Research documents
Environment sector research, development and evidence framework
The South African National Climate Change Response Policy – an evidence-based policy-making case study.Peter LukeySouth Africa’s National Climate Change Response Policy was published as a white paper in October 2011. Although the policy development process is often cited as an example of evidence-based policymaking due to the science-policy partnerships and engagements that underpinned the entire development process, the process has not been fully documented. This paper attempts to document the entire process and analyse it as an example of evidence-based policy-making. » download report [PDF - 774 kb] |
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Towards sustainable development and green economy evidence strategy: workshop reportMapula Tshangela, Nikki Funke, Ajoy Datta & Louise ShaxsonThis report documents the workshop engagements and recommendations to provide inputs into the Sustainable Development and Green Economy (SD&GE) Evidence Strategy. The workshop was hosted on 30 May 2016 at the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in Pretoria. The Evidence Strategies are developed as part of implementing the environment sector research, development and evidence (R,D&E) framework1 approved by the Environment Minister and Members of Executive Council (Minmec) in 2012. » download report [PDF - 924 kb] |
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Working paper: Understanding the organisational context for evidence-informed policy-makingLouise Shaxson, Ajoy Datta, Mapula Tshangela and Bongani MatomelaThis is the first in a series of documents that have been developed. This working paper presents ideas for discussion and debate; it describes the framework the team used to analyse how DEA’s internal structures and processes and the external policy environment in South Africa affect how its policy-makers source and use evidence. » download report [PDF - 3.88mb] |
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Evidence and policy in South Africa’s Department of Environmental AffairsAlf Wills, Mapula Tshangela, Narnia Bohler-Muller, Ajoy Datta, Nikki Funke, Linda Godfrey, Bongani Matomela, Gary Pienaar, Nedson Pophiwa, Louise Shaxson, Wilma Strydom and Ke YuThis is the second in a series of documents that have been developed. This report synthesises the organisational issues that influence how DEA works with evidence to develop, implement, monitor and report on environmental policies. It is based on the findings of five studies that were conducted as part of a programme of support to DEA between 2014 and 2016. » download report [PDF - 2.09mb] |
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Guidelines and good practices for evidence-informed policy-making in a government departmentAlf Wills, Mapula Tshangela, Louise Shaxson, Ajoy Datta and Bongani MatomelaThis is the second in a series of documents that have been developed. This report intends to prompt discussion within South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs and across the environment sector in South Africa. It proposes five guidelines and sets of good practice that could underpin a systematic and phased approach to improving evidence-informed policy-making within a government department. » download report [PDF - 3.18mb] |
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Environment Sector Research, Development and Evidence framework
The Environment Sector Research, Development and Evidence (R,D&E) framework was approved by MINMEC on 08 June 2012. This document addresses the need for a common framework for the collection of solid evidence that can be used in support of environment sector policy decisions and for the achievement of sector priorities. In response to the pressing environmental issues of our times the framework is seeking to develop a more rigorous approach that gathers, critically appraises and uses high quality research evidence to inform policy-makingand professional practice.
