The National Research Foundation (NRF) has announced that it and its parent Ministry, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), have jointly launched a new environmental monitoring initiative, the Expanded Freshwater and Terrestrial Environmental Observation Network (EFTEON). The launch took place at the Spioenkop Nature Reserve, Winterton, in KwaZulu-Natal, last week (but was only publicised on Tuesday).

“The Network is designed to provide detailed, real-time data on the condition of South Africa’s freshwater and terrestrial environments,” explained the NRF. “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.”

EFTEON is under the management of the NRF’s South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). It is the third initiative to fall under SAEON. EFTEON is also one of the 13 initiatives implemented under the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap.

“The launch of this infrastructure reflects our dedication to not only study these [environmental] changes but also to act upon them,” affirmed NRF CEO Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo. “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.”

EFTEON is not intended solely to collect and process data. It is also intended to develop collaborations within and between scientists, communities and policymakers. In turn, these collaborations will result in the joint development of sustainable and inclusive solutions to a wide range of issues. Further, it will facilitate fieldwork and field schools for early career researchers, providing datasets for them to use in their research projects and so aid in the development of scientific knowledge.

The three SAEON initiatives cover six large area research zones, which encompass the country’s different biomes. These zones were called “landscapes” and the areas they embraced included Kimberley, the Lowveld, the Northern Drakensberg, Maputaland, the Garden Route, and Greater Cape Town. In each landscape there is a heavily-instrumented core research site, plus a network of secondary sites. A landscape scientist manages each landscape, assisted by an instrument technician, a biodiversity technician and a socio-ecological systems technician. Central coordination and administration is provided by SAEON, which also hosts the shared data management facility.

The NRF is South Africa’s research promotion and support agency. It does so through funding, the provision of research infrastructure, and human resource development.