Social Ecological Research


Social Ecological research and Assessment deals with the investigation of social issues surrounding resource use of our biodiversity assets, and innovative research into a strategic approach to dealing with potential issues are key focal areas.

Through this unit, Ezemvelo wishes to partner with interested research groupings, NGOs,government institutions and the public in general in driving the important message of “conserving ecosystems for human well being”. The following areas are housed within the Socio-ecological Science unit of Ezemvelo’s Scientific Services:

  • Ecosystems Goods and Services Programme

  • Social Ecological Research

  • Climate Change

Use the menu to the right of this page to find out more.

To find out more, or to partner with this unit, and be part of upcoming events, please contact:

Thoble Mthalane (033) 845 1451 or email thobile.mthalane@kznwildlife.com

Lehlohonolo Phadima (033) 845 1460 or email lehohonolo.phadima@kznwildlife.com

Social Research

The Social Research and Assessment Unit plays an active role in coordinating, facilitating, monitoring, quantifying and recommending the sustainable use of appropriate indigenous resources within and outside of protected areas in the province, in partnership with communities. Furthermore, the unit measures the effectiveness of Ezemvelo’s social programs by conducting strategic assessment, monitoring and evaluation and compiling perception indices on people’s attitudes to protected areas, Ezemvelo and conservation. The unit develops community profiles in areas surrounding Protected Areas through socio-economic baseline studies. We also play a crucial role in determining and demonstrating the social benefits and livelihoods of protected areas to local communities.

Ecosystem Goods and Services

For many, the term ‘ecosystem services’ is not so much foreign as much as it is confusing. Simply put, ecosystems goods & services are the services that we as society are receiving from the natural environment, free of charge, either directly or indirectly. Having been launched with great excitement in 2011, the Ecosystems Goods & Services Programme has performed well in fol-lowing its mandate: To demonstrate the value of biodi-versity and ecosystems to human well-being From corpo-rate workshops, brochures, pamphlets, active research, newspaper articles and radio shows, the Ecosystems Goods and Services Programme is an ambitious and proactive pro-gramme that will, amongst other achievements, showcase the role that Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife plays in conserving natural capital, to bene-fit society, and raise awareness on ecosystem goods & services to the general public of KZN, staff of EKZNW and to stakeholders.

Climate change

Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the weather patterns across the earth over long periods of time. The Climate Change Unit is dedicated to combatting climate change throughout KwaZulu-Natal. We aim to do this by ensuring the quality and quantity of water resources are enhanced, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, by ensuring sustainable environmental management and reducing the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The Unit also seeks to create Climate Change Awareness throughout the province through a range of media.

Ecowave Publications

Please click on the links below to download Ecowave publications from our Social Ecological Research Unit, dealing with Climate Change and Ecosystem Goods and Services (Ecological Infrastructure):