» download report [949.35 kb] |
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Climate change and the green economy
Climate Change
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Strategic environmental assessment for wind and solar photovoltaic energy in South Africa, 2019 Much like its predecessor, the Phase 2 Wind and Solar PV SEA aims to identify geographical areas best suited for the roll-out of wind and solar PV energy projects. In addition, one of the main aims of the SEA was to identify previously mined areas close to areas of the country with highest energy demand, where large-scale renewable projects can occur in order to contribute towards rehabilitation of mined areas and in support of job creation in the areas. » download report [PDF - 39.34 mb]
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Strategic environmental assessment for wind and solar photovoltaic energy in South Africa, 2015 The wind assessment domain for this first iteration of the SEA is based on the Wind Atlas for South Africa (WASA) coverage available at the time of commencing the SEA (i.e. parts of Northern Cape, Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces). The solar PV assessment domain was informed by the location of the majority of existing solar PV project applications at the commencement of the SEA and includes the five provinces of Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, and North West. The SEA process is intended to be iterative, with the study being expanded to redefine and identify additional REDZs as new data and learnings become available. » download report [PDF - 83.2 mb]
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South Africa's 3rd Climate Change report 2017 This 3rd Climate Change Report reflects on the progress made in responding to climate change, profiles ongoing efforts to this end as a basis for triggering even more ambitious climate action and chronicles key advances in the tracking of South Africa’s transition towards a climate resilient society and a low carbon economy. » download report [PDF - 8.67 mb] |
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South Africa's Second National Climate Change Report, 2016 This 2016/17 report includes chapters on (i) quantifying and profiling the impact of ongoing or recently completed mitigation actions (ii) progress in the work on climate change flagship programmes (iii) lessons learn from the recent drought phenomenon (iv) progress in the development of the national adaptation strategy and desired adaptation outcomes (v) progress in establishing a credible national tracking system for key climate change actions in the country, etc. » download report [PDF - 4.7 mb] |
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Unlocking barriers and opportunities for land-use based climate change mitigation activities in South Africa The current document provides the first ever proposal for an approach to implement rehabilitation at national scale. On the one hand, the report explores opportunities that can be harnessed through the rehabilitation of the targeted systems in this study. On the other hand, it also identifies the potential barriers and how to unlock these in pursuit of ‘intact working landscapes as the foundation for the development of rural society and downstream economies’. » download report [PDF - 19.32 mb] |
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The South African Carbon Sinks Atlas 2017
The Carbon Sinks Atlas (CSA) is a web-based data and information tool aimed at providing spatial distribution of carbon stocks and fluxes across South Africa and it is the first of its kind. In this first edition, the CSA details soil and vegetation’s carbon content in the form of carbon data layers (maps) and metadata, based on the National Terrestrial Carbon Sinks Assessment (NTCSA). » download report [PDF - 6.13 mb] |
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Policy brief: towards a policy on indigenous bush encroachment in South Africa
Bush encroachment entails increased abundance of indigenous woody vegetation in the grassland and savanna biomes. In South Africa, where these biomes make up 27.9% and 32.5% of the land surface area, respectively, there has been a significant increase in tree cover since national-scale aerial photography was first undertaken in the 1940s. » download report [PDF - 4.27 mb]Towards a policy on indigenous bush encroachment in South Africa The aims of this study were to review the extent and causes of the problem in South Africa, broadly evaluate its impacts, determine the policy stance that South Africa should take towards bush encroachment and identify appropriate policy responses. » download report [PDF - 14.36 mb] |
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Identification and mapping of soils rich in organic carbon in South Africa as a climate change mitigation option The main purposes of this project were to develop maps, in detail and at high resolution, of soil organic carbon content as percentages and as stocks of soils across the entire South Africa; use the above maps as an input to the current electronic based National Carbon Sinks Atlas; with a focus on areas with soils high in organic carbon. » download report [PDF - 17.68 mb] |
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The National Climate Change Response Monitoring and Evaluation System Framework
The NCCRP notes that the measurement and monitoring of climate change responses are critical in ensuring their effective implementation, and that South Africa, through the coordination of the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), will design and publish the country’s Climate Change Response Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System. Details of this M&E system are outlined in specific sections of the NCCRP. » download report [PDF - 1.79 mb] |
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South Africa's first annual Climate Change report
The objective of this report is to communicate the progress and lessons learnt in tracking South Africa’s transition towards a climate resilient society and a lower carbon economy. As a knowledge product, this report aims to target people and institutions involved in technical, coordination and policy aspects of climate change, including those undertaking work relevant to these aspects of climate change. This annual report is seen as part of the broader programme to communicate regular reporting of climate change relevant information to the South African audience. » download reports [Page] |
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Towards the development of a GHG emissions baseline for the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector in South Africa
The purpose of this report is to provide the first emissions baseline for the AFOLU sector in South Africa. Due to the complexity of the AFOLU sector, the agriculture and land sub-sector baselines were developed separately but reported as one combined baseline. Furthermore, the study also developed baselines for each province as part of enhancing our understanding of emissions dynamics at a finer scale. » download report |
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Climate Change Mitigation Policy Mainstreaming
The main objective of this study is to provide policy gap analysis of the alignment of existing legislation, policy, strategies, plans and regulatory frameworks in five key sectors with the National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP). The policy gap analysis shows the areas where alignment with identified NCCRP mitigation principles are lacking, and highlights priority areas to focus alignment efforts. The sectors considered are: Agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU); Energy; Industry; Transport and Waste. » download report |
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Sustainability of Decentralised Renewable Energy Systems report
The purpose of the study was to stimulate the sustainable roll out of decentralised renewable energy system solutions to mitigate climate change and provide energy access where there is no mains electricity; the ultimate goal being to drive sustainable development by informing government policy and strategy on these issues.
