CSIR earth observation experts are making significant contributions to a global consortium that is set to deliver data, models and knowledge that will improve the management of 23 protected areas across the globe – of which the Kruger National Park is one.

Ecopotential is funded by the European Union and has 47 international collaborators. The Ecopotential partners are tasked with delivering earth observation products that will contribute to understanding and monitoring changes to ecosystems while supporting the effective management of protected areas.

“Ecopotential is one of the largest European Union-funded ecosystems projects that South Africa is involved in,” says CSIR principal researcher, Dr Abel Ramoelo. “Our role is to assess grass and trees in the Kruger National Park using earth observation and to make this information and products available for planning and improving the management of the park,” he says. The know-how and experience gained from this programme will be rolled out to the other national parks.

“The invitation to join the consortium is a reflection of the long term investments made by the CSIR and the Department of Science and Technology in the last decade in enabling the CSIR to develop valuable earth observation products that foster collaboration,” says Ramoelo.

Advances in earth observation data offer new opportunities to monitor the state and changes in ecosystem functions, processes and services. Ramoelo explains that the CSIR was invited to partake in the consortium based on its contributions to earth observation-based research. “Our contribution is to assess the grazing quality and quantity in the KNP, tree cover, and biomass linked to issues related to carbon sequestration and bush encroachment.”

All data, model results and knowledge acquired will be made available on common and open platforms. The outputs from Ecopotential will also contribute to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and be fully interoperable with the GEOSS Common Infrastructure. In this way, Ramoelo explains, Ecopotential will benefit different communities, scientists, protected area managers and citizens. “We hope the data will help the KNP improve efficiencies in their decision-making and planning processes,” he says.