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Environmental problems are complex, and addressing them requires integrated approaches using a broad skills base.
Researchers at CSIR Natural Resources and the Environment (NRE) aim to provide integrated solutions, drawing on their own basic research as well as those of others, building on historical strengths and experience while at the same time working across disciplinary and institutional boundaries.
We endeavour to provide science-based solutions to the challenging environmental and natural resource issues facing society now and in the future. Our focus is on the national interest and we pride ourselves on our ability to lead large integrated research projects that can make substantial contributions.
Our focus areas can be depicted as follows:
With over 200 researchers in all the major centres of South Africa, we are able to conduct world-class, directed, inter-disciplinary research and technological innovation, with partners and stakeholders, in the field of natural resources and the environment, to contribute to the social, economic and environmental improvement of South Africa and Africa.
The unit is uniquely positioned in all the major centres of South Africa – Pretoria, Johannesburg, Stellenbosch, Durban and Pietermaritsburg, with the following research focus areas and specialist research laboratories:
| Ecosystems |
- Biodiversity and ecosystem services
- Earth observation
- Ecosystem processes and dynamics
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| Environmental decision-making |
- Environmental and resource economics
- Sustainable energy futures
- Sustainable socio-ecological systems
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| Forestry |
- Forestry and Forestry Products Research Centre (fibre processing, forest assessment, wood science)
- Tree improvement
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| Global change |
- Climate change and atmospheric modelling
- Coastal and marine pollution
- Coastal systems
- Ocean systems and climate
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| Interface between people and the environment |
- Environmental health
- Waste and society
- Waste treatment and utilisation
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| Water resources |
- Ecophysiology
- Fresh water resources
- Hydrosciences
- Water ecosystems and human health
- Water resource management
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| Laboratories |
- Aquatic and marine analytical laboratories
- Biotoxicity research laboratory
- Isotope research laboratory
- Mercury research laboratory
- Microbiology research laboratory (bacteria, viruses and protozoan parasites)
- Quadro radiocarbon dating research laboratory
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Contact details:
Dr Jimmy Adegoko
Executive Director: NRE
Tel. +27 _12 841 2983
Email: jadegoko@csir.co.za |
