Background The area of Sines is located along the length of the southern coast of Portugal. During the 1960s it was selected to be developed as an industrial area. As part of this a port was constructed, and petrochemical and energy companies were established in the area. This has had a considerable environmental impact on the area; at present industries in the area emit SO2 and NOx, particles, VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and ozone. The majority of the industrial plants are concentrated in the same area and in places adjacent to populated areas and to natural resources. The local population has become increasingly aware of environmental problems and issues and is exerting pressure. There is an increasing demand for clean industries and for eco-tourism because of the exceptional beauty of the landscape in the area, which is the location for natural parks and a Natura 2000 site. Objectives The main objectives of the project were: Implementation of a network to monitor the quality of the air with physical and bio monitoring devices (lichens). Evaluation of how much each source of atmospheric contamination actually detracts from the quality of the regional air. Identification of areas of risk and quantification of the risk (cost of impact) for humans and for natural habitats. Evaluation of the social impact of air quality by means of surveys to be carried out in the region. Integration of different types of risk mapping into the information system in order to obtain a valuable tool with which to control air quality and land development. Dissemination of the results of the project amongst the local population and local industries. Demonstration that multi-disciplinary handling is the best method for organising and managing air quality and for evaluating its social impacts. Results The project achieved its main objectives, and even surpassed some of the initial expectations, in particular in terms of the technical and scientific quality and the importance of the tools developed, which can be applied to other situations. The main result of the project was the integration of the different stakeholders and interest groups dealing with the air quality of the project area: The industries in the area, which are interested in the management and control of air quality given the economic and technical benefits of reducing their emissions; Different regional and local public services and social organisations, who are concerned to balance the needs of the local economy and the environment within a sustainable development approach; The research centres of different universities, which are interested in implementing new technologies for solving local problems, including evaluation and management of air quality; Local people, who want increased confidence in the working of the system, and want access to more environmental information and more trusting relationships with industry and public bodies. The project carried out the following activities: Monitoring air quality: sampling lichens as the basis for establishing levels of pollution and monitoring of ozone levels; carrying out chemical analysis of lichens and ozone samples, and using lichen samples to assess biodiversity Modelling air quality: data analysis; calculating average concentration of pollutants and classifying the components of air quality; simulating extreme and critical conditions Analysing social attitudes to air quality: surveying local social organisations, analysing the government and NGO framework for dealing with environmental, nature conservation, sustainable development and territory planning issues; studying the impact of social and political mobilisation on air quality Risk and environmental impact analysis: creating air pollution and environmental cost risk maps for human and natural habitats Creating an air quality control tool The principal tasks of the project were based upon quantitative criteria and methodologies, meaning that the principal achievements and developments of the project can be adapted to and included in similar scenarios for planning and controlling air quality, though a certain amount of experience (biology, geo-statistics, sociology and programming) will be required in implementing the tools in new locations. The air quality control tool comprises a geographic information system coupled to a database that integrates all models and all layers of information (gis.NET). This system, built on a web platform, enables a range of outputs for managers and industries. It is also available publicly via the web platform. The social attitudes survey revealed a number of interesting results: 54 percent of respondents were in favour of establishing an environmental steering and monitoring committee at local level 23 percent felt 'not informed' about industrial pollutant emissions in the Sines area and 41 percent 'little informed' 66 percent felt that his/her health and the health of his/her family were affected by the presence of the industrial complex 67 percent would like to have access to air quality and pollution information, 50 percent to information about pollutants in food and 24 percent to information about water quality 32 percent think that better health care access is central to preventing industrial pollution effects on people’s health; 24 percent want improvements to companies’ pollution control systems Those living closer to the industrial complex were more strongly critical and had greater perception of risk, compared to people living further away. The project used multidisciplinary tools integrated into real instruments to evaluate and manage air quality. As the problem of air-quality touches on economic, social and environmental issues in the region, the involvement of public authorities and private companies, in particular those responsible for emissions, was very important to the success of the project. The local authorities must ensure the future continuous monitoring, evaluation and planning of air quality. As a result of this, new jobs will be created. This project has been selected as one of the 21 "Best" LIFE Environment projects in 2005-2006