DSTI and NRF boost SA's environmental monitoring capabilities

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have officially launched the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing South Africa’s environmental monitoring capabilities.

The launch, which took place on 21 November 2024 at Spioenkop Nature Reserve in Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, was led by Ms Gugulethu Zwane, the acting Director-General at DSTI, alongside Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the NRF. This marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to improve and expand the long-term monitoring and management of both freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems.

EFTEON is one of thirteen initiatives under the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap (SARIR) and one of three managed by the NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). The network encompasses six research areas across the country’s diverse biomes. These large areas are called ‘landscapes’ due to their large spatial footprint, and include the Northern Drakensberg, the Lowveld, Kimberley, Maputaland, Greater Cape Town and the Garden Route.  Each landscapeis equipped with a system of environmental observation instruments, representing major biomes and their human-transformed ecosystems, such as croplands and urban areas. Each landscape consists of a central heavily instrumented core site and a network of secondary sites, focusing on the different land uses or ecological gradients., Each landscape is managed by a landscape scientist working with an instrument, a biodiversity and a socio-ecological systems technician. All sites are co-ordinated centrally in SAEON with a shared the data management facility and administration shared with SAEON operations and the two other SAEON hosted RIs.

The Network is designed to provide detailed, real-time data on the condition of South Africa’s freshwater and terrestrial environments. Through a combination of cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing, environmental sensors, and data analytics, the network will track and address key environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water resource management and extreme weather events. It also aims to provide essential insights into how these challenges affect both ecosystems and communities. Additionally, the Network is set to support better management of natural resources and inform decision-making processes related to climate change adaptation, sustainable land use, and ecosystem conservation.

During the launch, Ms Zwane highlighted the importance of EFTEON in advancing South Africa’s agenda on environmental science and sustainability. She said while EFTEON is a dedicated research infrastructure rather than a national monitoring system, it will also enhance the various existing monitoring systems in a mutually supportive way, with the data seamlessly accessible from either side. She added that the Network will contribute to the study of ecosystem processes and structures, which interact in complex ways across various temporal and spatial scales. “In order to understand these processes and tease out the drivers, ecosystem and biodiversity research needs to understand the integrated earth system. This is especially important when trying to understand some of the grand challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, land use change, and pollution and eutrophication.”

Before declaring EFTEON officially launched, Ms Zwane emphasised that its design allows for collaboration with universities and other research organisations to train students and conduct research at the higher levels of the knowledge generation pyramid. “One of the core roles of EFTEON is to drive and facilitate further research, through the provision of data for use by national and international researchers and the provision of a research platform on which local and international researchers can conduct studies and train students.”

The event also featured local community members Mr Madondo and Ms Hlongwane who shared their experiences of collaborating with SAEON and the value that the involvement of researchers in their community has had. Dr Ian Rushworth (Acting head of Scientific Services) from Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW) spoke about the importance of scientific collaboration in informing decision-making for the park management of the EKZNW reserves and the commitment they have to support and continue hosting the EFTEON and SAEON activities. Another highlight of the event was EFTEON’s demonstration of the high-tech tools that are being deployed to monitor interconnected ecological and social systems. These include advanced instruments for measuring carbon flux, water cycles, meteorology and air quality, enabling researchers to collect critical data for South Africa’s environmental resilience.

Later in the evening, a gala dinner was hosted to give more context on the journey of EFTEON, as well as celebrate some of its highlights and achievements thus far. Although not physically present, NRF Board Chairperson, Prof Mosa Moshabela delivered a virtual congratulatory message to all stakeholders and partners for having attained this important milestone for the country.

Keynote speaker for the evening was Dr Nelwamondo who described EFTEON as “a beacon of hope for our planet and a commitment to the understanding, preservation, and sustaining of the Earth for generations to come.” He emphasised that it will address critical issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, water resource management, and extreme weather events, by providing essential insights into how these challenges affect ecosystems and communities.

Dr Nelwamondo further highlighted that these environmental changes demand urgent action and informed decisions, which he said is where EFTEON comes in by collecting and sharing data to provide a clearer picture. “The launch of this infrastructure reflects our dedication to not only study these changes but also to act upon them. By investing in this endeavour, we make a powerful statement; that science must lead the way in addressing the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Notably, Dr Nelwamondo emphasised that EFTEON is not just a research infrastructure that generates a plethora of data, but it is also about creating collaborations amongst scientists, policymakers and communities to co-design innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions. On contributing to the country’s knowledge economy, he said EFTEON will facilitate fieldwork and field schools for early career researchers to support their growth and development. “The datasets acquired from the EFTEON landscapes will be valuable assets for early career researchers to use in their research projects and contribute to scientific knowledge generation,” he said, adding that funding opportunities for students from marginalised communities will also be provided by the EFTEON Network for postgraduate studies.

A shared sentiment by Dr Mary-Jane Bopape, SAEON Managing Director and Dr Gregor Feig, EFTEON Manager, is with its ambitious goals and forward-thinking approach, the Network is poised to play a vital role in the understanding and protection of the delicate balance of our planet by providing valuable insights that will drive policy decisions and help safeguard the country’s rich natural heritage. The two also reiterated that EFTEON will be continuously expanded and refined, integrating new data and technological advancements as they become available.

Some of the participating emerging researchers and scientists were also afforded an opportunity to discuss how their involvement in EFTEON has enriched their education and research aspirations. Early career scientist Dr Amukelani Maluleke shared his journey, both the countries he has visited, and the skill sets he has acquired over the course of his PhD degree, and now, employment with EFTEON.