» download report |
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Facilitation of large-scale uptake of alternative transport fuels in South Africa – the case for Biogas
The Department of Environment Affairs has completed the study to facilitate the large-scale uptake of alternative transport fuels in South Africa – the case for biogas. The main objective of this study is to establish an understanding of the economic and practical potential for CBG as an alternative transport fuel and GHG mitigation measure. This could provide the basis for the further development of policies promoting biogas for transport and the emergence of a national CBG industry.
» download report |
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Greenhouse Gas Improvement Programme
Greenhouse Gas Improvement Programmes (GHGIP) refers to a series of sector-specific projects aimed at improving the quality and accuracy of the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory. The GHGIP is a result of a collaborative effort by the Department of Environmental Affairs working with other relevant agencies and industry sectors. A majority of projects are donor funded with clear objectives and targets primarily focusing on the improvement of estimation methodologies, activity data and development of country-specific emission factors. The sectors covered in the GHGIP are the Energy Sector, Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU), Agriculture, Forestry and Land Use (AFOLU).
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A National Climate Change Monitoring and Evaluation system of the AFOLU Sector
The diverse nature of the AFOLU sector requires a robust monitoring system which will allow for the structured collection, collation and dissemination of information. AFOLU comprises a variety of sectors, ranging from agriculture to land use change. This study identifies the various mandates that are currently in place to collect AFOLU data.
» download report |
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Current carbon stock estimation capability for South African commercial forest plantations
The South African forest plantation industry requires country-specific carbon accounting/ estimation methods that are compatible with a wide range of existing local and/or regional forest plantation inventory and management systems. For this reason the Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) was commissioned by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) to conduct a scoping study to assess data availability for the development of local carbon estimation equations for all commercial plantation sites and species within the three major genera grown (i.e. pine, eucalypt and wattle), as well as the availability and access to grower activity data.
» download report |
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Carbon Offset Standards and Methodologies Project Steering Committee The National Terrestrial Carbon Sinks Assessment (NTCSA) for South Africa was primarily undertaken to improve our understanding of the distribution of carbon stocks and fluxes, equally important to identify landbased mitigation opportunities that can avoid or decrease emissions from the agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sector. » download report |
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Assessment of the potential to produce biochar and its application to South African soils as a mitigation measure Biochar is gradually gaining interest globally as a climate change mitigation measure in the agriculture forestry and other land use (AFOLU) sector. It is produced in the absence of oxygen through a process called pyrolysis, mainly from biomass material. However, a host of other materials (feedstock) can be used. Several studies in different areas across the world have demonstrated that deploying biochar in soils results in benefits that include enhanced agricultural yield, a reduction in leaching of nutrients, a reduction in soil acidity, increased soil water retention and a reduction in fertilizer use and irrigation requirements. » download report |
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Multiple pathways to substainable development: Initial findings from Global South The four national approaches to sustainable development reflect the particular experiences, circumstances, and priorities of the countries that adopted them. They are representative of the broad spectrum of sustainable development approaches that exist today. » download report |
