eNews

#01 2024

NRF-SAEON: Navigating growth, scientific research, environmental stewardship and societal impact in 2024

By Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, Managing Director, NRF-SAEON

As we embark on the journey of 2024, I extend my warmest wishes for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. 

NRF-SAEON is undergoing significant growth, with new staff members joining us nearly every month. This period of expansion is truly exciting as we broaden our engagement with stakeholders.

We are working on strengthening our partnerships with Risk and Vulnerability Science Centres (RVSCs), who will play a vital role in contributing to the South African Risk and Vulnerability Atlas (SARVA). We look forward to sharing more information about the impactful work being conducted by the RVSCs on our platforms in the future.

Additionally, I want to remind everyone that our platforms are available for uploading information and data, as well as for informing decision-making. Moreover, scientists are encouraged to explore opportunities to become research associates of NRF-SAEON.

In our latest eNewsletter edition, we delve into a range of captivating stories that highlight the intersection of scientific research, environmental stewardship and societal impact. We explore changes in the behaviour and reproductive rates of whales, shedding light on the effects of environmental change in the Southern Ocean. On the terrestrial front, we learn about the causes of the mortality of large riparian trees, emphasizing the influence of a changing climate over elephant damage.

One of the articles in this edition explores changes in the behaviour and reproductive rates of whales, shedding light on the effects of environmental change in the Southern Ocean (Picture: Shutterstock)

On the terrestrial front, we learn about the causes of the mortality of large riparian trees, emphasizing the influence of a changing climate over elephant damage (Picture: Malachite Media)

Furthermore, we feature the journeys of SAEON employees such as Dr Ryan Blanchard, who joined us as the Fynbos Node manager in July 2022. Dr Blanchard’s background in ecology and ecosystem service science enriches our efforts to address environmental challenges. His recent contribution as a lead author to the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) assessment report underscores the economic costs associated with invasive alien species.

We also learn about Mkholo Maseko’s transition from hydrology to groundwater modelling, highlighting the importance of innovation in addressing sustainability challenges. Our commitment to nurturing future scientists and environmental stewards is exemplified through Corrina Naidoo’s internship journey at SAEON, where she actively engages in biodiversity monitoring and citizen science projects.

Science engagement 

SAEON’s dedication to science engagement is also spotlighted, including our participation in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair and the All-Atlantic Blue Schools Network, which empowers the next generation of ocean stewards. Moreover, the Graduate Student Network’s Indibano conference fosters collaboration among emerging researchers, with valuable contributions from global partners such as NASA.

SAEON’s dedication to science engagement is spotlighted in this newsletter, including our participation in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair

“We are encouraging scientists to explore opportunities to become research associates of NRF-SAEON.” ~ Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, MD

Lastly, we share insights from various conferences, both local and international, where SAEON has been actively involved. These include the All-Atlantic Ocean Research and Innovation Alliance (AAORIA) Forum, focusing on collaborations to address Atlantic Ocean challenges, and the WaterNet Symposium in Zanzibar, where water management issues in East and Southern Africa are discussed.

These stories reflect the spirit of innovation, collaboration and dedication that drive our scientific research and environmental conservation efforts, paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future.