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Henschel, J., Pauw, J., Banyikwa, F., Brito, R., Chabwela, H., Palmer, T., Ringrose, S., Santos, L., Sitoe, A. and van Jaarsveld, A., 2003. Developing the environmental long-term observatories network of Southern Africa (ELTOSA). South African Journal of Science, 99(3/4), pp.100-122. |
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Background
In May 2001, we, scientists from six
countries in southern Africa, formed the
Environmental Long-Term Observatories
Network of Southern Africa (ELTOSA).
Further development was made at the
ELTOSA conference on Inhaca Island,
Mozambique, during July 2002. ELTOSA
connects country Environmental Observatories
Networks (EON), the African
adaptation of LTER (long-term ecological
research). The International Long-Term
Ecological Research Network (ILTER) has
accepted ELTOSA as a regional member,
and currently three ELTOSA country
members have individual ILTER membership
(Namibia in 1999, Zambia in 2001,
South Africa in 2002) and others are working
towards membership.
This position paper describes the development
of a vision for EON in southern
Africa. We outline the importance of
developing EON and list the opportunities
this offers for the natural and social
sciences. Finally, we focus on some
challenges that accompany the development
of EON in the region, with suggestions
on how to meet them. |
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