The National Atmospheric Emissions Inventory System

Abstract

The South African air quality governance cycle (National Framework, 2012) illustrates that informed decision-making is fundamental to good governance, and decisions can only be properly informed if decision-makers have ready access to accurate, relevant, current and complete information. Thus, the information management component of the governance cycle is crucial and it can be defined as the engine that drives the cycle towards continuous improvements in environmental quality. In light of that, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has established the South African Air Quality Information System (SAAQIS), which is hosted by the South African Weather Service (SAWS). The information and knowledge management needs of government; as implied in national legislation are being met through the SAAQIS. The SAAQIS is divided into phases; the first being the ambient air quality module, which is also an information repository of all government air quality management documents. There are over a hundred monitoring stations in the country which report ambient air quality monitoring data to the SAAQIS and this enables all stakeholders, including government and the general public, to access verified data showing the state of air quality at any given point in time.