively short-term and can be susceptible to change(for example,the specificities of thematic interests and geographic prioritisations,etc.).3.3 Policy Interviewees identified a number of policy documents that are relevant to the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem.For example,the Third Plan for National Statistical Development(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25)55(PNSD),the Ministry of Health Strategic Plan(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25)56(HSP),and other various sectoral plans.These documents do all contain some policies of interest.For example,objectives in the PNSD include“institutionalising coordination and management of statistics”,and“strengthening human capital development for statistics across the national statistical system”.Both of these issues are discussed in this report and are areas that need to be worked on.However,these policies relate to the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem in a fairly tenuous way.Through desk research,the study team identified policies that are inextricably linked.For example,those contained in the NSPP,such as:To establish an effective monitoring and evaluation system for social protection.To strengthen the functionality of the civil registration system.To develop management information systems for different components of social protection.The NAP includes policies such as:57 To equip women with timely and relevant information to enable them to advocate for and participate in prevention and mitigation of human-made and natural disasters.To establish appropriate coordination mechanisms for the implementation of the NAP at different levels for networking,sharing of information and effective synergies.To strengthen the capacity of women on early warning systems for climate-related natural disasters.To strengthen womens capacity to prevent,prepare for,and recover from natural hazards by ensuring early warning data is up to date,reflects womens and mens gender roles and is disseminated.The inclusion of policies in the NSPP and the NAP that aim to strengthen the vulnerability and resilience data ecosystem is very encouraging.It shows key stakeholders recognise the importance that data has in creating solutions in this space.Whats more,the policy documents are good quality.They provide clear targeting,delegate roles and responsibilities,include costings(the NAP more thoroughly than the NSPP),and sections on monitoring and evaluation,to track progress being made towards objectives(again,the NAP more thoroughly than the NSPP).Additionally,the success of the NSR is proof that policy can lead to real-world results.Nonetheless,the main critical point about the NAP and NSPP remains;none of the interviewees we talked to including employees from the EOC,Prime Ministers Office Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 31 and FCDO knew about them(or other similar plans or policies).Furthermore,interviewees did not display a particularly thorough understanding of those they did know about.For example,questions about the PNSD and HSP solicited answers,such as,“We all know these policies demand data collection,and aim to create MISs that can be used to collect data,to ensure that vulnerable persons are catered for.”Key informant interviewee In short,there was very little knowledge about what the policies aimed to achieve specifically,or on the proposals about how they will be achieved.The crux of the matter here is,if practitioners do not know about them then a)achieving them will be difficult(especially those that require multi-stakeholder cooperation),and b)holding the government to account on whether they are being achieved will be exceptionally challenging.How can you hold the government to account,if you do not know what it has committed to?Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 32 Part 4 Recommendations This section outlines top-level policy recommendations based on the findings detailed in Parts 13.4.1 Data sources and systems There is a need for stakeholders including UBOS,ministries,departments and agencies(MDAs),and other actors producing data on vulnerability and resilience to work towards addressing key bottlenecks associated with the availability and access to datasets they generate.Our specific recommendations for achieving this are as follows:Publish anonymised microdata from various public data sources and systems to resolve challenges with access to data.58 1.Consider formalising the processes and modalities for data access and sharing of official and public data leveraging existing policies,guidelines,and protocols for data sharing.2.Agree memorandums of understanding between MDAs,CSOs and private actors as a critical first step in improving data sharing and addressing the challenges of using private connections to access public data from key official sources.Such memorandums of understanding would have clauses safeguarding personal identity as well as vulnerable communities.3.All producers of official and non-official data,including UBOS,should consider creating greater awareness of the existence of the official/public data in their custody.This could be supported by other stakeholders including donors,CSOs and private sector actors.Increase data producers willingness to share data by addressing bottlenecks in accessing and data sharing.This could be achieved through the following means:1.Nurture and promote the culture of collaboration and openness among data producers to build trust between organisations,especially where there