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Integration of the Carbon Tax and Carbon Budgets in South Africa This paper provides recommendations for combining the carbon budget with the carbon tax to support delivery of South Africa’s emissions reduction targets beyond 2020. While both the carbon tax and carbon budget approach have merits, economic theory would suggest that there could be risks associated with applying both instruments to the same emissions at the same time. » download report |
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Freight Shift from Road to Rail report The Department of Environment Affairs has recently completed a Mitigation Potential Analysis (MPA) for South Africa aimed at identifying priority mitigation measures which will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most favourable measures, taking both the extent of mitigation of emissions and the associated social and economic impacts in to consideration is the shift of freight from road to rail. » download report |
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The Long-Term Adaptation Flagship Research Programme (LTAS) The Long-Term Adaptation Flagship Research Programme (LTAS) responds to the South African National Climate Change Response White Paper by undertaking climate change adaptation research and scenario planning for South Africa and the Southern African sub-region. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is leading the process in collaboration with technical research partner the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) as well as technical and financial assistance from the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Phase 2 of the Long-Term Adaptation Flagship Research Programm include the following:
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Adaptation Scenarios Factsheet Series |
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South Africa’s Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Potential Analysis
A greenhouse gas mitigation potential analysis has been conducted for South Africa. The analysis has identified and analysed mitigation options in key economic sectors. In the process, an updated projection of national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the future has been developed, along with marginal abatement cost curves (MACCs) for key sectors and subsectors. A socio-economic and environmental assessment of the identified mitigation options has also been conducted, leading to the development of national abatement pathways and an assessment of the wider macro-economic impacts of implementing a broad set of mitigation options.
The suite of reports that make up South Africa's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation Potential Analysis include the following:
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Governance of climate change in South Africa [PDF- 670.61 kb]
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Scoping of the approximate climate change adaptation costs in several key sectors for South Africa up to 2050 [PDF - 605 kb] |
Synthesis of climate finance literature report to the DBSA [PDF - 1.77 mb] |
Opportunities for and cost of mitigation in South African economy [PDF - 1.27 mb] |
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Environmental research and technologies in South Africa [PDF - 892.31 kb] |
High level consultation with finance sector on climate change and funding mechanisms [PDF - 104 mb] |
Financing climate change [PDF - 723.71 kb] |
Institutional funding mechanisms: case study review [PDF - 783.22 kb] |
Green economy
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Report on the Implementation Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Environmental Governance in the Mining Sector
The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the relevance and effectiveness of the environmental governance legislation in mining and the implementation thereof in achieving its objective. The evaluation covers the period from the promulgation of the Minerals Act, 1991 (Act 50 of 1991) (the Minerals Act) up to the legislation in place as of March 2014. Given that amendments to the legislation were implemented on 8 December 2014, a post-script has been appended to the evaluation that details the context of these amendments and how they relate to the analysis and recommendations raised as part of this evaluation. » download report |
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The Green Economy Modelling Report of South Africa: A focus on Natural Resource Management, Agriculture, Transport and Energy sectors
The present study was undertaken at the request of South’s Africa Department of Environmental Affairs. It presents a modelling exercise that compares a scenario of investments directed to “business-as-usual” (BAU) with scenarios of investments allocated to four critical sectors for a transition to a green economy in South Africa, namely: natural resource management, agriculture, transport and energy.
