APINA

The Air Pollution Information Network for Africa (APINA) has been established to address issues related to air pollution. APINA is a regional network of scientists, policy-makers and non-governmental organizations in southern Africa. Similar networks have been established in Asia (APINAP) and Latin America (APINLA). These activities form part of a Programme on Atmospheric Environment Issues in Developing Countries coordinated by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) and funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) under a project entitled "Regional Air Pollution in Developing Countries (RAPIDC).

The main role of APINA is to form a strong link between the air pollution scientific community and policy makers at national and regional levels. APINA acts as a conduit of knowledge and data derived in scientific programmes and existing research to influence policy and decision-makers in matters related to air pollution. APINA aims to act as a link between different networks and programmes on air pollution in Africa.

APINA has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Environment and Land Management Sector (ELMS)of SADC to provide support on various issues concerning air pollution in SADC.

APINA co-ordinator: Professor Stephen Simukanga, School of Mines, University of Zambia, ssimukanga@mines.unza.zm

APINA Core Members:

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN APINA and SADC (Environment, Land Management Sector)

Programme elements

1. Assessment of air pollution in southern Africa:
   • Collate information of emission levels, impacts, monitoring activities, develop assessment models
   • List of on-going and historical information on monitoring
2. Development of SADC air pollution guidelines and standards through involvement of stakeholders:
   • National workshops of stakeholders
   • Regional meetings
3. Policy Development: Facilitate development of national and regional legislation guidelines on transboundary air pollution
4. Develop capacity in southern Africa on monitoring and mitigation of transboundary air pollution:
   • Training of SADC nationals in issues of air pollution
   • Acquisition of relevant equipment and software for use in air pollution monitoring, impact prediction and related activities
5. Promotion of national action programmes to combat air pollution:
   • Generating information on air pollution from motor vehicles, indoor cooking (using wood) and creating awareness
   • National stakeholder workshops
6. Information Dissemination:
   • Structures to be used in data and information sharing e.g. website, newsletter,
   • Creation of various databases
7. Networking: Link up with relevant individuals, institutions and organisations at national, regional and international levels involved in issues of air pollution