is competition or rivalry between them.UBOS should consider leveraging its mandate and position to better coordinate the production and sharing of official data by MDAs ensuring the use of the existing framework for National Statistical Indicators to standardise data production.2.Streamline policy for sharing official public data in all government MDAs.This would address the current MDAs practice of selling data without a clear business case,and Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 33 seeing their data as a source of revenue.The data they produce is funded through public finance and therefore it is not appropriate for them to sell it to the public.3.Build capacity for robust cybersecurity within MDAs and all data producers to address fears of data breaches or cyberattacks that are associated with open data systems.4.Institute clear policies and procedures,and regulatory frameworks(or increase awareness where they exist)for sharing data responsibly to address concerns about violating privacy regulations and/or exposing sensitive information.5.Invest in technological infrastructure including hardware and software for data sharing.An example could be centralized data management systems that promote effective and secure data sharing.4.2 Data use Any investment made in data production and in the development of data infrastructure can only be justified when the data produced is put to its intended use.Unfortunately,the use of available data within the vulnerability and resilience space in Uganda remains weak.Our recommendations for improving the use of available vulnerability and resilience data are as follows:Address the culture of poor data use in many government and non-government organisations.This could be achieved by:1.Institute a policy requirement for the use of evidence for policymaking,design and administration of public services,monitoring of programmes,and advocacy work.This would help to change the current way of working in isolation motivated by priorities not backed by evidence.It could also lead to increased adoption of data use for decision-making.2.Promote awareness of existing data sources and systems by all data producers.This would remove the widespread belief by actors that useful data is not available.3.Improve the quality of collected data by ensuring data meets the minimum quality thresholds for indicators covering disaggregation,timeliness of publication,and frequency of collection.This would help address users scepticism about the accuracy of the data in the vulnerability and resilience space.4.Encourage the use of data by those closest to its source.The more the data is used,the greater the incentive to improve its quality.5.UBOS and other data producers should create a simple,straightforward process for MDAs,CSOs and other data producers to follow to make their data official.This would help address data users concerns about the reliability of non-official data sources.UBOS presently has a framework under its professional services department.This needs to be simplified and popularised to create awareness and demand.6.Build capacity for data use by advocating for greater investment in skills development for managing and analysing data.Investment in ICT hardware and software is also needed.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 34 4.3 Data governance and management Data governance and management deficits within Ugandas vulnerability and resilience space is a key challenge that affects other facets of the data ecosystem.We offer the following recommendations to address challenges of data governance and management.Improve the functioning of stakeholder coordination.This can be achieved by:1.UBOS should consider leveraging its mandate and position as a coordinator of official data collection across the government to create a functional coordination platform with mechanisms for bringing together all MDAs into the NSS.2.UBOS should consider addressing the artificial barriers including upfront requirements for data producers to adhere to specific terms and conditions for quality assurance and data audit which impede the participation in the NSS.While these conditions are important,they should not be imposed as an illegibility criterion for participation in the NSS.Instead,they could be applied once actors are already actively engaged in the NSS.3.UBOS could also consider learning from some of the existing success stories such as the development of the NSR under the leadership of MoLGSD where effective coordination among MDAs,donors and CSOs led to the production of desirable results and outcomes for social protection data.4.Develop a clear policy on coordinating data management.The present NSS policy seems to only mandate UBOS with coordinating data production.This leaves data management largely unattended to and results in disharmony within MDAs in managing public data.5.The National Information Technology Authority of Uganda coordinates,promotes and monitors information technology developments in Uganda could help harmonise public data management within MDAs whose systems are already connected to its infrastructure.59 6.Donors in the vulnerability and resilience space equally need to harmonise their work by putting aside their differences and narrow interests of their countries governments.They should instead focus on the greater goal of advancing the use of data and evidence in decision-making.Some platforms for donor coordination already exist these could be leveraged to address coordination gaps with donors and reduce the duplication of efforts.Improve financing of vulnerability and resilience data.This could be achieved by:1.The Government of Uganda should address the chronic inadequate funding allocations to entities such as UBOS,EOC and subnational administrative units.This would require allocating sufficient funding for human resources and technical capacities and funding for data-related programmes and activities at various levels.2.The Government of Uganda should also reduce its heavy reliance on donors as primary funders of vulnerability and resilience data production by including vulnerability and resilience data in its short-and medium-term funding priorities.