KSA 2: Overview and description of thrusts and programmes
Thrust 1
THRUST 1: ECOSYSTEM PROCESSES
Scope: This thrust includes research addressing the biophysical processes, form and function of ecosystems. This understanding will assist those
managing the resource (water services, crop and aquaculture, biodiversity, etc.) to maximise socio-economic benefits in a sustainable manner. The
aim is to generate knowledge that informs policy and management.
Programme 1:
Scope: Programmes to investigate the ecosystem functioning, structure and processes of riparian zones, rivers and
Rivers,
Wetlands, impoundments will be developed. This is an area in which South Africa needs improved capability to manage, and in the
Groundwater, and Dams case of riparian zones, this is a topic attracting international interest.
processes
Programme 2:
Estuarine, Coastal
Marine Processes
Scope: Estuarine, coastal and marine systems are fragile, while they are highly productive ecosystems and are highly
and sought after as places to live and establish various enterprises. The catchments activities and land uses affect terrestrial
water resources and ultimately the estuarine environment, while the marine water conditions also have an impact on the
estuarine environment and ecosystems. Projects in this programme will generate knowledge about the ecological
processes, structure, and functions of ecosystems of these systems. The programme will also address the impact of
land uses and the marine conditions on ecological processes in the estuarine and coastal environment.
Programme
3:Aquatic, Scope: Research will be conducted to develop understanding of the interconnections among various ecosystems and
Riparian,
and
Land ecological processes and functions of water resources, terrestrial systems (soil, air and vegetation) and assessing their
Connectivity
value to both the catchment and people.
Programme 4:
Scope: Within this programme, the dynamics of groundwater-dependent ecosystems will be investigated in relation to
Surface and groundwater the aquifers on which they depend. This will be related to exploitation of the groundwater. Special attention will be given
Interactions
to the vulnerability of these systems.