» download report |
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Biodiversity and conservation research
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South Africa works towards eradicating introduced house mice from sub-Antarctic Marion Island: the largest island yet attempted for mice
House mice (Mus musculus) were introduced to South Africa’s sub-Antarctic Marion Island, the larger of the two Prince Edward Islands, by sealers in the early 19th century. Over the last two centuries they have greatly reduced the abundance of native invertebrates. Domestic cats (Felis catus) taken to the island in 1948 to control mice at the South African weather station soon turned feral, killing large numbers of breeding seabirds. » download report |
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National Biodiversity Research Development and Evidence Startegy 2015 - 2025
This document sets out the strategy for biodiversity research and evidence between 2015 and 2025. It broadly describes the needs for evidence to support achievement of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and other policy priorities. This strategy document is accompanied by an annual implementation plan, which details what evidence is needed in the short to medium term to inform policy decision-making, and the medium to long-term evidence that provides the foundational knowledge for the sector. » Strategy document 2015 - 2025 [PDF]» Annual implementation plan 2016 - 2017 [PDF] |
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Overview of current approaches and practices of South African businesses to the mainstreaming of biodiversity - A Preliminary Baseline Assessment
The National Biodiversity and Business Network (NBBN) was created to support the mainstreaming of biodiversity into business in South Africa. In order to better understand the current status quo in South Africa, the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in collaboration with the NBBN decided to conduct this preliminary baseline assessment with the aim of assessing current approaches and practices of South African businesses to mainstream biodiversity. » download report |
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Regional Environmental and Social Assessment (RESA) of Coal Based Energy Projects along Botswana-South Africa Border: Phase 1 and TOR
The Government of the Republic of Botswana and the Government of the Republic of South Africa have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out a Regional Environmental and Social Assessment (RESA), with support from the World Bank, to examine the cumulative environmental and socio-economic impacts of all the planned and existing energy sector investments on both sides of the border between Botswana and South Africa. In order to define the scope of work for a detailed RESA Study, an initial assessment was made which is included in the Phase-1 Report of the RESA hereby attached. » download report [PDF - 766kb] |
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A study on the dehorning of the African rhinoceroses as a tool to reduce the risk of poaching
This report is the product of the study on rhino dehorning and was conducted on behalf of DEA by the Endangered Wildlife Trust. The aim of the report is to provide clarity on the impacts and efficacy of dehorning and to identify the circumstances under which the intervention is most likely to be effective at reducing poaching. » download report [PDF - 2.95 mb] |
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Working for Water priority needs in the field of research include: (a) the need to convince all the relevant people within WfW and its parent departments of the essential nature of the programme’s research effort; (b) the urgent need to secure a sound institutional base for, and to massively increase the human capacity for the research effort that will be necessary if WfW is to have any hope of achieving its long-term objectives among others. » read more |
Oceans and coastal research
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 19 of 2019 South Africa’s oceans and coasts annual science report, 2019, presents results of research and monitoring conducted by the department on a number of physical, biological and chemical aspects of oceans and coasts (including estuaries) around South Africa, in the southern ocean, or other parts of the African ocean regions. As in the annual science report for 2018, this report has a section dedicated to monitoring programmes with summary updates for the last calendar year, and a section for research highlights, presenting summaries of research that has been published or presented at symposia during 2019. » download report [PDF - 22.3 mb] |
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 18 of 2018 The body of this report is made up of 22 contributions. Each separate contribution is termed a “report card” and the prefix “R” is used when referring to them by number below. Ten of the report cards are listed under the heading “monitoring programmes” and 11 under “research highlights”. Under each of these main headings there is a distinct subsection, presenting findings of the Southern Benguela Integrated Ecosystem Programme and the Second International Indian Ocean Expedition, respectively (four report cards each). The last report card is a single contribution against the heading “Research support”. » download report [PDF - 2.58 mb] |
