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Water research - pursuing a better life for all
The CSIR's natural environment research theme focuses on the wise use of resources, with a view to establish a secure future environment. Water is a particularly important resource, especially in South Africa, and is central to social development, human dignity and health, and economic development.
With limited natural water resources, the challenge for South Africa lies in the efficient and wise use of these resources, and the protection of the resource base to create an environment for social and economic well-being. Although some parts have higher rainfall than others, South Africa's average rainfall of 450 mm per annum is far below the global average of 860 mm per year.
Careful calculations of runoff, yield and water use indicate that South Africa has enough water to meet the nation's needs in the foreseeable future.
However, the reality is that there is relatively little water to start with, and several factors - such as climate change, water pollution and international obligations - have an influence on and limit the amount of water that South Africans have at their disposal. As the South African population increases, our water resources become more pressured, and to balance water supply and water demands is an ever-increasing challenge.
The examples of multidisciplinary research illustrated in this edition of ScienceScope provide some indication of the complexity of managing a critical natural resource, subject to intense demand, within a diverse and changing ecosystem.
- Wiida Fourie
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