Vol 1 - Support Services Ufs Ac Za - University of the Free State

currently being implemented. The first step inimplementation is the appointment of a dedicatedDirector for each Cluster to provide academic leadership,facilitate cutting edge research and coordinatethe overall Cluster activities. In the interim, eachCluster is headed by a Cluster Coordinator – aleading academic at the University who has beenactively involved with the process from the outset.These Coordinators are supported by the DRD andare tasked with engaging academic staff membersacross disciplines in the preliminary activities oftheir respective Clusters.Cluster 1: Water Managementin Water-scarce AreasThere are strong indications that water is becominga critical resource worldwide as populations increase.As large parts of southern Africa and thedeveloping world are water-scarce, this underlinesa need for the development of this Strategic AcademicCluster at the UFS.This Cluster carries out research and developsteaching in the management of the physical,ecological, social and economic aspects of thescarce water resource. Its members pay attention tothe risks attendant on the availability of the waterresource in its natural and utilisable states.Entrepreneurship is developed in the fields ofroutine water quality analysis, in the description ofthe minimum requirements for the maintenance ofindividual ecosystems (groundwater, rivers andother wetlands), in the optimal utilisation of waterfor agriculture and other socio-economic needs, inthe prediction of water availability and in theassessment of the risks associated with waterCluster Coordinator: Prof Maitland Seaman, Centre forEnvironmental Management.scarcity in numerous fields of use. The latter risksinclude loss of quality and competitive usage.Focus Areas1. Management of aquatic ecosystems inwater-scarce areasAs water supply becomes critical in water-scarceareas, it becomes imperative to safeguard the waterbodies, both above and below ground. These water30