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 17 of 2017
This is the 17th issue covering some of the environmental monitoring activities and research results obtained during the 2017/2018 financial year. It describes scientific observations in the marine environment, from the inshore to the offshore and from the ocean surface to the ocean floor within South Africa’s exclusive economic zone. » download report [PDF - 3.69 mb] |
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 16 of 2016
In this report, the department provides updated information on the status of some parameters for South Africa’s oceans and coasts, ranging from chemical and physical properties to biological assessments. These have been selected as potentially useful indicators of the change, health and management of South Africa’s marine ecosystems. The format of this report is aimed at providing a brief overview of the research and monitoring undertaken within the department. » download report [PDF - 2.55 mb] |
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 15 of 2015
In this report card, DEA provides brief synopses of some results of monitoring a suite of variables that range from physical and chemical ocean properties to plankton and other biological attributes, which have been chosen as potentially useful indicators of change, health and management of South Africa’s marine and coastal systems. » download report [PDF - 2.34 mb] |
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The state of the oceans and coasts around South Africa - annual science report: report no. 14 of 2014
In this report, aspects of this monitoring and research are briefly elaborated upon. The report considers some features of the physical and chemical oceanography of South Africa’s marine environment and then the plankton of its oceans, which form the basis of the marine food webs. » download report [PDF - 3.18 mb] |
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South African Water Quality Guidelines for Coastal Marine Waters: Volume 2 - guidelines for recreational use
This document contains the revised guidelines for recreational waters of South Africa's coastal marine environment, which addresses some of the shortcomings of the previous version (DWAF, 1995). The aim is to provide managers and governing authorities with the background and guidance to define target ranges for recreational waters, as well as to provide guidance on the implementation thereof.... » download report
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Antarctica and Southern Ocean Islands
South Africa’s involvement in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean Islands dates back to the earliest voyages of discovery, due to the then Cape of Good Hope’s position as a stop-over for explorers, whalers and sealers (people hunting whales and seals). Post-graduate thesis have been produced from research on Marion Island, and South Africa has been operating a weather station on Gough Island since 1956. The country has also launched the new research and supply vessel, SA Agulhas II and was dedicated to the late Singer Miriam Makeba. » read more |
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Fisheries research reports and research projects
- List of publications: Scientific output to provide scientific advice for resource management:
- List of publications: Seaweed - current and potential commercial species, 2013. [PDF - 90.68 kb]
- List of publications: Seaweed - diversity, 2013. [PDF - 88.48 kb]
- List of publications: Seaweed – beneficiation, 2013. [PDF - 79.97 kb]
Research projects
- Animal health and dseases, 2013. [PDF - 20.22 kb]
- Climate change and marine resources. [PDF - 26.4 kb]
- Environmental interactions [PDF - 25.55 kb]
- Research ship Africana. [PDF - 417.82 kb]
- Research ship Ellen Khuzwayo. [PDF - 306.45 kb]
- Resources research surveys and assessment. [PDF - 23.7 kb]
- South coast rock lobster. [PDF - 158.42 kb]
- Grid references: Seaweed concession areas. [PDF - 48.16 kb]
- Description of commercial seaweed sector. [PDF - 1017.36 kb]
- Species diversification and competitiveness. [PDF - 27.43 kb]
- Tuna longline and tuna pole. [PDF - 1.65 mb]
- West coast rock lobster. [PDF - 629.92 kb]
Forestry research
Addressing Specific Elements of REDD+ in South Africa - Component 1
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Addressing Specific Elements of REDD+ in South Africa - Component 2 Climate change has been identified as a clear threat to South Africa, and the country has decided to address it in a proactive and progressive manner. Following early publication of a National Climate Change Response Policy (NCCRP) (DEA 2011), a substantial foundation on which to base future policy and measures has been developed.
» download report [PDF - 4.53 mb] |
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Addressing Specific Elements of REDD+ in South Africa - Component 3 South Africa has taken a progressive approach in its response to climate change. Following early ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, the Country published a National Climate Change Response White Paper in 2011 (DEA 2011) and has gradually developed a substantial foundation on which to base future policy and measures. A particular opportunity that has been identified is the implementation of a national programme aimed at reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+).
