NRF Annual Report 2018

PART B: PERFORMANCE
10.3.2 South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)
South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
SAEON is a comprehensive, sustained, coordinated and responsive national network of in-situ environmental
observatories that delivers long-term reliable data for scientific research, and informs decision-making for a
knowledge society and improved quality of life.
RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE (PLATFORMS)
ARID LANDS NODE
NDLOVU NODE
FYNBOS NODE
ELWANDLE COASTAL NODE
EGAGASINI NODE
GRASSLANDS-FORESTS-
WETLANDS NODE
SAEON RESEARCH AGENDA SUPPORTS:
• Detecting and translating environmental change, and predicting the impact of such change on terrestrial
and marine ecosystems;
• Driving and facilitating research on long-term change of South Africa’s terrestrial biomes, and coastal and
marine ecosystems;
• Developing and maintaining collections of accurate, consistent and reliable long-term environmental
databases;
• Promoting access to data for research and/or informed decision-making; and
• Contributing to capacity building and education in environmental sciences.
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