Research Infrastructures as Anchor Points for Long-Term Environmental Observation

Abstract

In this chapter, we highlight the importance and value of key Environmental Research Infrastructures, and how these can act as anchor points for long-term environmental observations and facilitate interdisciplinary environmental research. We briefly summarize the development of these efforts in South and southern Africa over the last three decades and from this perspective discuss how their successful maintenance and further implementation may turn such RIs into important anchor points for long-term environmental scientific work in support of environmental sustainability, national commitments under selected international policy discussions, and societal well-being. The fundamental role of Environmental Research Infrastructures is multifold and includes the provision of data that enable reporting and policy development, the provision of validation sites in the development of new observational sensors, measurement techniques and models, and the provision facilities for training of scientists and technicians. Humanity currently faces a number of global crises, including the impact of changes in the climate, resulting in droughts, floods, fires, storms, and other extreme events. These crises are significantly stressing and transforming the lives and livelihoods of the vast majority of humanity. The societal response to these events is dependent on the availability of scientific knowledge and its effective transfer to governance structures, industry, and the broader society. In order to effectively address these challenges, large amounts of long-term social-ecological data are required across a broad range of intersecting disciplines that are available for analysis by the scientific community. Research Infrastructures have the ability to act as anchor points in the provision and utilization of this data, and the development of indigenous capacity to develop the observations and technical skills.