We have yet another exciting issue of the SAEON eNewsletter, where we showcase the dynamic landscape of scientific research and community engagement in South Africa. We explore a number of stories that illustrate the intersection of environmental challenges, innovative solutions and collaborative efforts shaping our collective future. 

Some of the key features in this issue are research results and stories linked to a research project funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC) that was concluded successfully by SAEON under the leadership of Ms Sue Janse van Rensburg, with a focus on Northern KwaZulu-Natal. A multidisciplinary study conducted in the Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality shed light on the impacts of commercial eucalyptus plantations on local water resources and ecosystems. Through the integration of hydrological, climate and economic models, the study demonstrated how declining water tables due to these plantations adversely affect livelihoods, food security and biodiversity.

In the same WRC project, numerical modelling techniques were used to assess the interplay between land use, climate variability and water resources in Lake Sibaya and its surrounding areas. By simulating various future scenarios using models, the work has uncovered significant insights into how different land-use practices, such as dryland crops and marula trees, can influence water availability and economic outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of sustainable land management practices in safeguarding both ecological integrity and socioeconomic stability, particularly in vulnerable rural communities heavily reliant on local water resources. 

The project has highlighted the critical role of community engagement in fostering climate literacy and promoting adaptive strategies among local residents.

SAEON’s vision is world-class environmental platforms for a sustainable society. We continue to grow our platforms as we implement the Research Infrastructure Roadmap. In this edition, we celebrate advancements in marine research infrastructure at the Elwandle Coastal Node’s Microalgae Laboratory. The acquisition of state-of-the-art imaging technologies – the FlowCam and Desktop Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) – has revolutionised the study of marine plankton, providing researchers with unprecedented insights into the ecological dynamics of Algoa Bay and its surrounding marine environments.

These advancements not only support cutting-edge ecological research but also serve as invaluable educational tools for training the next generation of marine scientists and environmental stewards.