All great achievements of science must start from intuitive knowledge.
~ Albert Einstein
Link to: Decades of taxonomic research add more than 1,000 new marine benthic invertebrate species to South Africa’s list.
Decades of taxonomic research add more than 1,000 new marine benthic invertebrate species to South Africa’s list.
The most comprehensive update of the South Africa’s marine benthic invertebrate biodiversity in over a decade.
Science and technology in action
Link to: SAEON Elwandle Node Scientists participated in the international research expedition to Uncover Southern Africa’s Climate History
SAEON Elwandle Node Scientists participated in the international research expedition to Uncover Southern Africa’s Climate History
Scientists from the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) recent participation in the international Climate of the Holocene Recorded in the Inner Shelf Mud-belt (CHARM) expedition onboard the French research vessel (R/V) Marion Dufresne.
Link to: From Innovation to Impact: RAL Space and SAEON Advanced Hyperspectral Mapping in the Northern Drakensberg, South Africa
From Innovation to Impact: RAL Space and SAEON Advanced Hyperspectral Mapping in the Northern Drakensberg, South Africa
SAEON and colleagues from Science and Technologies Facilities Council (STFC) RAL Space in the United Kingdom one-week intensive field campaign in the Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal.
Link to: Not all carbon grows on trees!
Not all carbon grows on trees!
A new scientific review warns against planting trees on southern Africa’s ancient mountain grasslands — and much of its evidence traces back to research enabled by SAEON’s Cathedral Peak research catchments in the Drakensberg.
Link to: New research provides insights into the functioning of South Africa’s offshore benthic ecosystems.
New research provides insights into the functioning of South Africa’s offshore benthic ecosystems.
A recent study providing new insights into how South Africa’s offshore benthic ecosystems function.
Link to: Introducing the EFTEON Greater Garden Route Landscape: Advancing Long-Term Social–Ecological Observation in South Africa
Introducing the EFTEON Greater Garden Route Landscape: Advancing Long-Term Social–Ecological Observation in South Africa
EFTEON’s newest and most dynamic observation landscapes; The Greater Garden Route Landscape.
Message from the Acting MD
Link to: Message from the Acting MD Professor Tommy Borman
Welcome to this bumper edition of the SAEON e-newsletter
It is my privilege to introduce a truly jam-packed issue that highlights our continuous commitment to Earth observation, cutting-edge science, capacity building, and community engagement across South Africa.
Building vital capacity
Link to: Society, Science and Management Policy: Aquatic Decision Makers Workshop
Society, Science and Management Policy: Aquatic Decision Makers Workshop
EFTEON biodiversity technicians (Thapelo Kgomo & Tsumbedzo Ramalevha) participated in the Aquatic Decision Makers Workshop, hosted by the Organisation for Tropical Studies (OTS) from 22-26 June 2026 at Kruger National Park (KNP), Skukuza, Mpumalanga.
Link to: Tracking Water We Can’t See: Training in Isotope-Enabled Models to Improve Groundwater Recharge Estimates
Tracking Water We Can’t See: Training in Isotope-Enabled Models to Improve Groundwater Recharge Estimates
Mkholo Maseko intensive workshops, one in Stellenbosch and one in Vienna, that gave him hands-on experience with the isotope-enabled models at the heart of his research.
Science engagement
Link to: What does El Niño mean to farmers? The SAEON Ndlovu Node engages with livestock owners on Climate, Cattle and Veld Condition
What does El Niño mean to farmers? The SAEON Ndlovu Node engages with livestock owners on Climate, Cattle and Veld Condition
Are predictions of a severe summer drought accurate? How can rural livestock owners prepare for it?
Link to: SAEON Grasslands Node Celebrates National Science Month Through Community Engagement and Inspiring the Next Generation
SAEON Grasslands Node Celebrates National Science Month Through Community Engagement and Inspiring the Next Generation
The SAEON Grasslands Node marked National Science Month 2026 with a series of impactful outreach activities across the Maputaland Coastal Plain.
Link to: From Theory to The Field: The 2026 Grade 9 Science Camp Journey
From Theory to The Field: The 2026 Grade 9 Science Camp Journey
Arid Lands Node hosted a 2026 Grade 9 Science Camp with three newly adopted schools namely: Mogomotsi High School (Warrenton), Bongani High School (Douglas), and Emmanuel High School (Kimberley).
Link to: SAPRI and SAEON Science Engagement receives Certificates of Excellence at the inaugural National Science Month Launch
SAPRI and SAEON Science Engagement receives Certificate of Excellence at the inaugural National Science Month Launch
The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) and SAEON were honoured to receive the Certificate of Excellent Exhibition in recognition of their exhibitions and contributions to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation’s (DSTI) inaugural National Science Month launch.
Link to: Biodiversity Day Competition in Kimberley Inspires Young Environmental Stewards
Biodiversity Day Competition in Kimberley Inspires Young Environmental Stewards
SAEON Arid Lands Node, in collaboration with the EFTEON KIMTRI Landscape, hosted and facilitated the annual Biodiversity Day Competition under the theme, “Acting Locally, Impacting Globally: Saving the Local Biodiversity,”
Link to: Grasslands Grade 11 Science Camp Inspires the Next Generation of Scientists
Grasslands Grade 11 Science Camp Inspires the Next Generation of Scientists
SAEON’s Grasslands Node hosted a Grade 11 Science Camp at Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Hluhluwe, providing learners with an immersive experience in inquiry-based learning and environmental science.
Link to: Inland Communities Explore Their Connection to the Ocean at Nirox Sculpture Park
Inland Communities Explore Their Connection to the Ocean at Nirox Sculpture Park
Celebrating National Science Month with community members to explore the important connections between inland communities and the ocean in partnership with the Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSTI) and the University of Witwatersrand.
Link to: NRF-SAEON in the media 03/2026
NRF-SAEON in the media
SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in regional and international print, online and social media.
