All good things in life are fragile and easily lost.
~ Khaled Hosseini
Link to: Have your tea and bury it: quantifying decomposition rates using the international Tea Bag Index
Have your tea and bury it
Ndlovu Node researchers are applying the Tea Bag Index at megacarcass sites in the typically nutrient-poor savannas of South Africa. Findings from this study will contribute to understanding organic decomposition at these sites.
Science and technology in action
Link to: Using nanotechnology for biodiversity restoration and ecosystem services
Using nanotechnology for biodiversity restoration and ecosystem services
Dr Ademola Adetunji joins the Ndlovu Node after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Cape Town. Here he was involved in the Aleph-1 project, which prepared seeds of a resurrection plant for germination on the moon!
Link to: Citizen science and satellite data produce insights into what determines bird diversity inside and outside South Africa’s largest national park
Citizen science and satellite data produce insights into bird diversity inside and outside SA’s largest national park
Research instrument technician Rion Lerm shares some of the most significant results found when Ndlovu Node researchers investigated bird diversity patterns inside and outside the Kruger National Park.
Link to: Celebrating 21 years of world-class environmental research platforms for a sustainable society
Celebrating 21 years of world-class environmental research platforms for a sustainable society
Reflecting on past accomplishments, the 21st anniversary festivities highlighted NRF-SAEON’s significant contributions towards advancing environmental knowledge and transforming lives.
Link to: NRF-SAEON supports South Africa’s regional participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association
NRF-SAEON supports South Africa’s regional participation in the Indian Ocean Rim Association
South African delegates attended two high-level meetings to investigate how opportunities presented by the Indian Ocean can be harvested for inclusive development.
Link to: From frame to footage: Investigating cost-effective solutions for exploring the deep sea
From frame to footage: Investigating cost-effective solutions for exploring the deep sea
Instrument technician JJ Forgus reports on a training workshop where he learnt how to build, operate and troubleshoot an Azor drift-cam to map the marine environment.
Link to: Of crustaceans, culture and culinary delights
Of crustaceans, culture and culinary delights
PhD student Arno Botha reports on his many and varied experiences at the tenth International Crustacean Congress in Wellington, New Zealand, where he presented his research and networked with global leaders in the field.
Message from the MD
Link to: Message from the MD
SAEON’s 21st anniversary celebration: A resounding success and a vision for the future
The event was attended by a diverse range of stakeholders. According to SAEON MD Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, this turnout underscored the significant support that SAEON enjoys from various organisations, both nationally and internationally.
Building vital capacity
Link to: Training the scientists we need for the oceans we want
Training the scientists we need for the oceans we want
PhD student Tania Duba’s attendance of the 8th ClimEco summer school equipped her to make a meaningful contribution to existing climate change adaptation plans in the marine and coastal environments.
Link to: Empowering disenfranchised communities through citizen science
Empowering communities through citizen science
The Grasslands Node has been assisting GroundTruth to pilot their WRC-funded citizen science project and online community training in KwaZulu-Natal, where the node’s Maputaland long-term observation site is located.
Science engagement
Link to: Transforming lives through evidence-based science
Transforming lives through evidence-based science
During this year’s National Science Week, NRF-SAEON took learners and the public on a journey of discovery encompassing a wide range of experiences – from local and indigenous knowledge to the skills of the 21st century.
Link to: Remembering Dr Gaynelle Makhubele, a bright star in SAEON’s science education programme
Remembering Dr Gaynelle Makhubele, a bright star in SAEON’s science education programme
NRF-SAEON pays tribute to this remarkable young doctor, who had big dreams for the Ba-Phalaborwa community. Gaynelle achieved several of her goals in just four years of practice.
Link to: NRF-SAEON in media
NRF-SAEON in the media
SAEON’s people and projects received coverage in national print, broadcast, online and social media.
SAEON eNews is the bimonthly online newsletter of the South African Environmental Observation Network.
SAEON is a research platform funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF).
SAEON serves as a national platform for detecting, translating and predicting environmental change through scientifically designed observation systems and research.