DATA IN THE K2C

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The Environmental Monitor (EM) Programme, funded by the Department of Environmental Affairs, has been piloting successfully a Data submission system for community-based Environmental Monitors. The Environmental Monitors are submitting geo-referenced data of their observations, such as alien plant distribution, removal of snares, prevalence of pollution, illegal sand mining and erosion sites via WhatsApp. A full time data collator, Keneilwe Mushi, captures this information on a database in real time, which also enables real time responses.


Keneilwe Mushi captures the EM's data 
This system also tracks engagements with schools and EM ran homework clubs, community members and at meetings.

“This data is very relevant to track EM’s activities and the data is very useful” Frans Lesoka, SANParks BSP Cluster Manager said. “A recent observation of parthinium in the catchment of the Timbavati River enabled us to respond immediately and to start eradicating this dangerous invasive plant.”
Parthinium (Famine Weed)
found in Tintswalo Village

Parthinium produces allelochemicals, which inhibit the growth of surrounding plants and increase its invasive capacity. It also causes human health problems such as asthma, bronchitis, dermatitis and hay fever, and taints the milk and meat of animals. Parthenium in animal feed causes dermatitis with pronounced skin lesions, and can kill cattle and buffalo if it makes up between 10% and 50% of their diet.
“This action and response is proof of the benefits of the Environmental Monitor Programme,” Ms Marié-Tinka Uys, K2C Biosphere Coordinator, said.

Comments

  1. Anonymous27 March 2018 at 17:23

    This is great work K2C - well done

    ReplyDelete

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