Conserving the Biophysical Diversity of South African Freshwaters

by Margot Shearing

A local planning workshop was held at the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology on Wednesday 7 November 2001, to develop a strategy to conserve the biodiversity of South African freshwaters. The programme consisted of individual presentations covering a wide range of issues relating to freshwater biodiversity and an open session where discussions were held and key areas identified for inclusion into the proposal, which would be presented to potential donors.

 

As the new mandate of the JLB Smith Institute is to achieve a service oriented facilitating hub, programmes of this nature draw on strengths from complimentary and existing research programmes. In this programme a two-pronged approach with a long-term decision-making framework and fast-tracked project requirements would be supported by environmental education and outreach, and capacity-building projects.

 

The following sub-programmes were identified during the workshop: understanding biophysical processes, which provides opportunity to support DWAFs assertion that their contributions to applied, demand-driven research is sustained by research that develops sound principles derived from an understanding of fundamental scientific processes. A need to include existing data into a Geographic Information System (GIS) decision-making framework and educational, institutional and community capacity building were identified as fundamental to the programme as is the socio-economic aspect, with reference to stakeholders, rural fisheries, recreational fisheries and tourism. Critical issues which require fast-tracked responses include,managing (reducing) alien species, severe habitat degradation and unsustainable and inappropriate development. Environmental education, outreach and public awareness received much attention and existing national initiatives such as the National Environmental Education Project (NEEP) were identified as potential collaborators.

 

This preliminary local workshop has set the stage for a national workshop envisaged to provide opportunities to develop partnerships and to obtain support from various government departments and new sponsors and is being planned for April 2002.

JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology

Enviro-Fish Africa (Pty) Ltd

Rhodes University, Dept. Ichthyology and Fisheries Science Dept. Environmental Education

Institute for Water Research

Albany Museum