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 35 3.The Government of Uganda should encourage donors to harmonise their activities.It should keep a central record of duplications and gaps so that donors can be directed to where the needs are greatest.Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 36 Notes 1“During the first six months of 2021 the poverty rate in Uganda stood at 28%,increasing from the pre-pandemic poverty level of 18%.”The Borgen Project,2022.The Impact of Covid-19 on poverty in Uganda.Available at:https:/borgenproject.org/impact-of-covid-19-on-poverty-in-uganda/#:text=The Economic Impact of COVID-19 in Uganda&text=Furthermore, the Ugandan Finance Ministry,pandemic poverty level of 18% 2 Attendees included:the Office of the Prime Minister,Ministry of Gender Labour and Social Development,the Uganda Bureau of Statistics,the UKs Foreign,Commonwealth and Development Office,and Makerere University.3 Two additional KIIs were conducted after this time period,one in May 2023 and another in June 2023.4 For the complete data inventory,see the download available at:https:/devinit.org/resources/ugandas-social-protection-data-ecosystem.5 UNDRR.Vulnerability.Available at:http:/www.undrr.org/quick/11977.Accessed 24 April 2024.6 Preventionweb.Understanding disaster risk.Available at:https:/ 24 April 2024.7 UNICEF.Resilience,humanitarian assistance and social protection for children.Available at:https:/www.unicef.org/eca/reports/resilience-humanitarian-assistance-and-social-protection-children-europe-and-central-asia.8 Two reasons for the distinction are 1)the study team could not calculate how many datasets data systems have produced over the last decade because it could not access them,and 2)stating that data systems that continually or frequently collect data produce single datasets could be misleading,as it implies a continuity in data fields,collection methods,samples,etc.that cannot be assumed.9 Unique sources that collate data from administrative systems,official surveys,and censuses.10 Unique systems that combine qualitative and quantitative information.The quantitative aspects of these systems are mostly based on surveys with small sample sizes,quantitative analysis of qualitative responses given in focus group discussions,etc.11 Calculated as non-official qualitative and non-official quantitative and qualitative combined.12 A measure of vulnerability and/or resilience is defined as any data about multi-dimensional poverty and marginalisation and the factors that relate to the risk of individuals or groups staying in or falling into poverty and/or staying or becoming marginalised.This definition is based on the World Bank and was refined in the inception workshop.13 UBOS,2018.Strategy for the Development of Gender Statistics(2018/192020/21).Available at:https:/www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/04_2019Strategy_for_the_Development_of_Gender_Statistics_2018_19_-_2019_20.pdf 14 UBOS,2019.National Priority Gender Equality Indicators.Available at:chrome-www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/05_2019National_Priority_Gender_Equality_Indicators_NPGEIs_2019.pdf 15 In the third plan:“institutionalise the generation and use of gender statistics”;in the first plan“Engender statistics”.UBOS,2020.Third Plan for National Statistical Development(2020/212024/25).Available at:https:/www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/08_2021THIRD_PLAN_FOR_NATIONAL_STATISTICAL_DEVELOPMENT_FY2020_21_FY2024_25.pdf.UBOS,2006.Plan for National Statistical Development(2006/72010/11).Available at:https:/www.ubos.org/wp-content/uploads/publications/03_2018PNSD_20072011.pdf 16 For an in-depth analysis of the disability data ecosystem in Uganda see“Ugandas disability data landscape and the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities”.Development Initiatives,2020.Ugandas disability data landscape and the economic inclusion of persons with disabilities.Available at:https:/devinit.org/resources/uganda-disability-data-landscape-economic-inclusion-persons-with-disabilities/17 UNFPA,2021.How can localization of SDGs contribute to“Leaving no one behind”?Available at:https:/sustainabledevelopment.un.org/index.php?page=view&type=20000&nr=7307&menu=2993 Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 37 18 The small number of systems that produce data disaggregated to the most local levels(i.e.,by municipality or facility)being reported here is extremely likely to be a significant underestimation.This is because the study team had significant difficulty obtaining detailed information about official administrative data systems,which tend to produce the most locally disaggregated data.19 Frequency was calculated from a sample of 48 sources,because publication dates were not clear for a small number of datasets,and administrative data systems were also excluded.20 Hensen,B.et