» download report [PDF - 5.65 mb] |
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Woodlands and indigenous forest management
- A collation and overview of research information on acacia erioloba (camelthorn) and identification of relevant research gaps to inform protection of the species, 31 August 2003. [PDF 260 kb]
- Assessment of the livelihoods importance of forestry, forests and forest products in South Africa, September 2004. [PDF 313.8 kb]
- Baseline study on woodlands in South Africa, 2002, February 2002. [PDF - 353.15 kb]
- A collation and overview of research Information on boscia albitrunca (shepherd’s tree) and identification of relevant research gaps to inform protection of the species, 18 August 2003. [PDF - 93.3 kb]
- Do we understand the causes of bush encroachment in African savannahs' ? 24 January 2005. [PDF - 243.69 kb]
- Classification system for South African indigenous forests, April 2003. [PDF - 15.04 mb]
- A collation and overview of research information on combretum imberbe warwa (combretaceae) and identification of relevant research gaps to inform protection of the species, 06 August 2003. [PDF - 119 kb]
- Outline of woodlands types. [PDF - 20.2 kb]
- Declared list of champion trees, November 2012. [PDF - 294 KB]
Small scale forestry
- Briefing 1: Trade in large or small scale saw milling in South Africa, January 2005. [PDF - 383 kb]
- Briefing 2: Manufactured timber products, January 2005. [PDF - 354 kb]
- Briefing 4: The timber pole market, January 2005. [PDF - 370 kb]
- Briefing 5: Trade in medicinal plants, January 2005. [PDF - 399 kb]
- Briefing 6: Trade in Forest ferns and foliage. Forestry sub-sector studies, January 2005. [PDF - 477 kb]
- Briefing 7: Processing and trade in indigenous fruits, January 2005. [PDF - 488 kb]
- Briefing 8: Trade in boletus mushrooms, January 2005. [PDF - 367 kb]
- Briefing 9: The honey trade. Forestry sub-sector studies, January 2005. [PDF - 357 kb]
- Forestry transportation requirements plan, July 2017. [PDF - 21.44 mb]
- Eastern Cape forestry sector profile, June 2008. [PDF 710.46 kb]
- Key issues paper on forestry enterprise development, January 2005. [PDF - 274.03 kb]
- Case studies in South Africa: participatory forest management, September 2005. [PDF - 10.24 mb]
- South African forest industry market analysis, 29 June 2005. PDF - 631.72 kb]
- The development of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) report for the zone of afforestation potential in the Eastern Cape: scoping report, 30 June 2005. [PDF - 3.45 mb]
- Draft: The development of strategic environmental assessment report of afforestation in water management area 12, covering northern and eastern parts of the Eastern Cape Province, 29 August 2005. [PDF - 11.28 mb]
Forestry regulation and oversight
- Study of supply and demand of industrial round wood in South Africa; a sub-sectroal analysis
- Statistics report: Commercial timber resources and primary round wood processing in South Africa.
- 2000/2001 [PDF - 782.67 kb]
- 2001/2002 [PDF - 851.74 kb]
- 2002/2003 [PDF - 1.45 mb]
- 2003/2004 [PDF - 367.09 kb]
- 2004/2005 [PDF - 582.83 kb]
- 2005/2006 [PDF - 786.9 kb]
- 2007/2008 [PDF - 382 kb]
- 2008/2009 [PDF - 327 kb]
- 2011/2012 [PDF - 516.27 kb]
- 2012/2013 [PDF - 467.13 kb]
- 2013/2014 [PDF - 464.01 kb]
- 2014/2015 [PDF - 463.72 kb]
- 2015/2016 [PDF - 1.4 mb]
- 2016/2017 [PDF - 1.43 mb]
- 2017/2018 [PDF - 1.43 mb]
- National veldfire risk assessment: analysis of exposure of social, economic and environmental assets to veldfire hazards in South Africa, March 2010. [PDF - 5.59 mb]
- Appendices [PDF - 576.22 kb]
- Draft key issue paper on forestry and poverty in South Africa, June 2005. [PDF - 510.55 kb]
- Draft discussion document. Protected area system planning for indigenous forests of South Africa: policy, core issues, objectives and targets, September 2005. [PDF - 58.76 kb]
- Assessment of the Gauteng firewood market and the origin of protected tree firewood products sold, 21 September 2007. [PDF - 989.11 kb]
- Part I: The contribution, costs and development opportunities of the forestry, timber, pulp and paper industries in South Africa, 29 June 2005. [PDF - 1.02 mb]
- Trends in the incidence of poverty in district municipalities with significant areas of forests and plantations, 30 September 2005. [PDF - 200.42 kb]
- A review of the veld fires in the Western Cape during 15 to 25 January 2000: toward improved veldfire management in South Africa. Report to the minister, 30 September 2005. [PDF - 857.49]
Commercial forestry
- Supply and demand study of softwood sawlog and sawn timber in South Africa, 05 April 2005. [PDF - 2.63 mb]
- Key issue paper for a policy on transfers of state owned industrial plantations, 04 February 2005. [PDF - 1.33 kb]