What is the cause of the decline of African riparian forests?

NRF-SAEON staff and collaborators have published the results of a decade-long study that investigated the causes of the mortality of large riparian trees in South Africa’s Mapungubwe National Park.

Science and technology in action

Satellite tagging whales to study climate change in the Southern Ocean

A more than 40-year time series of southern right whale reproductive rates has revealed significant changes to the population in the last decade, including a reduction in reproductive rates.

Agent of change. Meet the manager of SAEON’s Fynbos Node

Dr Ryan Blanchard has focused his research on drivers of change such as biofuels, invasive alien species and climate change, and their impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Sachin (right) and Toka (left) received awards for their presentations, a proud moment for EFTEON.

Shining a spotlight on the Biodiversity Economy

The annual Conservation Symposium provides a platform for researchers to demonstrate the relevance of their work in addressing real-world conservation problems, and to identify new opportunities in applied research.

Giles Fearon presenting on SAEON’s SOMISANA ocean modelling initiative

Digital Twins of the Ocean – the future of ocean management

South Africa is establishing the building blocks for our own digital twins of the ocean through the Ocean and Coastal Information Management System, in partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation.

SAEON’s key role in the most comprehensive assessment of invasive alien species ever undertaken

The IPBES report presents a comprehensive understanding of invasive alien species across all taxa and all geographic areas.

Dr Tamaryn Morris and Andisile Klaas (South African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity) being interviewed by Power FM.

Establishing a framework for All-Atlantic Ocean research and innovation cooperation

The Cape Town All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance Forum brought together representatives of government, the research community, society, the private sector, NGOs and global Atlantic Ocean sectors to craft a common path for the next decade.

The conference attracted leading climate experts who shared their research findings

Climate experts explore the integration of research outcomes into climate services

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events in South Africa also came under scrutiny at the annual conference of the South African Society for Atmospheric Sciences.

Learning and standardising belowground plant functioning approaches

The sUnderfoot workshop enabled a Ndlovu Node PhD candidate to understand how studies on disturbance-prone vegetation can provide vital insights on plant belowground response to global drivers.

Insights gained from my first international conference as a geohydrologist

Mkholo Maseko, groundwater hydrologist at the Grasslands Node, is part of an interdisciplinary team investigating the socioeconomic implications of different land uses on water resources in northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Message from the MD

Navigating growth, scientific research, environmental stewardship and societal impact in 2024

In her message, Dr Mary-Jane Bopape reveals that SAEON is broadening its engagement with stakeholders. She reminds readers that SAEON’s platforms are available for uploading information and data, as well as for informing decision-making.

Building vital capacity

Gaining personal and professional experience as an intern

Corrina Naidoo gives an overview of the many and varied activities she is involved in during her internship at the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON).

A field trip excursion in Jonkershoek Nature Reserve

Mountain meets seas: Graduate Student Network host 15th Indibano in Cape Town

What was unique about this Indibano was the inclusion of panel discussions aimed at stimulating an engaged discussion around current topical issues that students and early career researchers are faced with in the field of environmental sciences.

Dr Retang Mokua (left), Dr Sagwati Maswanganye (centre) and Dr Faith Jumbi

Emerging researchers represent NRF-SAEON at WaterNet Symposium in Tanzania

Attending conferences is important for the personal and professional development of emerging researchers as it provides opportunities to learn, network and gain insights into the latest trends and innovations in their field.

Science engagement

NRF-SAEON supports young scientists at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair

SAEON once again sponsored special prizes for the Expo, which were awarded at the International Science Fair. The three winning projects focused on environmental research for a sustainable society.

All-Atlantic Ocean art and poetry competition inspires learners to appreciate and protect our oceans

The competition provides a platform for creative expression, environmental stewardship and the cultural diversity of our people’s connection to the Atlantic Ocean.

NRF-SAEON in the media

SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in regional and international print, online and social media.

All great achievements of science must start from intuitive knowledge.

~ Albert Einstein

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