al,2021.Remote data collection for public health research in a COVID-19 era:ethical implications,challenges and opportunities.Available at:https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7928874/21 Hensen,B.et al,2021.Remote data collection for public health research in a COVID-19 era:ethical implications,challenges and opportunities.Available at:https:/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7928874/22 A large majority of the sources/systems that used technology were run by UBOS.23 The mode of collection labelled Dont know(see Figure 6)refers to data sources/systems where the mode of collection has not been made available.Based on anecdotal and circumstantial evidence it is most likely that the majority of these data systems are based on manual face-to-face modes of collection,but the study team has not been able to confirm this.24 Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Protection,2021.Launch of the National Single Registry for Social Protection.Available at:https:/mglsd.go.ug/launch-of-the-national-single-registry/.Accessed 26 April 2024.25 In addition to this there are several social protection programmes that still do not have their own MISs,and officials from the MoGLSD said they need to be proactive in encouraging their establishment.26 Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Development,No date.The Single Registry for Social Protection.Available at:http:/154.72.196.50/.Accessed 26 April 2024.27 Development Pathways,2022.Ugandas National Single Registry:a foundation for a digital social protection ecosystem.Available at:https:/www.developmentpathways.co.uk/publications/ugandas-national-single-registry/#:text=This report about the National,registry within Ugandas digital ecosystem.28 Initiative for Social and Economic Rights,2023.ISERs Position on the 2023 Social Protection Budget.Available at:https:/iser-uganda.org/publication/isers-position-on-the-2023-24-social-protection-budget/29 Watchdog Uganda,2023.Minister Asamo:Why most elderly persons have not benefitted from SAGE program.Available at:https:/ 26 April 2024.30 Government of Uganda,2023.Stakeholder Engagement Plan for National Uganda Social Action Fund Project.Available at:https:/documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/099051223100522538/p179904041406107c0b4420f640d3ad26f6 31 More or less the same organisations that developed and implemented the NSR are involved with the development and implementation of the social registry(i.e.,the MoGLSD,NIRA,the Ministry of Local Government,etc.).32 The MoGLSD told DI it plans to use the social registry to inform all social protection interventions,to open it up to other stakeholders to assist with their programming(e.g.,the Ministry of Health identifying where vulnerable children who need vaccinations are),and to inform shock/crises response.33 As a part of the feasibility study the MoGLSD is looking to learn lessons from the paper-based social registry administered at the sub-regional level in Karamoja,which has been implemented for the last fivesix years.34 As with the NSR,officials have to pursue the standardisation of classifications in the social registry as well.One classification that is of particular importance in this context is how peoples names are recorded;some systems only record two names(e.g.,the first and last names)despite some people having more,and other systems record peoples full names.This makes identifying the same people in different systems more difficult.Interviewees told us they are in the early stages of tackling this problem.35 Before the next phase of work on the social registry can continue,the MoGLSD is waiting for funding to be approved by the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund.It fully expects approval to go through,and in the unlikely situation that it does not,there are alternatives available,from the World Food Programme,for example.36 Center for Human Rights and Global Justice,the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights,and Unwanted Witness,2021.Chased away and left to die.Available at:https:/iser-uganda.org/publication/chased-away-and-left-to-die/Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 38 37 Center for Human Rights and Global Justice,the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights,and Unwanted Witness,2021.Chased away and left to die.Available at:https:/iser-uganda.org/publication/chased-away-and-left-to-die/38 The MoGLSD started using national ID cards as a means of accessing social protection in 2018.All other documentation that could be used to access social protection has since been phased out.39 Biometric Update,2023.Uganda new ID plans reportedly stalled;3M current cards unclaimed.Available at:https:/ 26 April 2024.40 National Identification and Registration Authority,2019.Handbook for Birth Registration in Uganda.Available at:https:/plan-international.org/uganda/publications/handbook-for-birth-registration-in-uganda/41 National Identification and Registration Authority,2019.Handbook for Birth Registration in Uganda.Available at:https:/plan-international.org/uganda/publications/handbook-for-birth-registration-in-uganda/42 Uganda Bureau of Statistics,2016.National Statistical Metadata Dictionary(2nd Edition).Available at:https:/ 43 Centre of Excellence for CRVS Systems,2019.Snapshot of Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems of Uganda.Available at:https:/crvssystems.ca/sites/default/files/assets/files/CRVS_Uganda_e_WEB.pdf 44 Data from 2016,which is the most up-to-date source available.Uganda Bureau of Statistics,2018.Demographic and Health Survey 2016.Available at:https:/ 45 NIRA estimates that between July 2018 and June 2019 only 1%of total deaths were registered.However,this number only refers to certified death registration by NIRA,whereas the numbers from the Demographic and Health Survey relate to all types of death notification and registration.Atuhaire,L.K.,Nansubuga,E.,Nankinga,O.,Nviiri,H.N.,&Odur,B.