The impacts of air pollution are concerned not only with potential
damage to vegetation but also on human health and corrosion damage to
buildings. Information is therefore required on these social and
economic effects along with ecological and biological studies.
A
lot of research has been undertaken in Europe and North America
following episodes of forest decline, human mortality and building
decay in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for which limits (critical
levels/thresholds) have been defined to prevent/minimise further damage.
The
Air Pollution Information Network for Africa, APINA, was formed in 1997
as a result of the networking associated with validating the RAPIDC
sensitivity map of the world (the African mapping validation workshop
was held in Harare in 1996).
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. It acts as a conduit of
knowledge and data derived in the scientific programmes and existing
research to influence policy and decision-makers in matters related to
air pollution.
APINA acts as a link between different networks
and programmes on air pollution in Africa. Southern Africa is APINA’s
main focus region but activities also reach out across the whole of
Sub-Saharan Africa.
More information
Funder: Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
SEI Contact
Kevin Hicks