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BIODIVERSITY
AND INFORMATICS
The
biodiversity, conservation and environmental assessment
programme at the International Ocean Institute, Southern
Africa (IOI-SA) recognizes the need to research and
understand marine and coastal biodiversity and ecology in
order to achieve sustainable use of resources.
The
problems:
There
are major gaps in our knowledge of marine biodiversity.
Many species of marine animals and plants remain
undescribed. Caring for and using our marine environment
wisely requires a greater knowledge and understanding not
only of these organisms, but also of the systems which
support them.
Over
the last several decades there has been severe damage to
the marine environment, resulting in destruction of
habitats and losses of biodiversity. Such losses, which
are usually the result of human activities, may also
compromise the sustainability of livelihoods, particularly
for coastal people.
South
Africa is a signatory to a number of international
conventions that pertain to the conservation of
biodiversity. It is our collective responsibility to
partake in activities associated with the implementation
of these conventions.
What
is IOI-SA doing to address these problems?
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IOI-SA
is involved in several ongoing biodiversity studies,
including studies of coralline and other marine algae,
which are important but often neglected components of
marine ecology and biodiversity. These projects span
not only southern Africa, but the entire continent of
Africa.
(Projects:
Biodiversity, taxonomy and species composition of
coralline algae. SeaweedAfrica Database project)
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IOI-SA
is contracted as the Focal Point for the Benguela
Current subregion for the Global International Waters
Assessment (GIWA). The aim of GIWA is to produce a
comprehensive and integrated global assessment of
international waters, including both marine and
freshwaters. The assessments focus on both the
environmental and socio-economic impacts of key issues
related to the aquatic environment in transboundary
waters.
If
you want to become involved in this programme contact
the Programme Coordinator at:
IOI-SA
c/o Department of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
University of the Western Cape
P. Bag X17, Bellville 7535
South Africa
Tel. +27 21 959 2594
Fax. +27 21 959 1213
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