(2022).Prevalence and determinants of death registration and certification uptake in Uganda.PloS one,17(3),e0264742.Available at:https:/journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0264742 46 Uganda Radio Network,2022.Biostatisticians Find Gaps in NIRAs Birth and Death data.Available at:https:/ 47 One interviewee raised the point that a lack of standardisation across UBOS sources also makes using the data difficult to use.They highlighted problems with data from panel surveys specifically:household IDs are different in different years,questions change,and new questions are added and older ones removed.48 In DIs experience,UBOS is a frontrunner in the East African region when it comes to disability data.49 There are multiple models which outline what can constitute complete metadata,including,for example,“W3Cs Data Cube Vocabulary”.UNSTATS,2019.Introduction to data interoperability across the data value chain.Available at:https:/unstats.un.org/capacity-development/meetings/UNSD-DFID-SDG-Open-Data-Bangladesh/documents/Day-2-Interoperability.pdf 50 Interviewees believe that the Equal Opportunities Commissions(EOC)purview encompasses vulnerability,and that it has a role to play in managing vulnerability data.However,thus far it has not performed this function,and none of the interviewees were able to confirm that it is a formal function of the EOCs.DI suggests that the MoGLSD is also well positioned to lead on data management,given its centrality in delivering social protection programmes in Uganda.51 Kampala is included as one district.52 As a result of the Strengthening Sub-National Data Ecosystems Project,Kayunga district is including a budget line on data for the first time,in its 202324 budget.53 Ministry of Health,No Date.Dashboards.Available at:https:/dashboards.health.go.ug/search/.Accessed 26 April 2024.54 For an in-depth analysis of disharmony and duplication in donors work across a number of countries see the following:Development Initiatives,2022.Data disharmony:How can donors better act on their commitments?Available at:https:/devinit.org/resources/data-disharmony-how-can-donors-better-act-on-their-commitments/55 Uganda Bureau of Statistics,2020.Third Plan for National Statistical Development(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25).Available at:https:/www.ubos.org/third-plan-for-national-statistical-development-fy2020-21-fy2024-2025/56 Ministry of Health,Republic of Uganda,2020.Ministry of Health Strategic Plan(FY 2020/21FY 2024/25).Available at:https:/www.health.go.ug/cause/ministry-of-health-strategic-plan-2020-21-2024-25/Vulnerability and resilience:How does Ugandas data ecosystem inform social protection systems?/devinit.org 39 57 Ministry of Gender,Labour and Social Development,2021.National Action Plan III On Women,Peace And Security 20212025.Available at:https:/www.un.org/shestandsforpeace/content/uganda-national-action-plan-wps-2021-2025 58 Anonymisation needs to take into account the protection of communities,not just the removal of personal details.59 One of the National Information Technology Authority of Ugandas core functions is to promote cooperation,coordination and rationalisation among users and providers of information technology at national and local levels so as to avoid duplication of efforts and ensure optimal utilisation of scarce resources.Read more at:https:/www.nita.go.ug/objectives-and-functions.DI unlocks the power of data to enable policies and investments that improve the lives of people experiencing poverty,inequality and crisis.Our mission is to work closely with partners to ensure data-driven evidence and analysis are used effectively in policy and practice to end poverty,reduce inequality and increase resilience.While data alone cannot bring about a better world,it is a vital part of achieving it.Data has the power to unlock insight,shine a light on progress and empower people to increase accountability.Copyright 2024 Development initiatives.Content produced by Development Initiatives is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license,unless stated otherwise on an image or page.The boundaries and names or countries and regions used do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by Development Initiatives Poverty Research Ltd.Contact Moses O.Owori Senior Analyst moses.oworidevinit.org To find out more about our work visit:www.devinit.org Twitter:devinitorg Email:infodevinit.org Development Initiatives is the trading name of Development Initiatives Poverty Research Ltd,registered in England and Wales,Company No.06368740,and DI International Ltd,registered in England and Wales,Company No.5802543.Registered Office:First Floor Centre,The Quorum,Bond Street South,Bristol,BS1 3AE,UK.UK OFFICE Development Initiatives First Floor Centre,The Quorum Bond Street South Bristol BS1 3AE,UK 44(0)1179 272 505 KENYA OFFICE Development Initiatives Shelter Afrique Building 4th Floor,Mamlaka Road Nairobi,Kenya PO Box 102802-00101 254(0)20 272 5346 US OFFICE Development Initiatives 1100 13th Street,NW Suite 800,Washington DC 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