Natural resources and the environment

Assessing land degradation for a better environment Land covered with vegetation will look quite different in the future. There will be a significant change in the composition of plant species and subsequently, animal species.

Working towards reduced health hazards in mines Researchers at the CSIR are developing models and tools to assess the risks of exposure to combined occupational health stressors in mines. As part of these endeavours, tests were recently undertaken to examine the reactions of the human body to some of the occupational health stressors that miners are exposed to.

New lab for fresh water molecular research The CSIR is establishing a new microbiology laboratory where research will be conducted on water-borne pathogens, such as those that cause diarrhoea, typhoid and cholera. The laboratory will be based in Stellenbosch.

South Africa on the shortlist to host prestigious water event In what could be a milestone for the water sector in the southern hemisphere, South Africa has been short-listed to host the 2012 Sixth World Water Forum. Both South Africa's representatives on the World Water Council are from the CSIR.

CSIR shines at world water event Effectively-functioning political, social, economic and administrative systems are needed to develop and manage water resources and supply these to society. This is the message that the CSIR took to the world during the international water week held in Sweden.