Generating a thorough understanding of the functional ecology of the Elephant Marshes incorporating hydromorphology, ecosystem services, biodiversity, and livelihoods; and model past, present, and future possible management strategies. The assignment will also assess the feasibility for designating the marshes as a community-managed protected area and as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention using information from the surveys to assess whether the Elephant Marshes meet the Ramsar Criteria.
An elementary tool for Ecological Reserve monitoring in high-value conservation catchments in South Africa was developed.
To use a variety of data sources to compile a framework of change at temporal and spatial scales of relevance to river ecosystems, and to correlate these with known, and measured, changes in river ecosystem condition with the aim of identifying the long-term: (1) natural cycles; (2) non-flow related impacts and (3) flow related impacts on components of the rivers.
Preparation of management plans for the maintenance activities of riparian land owners along the Breede, Jan Du Toit, Hartebees, Hex, Noree/Vink, Klaasvoogds and Keisie Rivers.
Quantifying the links between patterns of riparian vegetation and flow on South African rivers. Current knowledge, existing data from Reserve studies, and empirical evidence was synthesized to propose a naming convention, methods of identification and a description of the characteristics of lateral zonation patterns in riparian vegetation communities.
Baseline monitoring and training of local staff in the Phuthiatsana River downstream of the Metolong Dam. Plus design of the Environmental Flows Policy for the Metolong Dam.
Environmental Flow assessments for the Neelum and Jhelum Rivers affected by the proposed Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower Project in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir.
Baseline monitoring in the Huaura and Checras rivers downstream of the Cheves HPP, plus design of the Environmental Flows Management Plan for the Cheves operation.
Update of PES, EIS and species list databases, plus Factsheets, for over 1500 locations in the Olifants-Doorn, Breede-Overberg, Berg and Gouritz Water Management Areas.
Appointed to do Ecological Flow determinations using DRIFT for two sites on the Blue Nile River in Ethiopia, however, the ESIA was cancelled after the Client decided not to pursue the Mandaya Dam. Project Cancelled after Millennium Dam announced by Ethiopian Government.
Development of Decision Support System (DSS) software to automate the process for Environmental Flow Assessments. The software is different from current DSSs in the field in that it fully incorporates the ecological, social and socio-economic aspects of management options to the same level of detail and sensitivity as the economic and engineering aspects. The DSS is based on advances made in the DRIFT methodology through its application in Southern and East Africa.
Provision of environmental flow information to pre-feasibility and feasibility studies of surface water developments to augment the supply of water to Cape Town. Joint Venture with Ninham Shand and Kwezi V3.
A Feasibility Study and Pilot Project into the viability of the TMG Aquifer for bulk water supply to Cape Town, more particularly the deep confined portions of the Peninsula Formation. Duties included evaluation of proposed well-field sites, design of a monitoring programme to assess future possible impacts of abstraction from the TMG aquifer on rivers and wetlands in the area and review of the subsequent monitoring activities, which have been outsourced.
Three-year study that aims to lead to the implementation of one or more previously identified interventions for water supply to urban centres in the Western Cape.
