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 to inform policy and management.
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Programme 1: Estuarine
processes |
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Estuaries are fragile and highly productive
ecosystems and are highly sought after as places
to live. Projects in this programme address the
ecological processes occurring in estuaries. |
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Programme 2: Riverine
processes |
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Programmes to investigate the ecosystem functioning
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. |
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Programme 3: Wetland
processes |
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Within this programme research will be conducted
to develop understanding of the ecological
processes and functioning of wetlands, and
assessing their value to both the catchment and
the people living adjacent to them. |
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Programme 4:
Groundwater-dependent ecosystems |
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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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Programme 5: Impoundments |
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Research within this programme covers ecological
functions and processes within impoundments with a
view to improving our ability to manage these. |
KSA 2: Water-Linked Ecosystems