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(KSA 2) Water-Linked
Ecosystems
Thrust 1: Ecosystem Processes
This thrust includes research addressing the biophysical processes, form
and function of ecosystems. This understanding will assist those
managing the resource (water services, crop and aquaculture,
biodiversity, etc.) to maximise socio-economic benefits in a sustainable
manner. The aim is to generate knowledge that informs policy and
management.
Programme 1:
Scope:
Programmes to investigate the ecosystem functioning,
structure and processes of riparian zones, rivers and
impoundments will be developed. This is an area in which
South Africa needs improved capability to manage, and in
the case of riparian zones, this is a topic attracting
international interest.
Programme 2:
Estuarine, Coastal and Marine Processes
Scope:
Estuarine, coastal and marine systems are fragile, while
they are highly productive ecosystems and are highly
sought after as places to live and establish various
enterprises. The catchments activities and land uses
affect terrestrial water resources and ultimately the
estuarine environment, while the marine water conditions
also have an impact on the estuarine environment and
ecosystems. Projects in this programme will generate
knowledge about the ecological processes, structure, and
functions of ecosystems of these systems.
The programme will also address the impact of
land uses and the marine conditions on ecological
processes in the estuarine and coastal environment.
Programme 3:
Aquatic,
Riparian, and Land Connectivity
Scope:
Research will be conducted to develop understanding of
the interconnections among various ecosystems and
ecological processes and functions of water resources,
terrestrial systems (soil, air and vegetation) and
assessing their value to both the catchment and people.
Programme 4:
Surface and groundwater Interactions
Scope:
Within this programme, the dynamics of
groundwater-dependent ecosystems will be investigated in
relation to the aquifers on which they depend. This will
be related to exploitation of the groundwater. Special
attention will be given to the vulnerability of these
systems.
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