Node update - September 2005

Three new nodes in the pipeline

SAEON has developed a framework for the collection, archiving, analysis and dissemination of Earth observation data. This includes the establishment of field stations or nodes throughout South Africa to cover the widest possible range of biomes.

With the SAEON Ndlovu Node firmly established in the Savanna biome, three new nodes are currently in the pipeline: a SAEON Fynbos Node, SAEON Coastal-Inshore Node and SAEON Marine-Offshore Node.

SAEON Coastal-Inshore and Marine-Offshore nodes

SAEON and SANCOR (South African Network for Coastal and Oceanic Research) are currently in the process of identifying potential hosts for both these nodes. The South African Aquatic Institute for Biodiversity (SAIAB) in Grahamstown has been proposed as the host organisation for the Coastal-Inshore Node, and the Marine and Coastal Management branch of the Department of Environment and Tourism in Cape Town for the Marine-Offshore Node, with data management support from SADCO (South African Data Centre for Oceanography).

SAEON Fynbos Node

A selection of sites is under scrutiny for the prospective SAEON Fynbos Node. An initial information session was held at Zevenwacht Estate to brief the fynbos research community. A consultative process, driven by an elected committee, was followed to identify a suitable host organisation and an appropriate constellation of sites. The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) at Kirstenbosch has been proposed as a possible host organisation and several of the proposed sites are on the properties of Western Cape Nature Conservation.

SAEON is considering a proposal for a doctoral study to determine the socio-economic indicators for urban environments relevant to the SAEON Fynbos Node.
 
SAEON Ndlovu Node

The SAEON Ndlovu Node was launched at Phalaborwa exactly a year ago. Dave Balfour was appointed node manager early this year, and since then vast ground has been covered in creating a blueprint for the establishment and management of this and other prospective SAEON nodes.

The node establishment phase involves building sound networks with key partners, setting up effective data management systems and networks to capture and share data with local and international users, teasing out and putting reality to initial conceptual debates that inform research focus areas, exploring synergies between identified SAEON research areas and research done in the Kruger National Park (KNP) by visiting scientists, and appointing suitably qualified new staff members. Dave has laid the foundation for all these initiatives and will also be instrumental in setting up pre-agreed sites to monitor the basic ecological drivers in the Savanna system.

He has succeeded in strengthening ties with the Kruger National Park (KNP), with which a formal Memorandum of Understanding has been signed, and establishing close working relations with KNP financial, research and administrative staff. He is currently also in the process of establishing ties with potential partners in the region, such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and Wits Rural Facility, whose interests are similar to those of SAEON, as well as with large corporates that have an impact on the environment, such as mining companies.

Work on the construction of the R2 million SAEON Ndlovu Node research offices and laboratory at the new access gate to the Kruger National Park and the Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Park commenced in May, and is showing good progress by being ahead of schedule. The expected date of completion is in December 2005.