Data in our landscape championed by Environmental Monitors

By -
Written by: – Keneilwe Mmushi
The 2019 Environmental Monitors (EM) programme has brought adaptive changes and our data system has also improved! 

In addition to the single-levelled data submission of their system, where the EMs submit geo-referenced data of their observations, a column of EM interventions which captures the measures EMs take to ensure that environmental challenges are addressed, has been added. Since a more action-based approach is used, it was seen that a more fitting, user-friendly database be developed to compliment the work done on the ground. 

Initially Environmental Monitors used to send real-time data via WhatsApp to the Data Collator, which was then captured into a spreadsheet and analyzed at the end of each month to formulate monthly reports to funder Department of Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and other key stakeholders in the landscape. This was revised with inputs from students from the Central European University (CEU). 


A second layer of analysis (more project specific) was added to the existing data system. This layer comprises of a sub-section (schema) which is populated by EM managers, interpretation of the 1st level of analysis to suit each project specifics and enable filtering of relevant feedback to report to the various stakeholder they work with. This layer of analysis allows for better data manipulation through GIS soft wares and thus a more visual, spatialized dataset to include in our feedback sessions and reports to different stakeholders.

The consolidated 2nd level analysed database will in the long run allow us to pick-up landscape trends.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kukula Traditional Health Practitioners Association Bio-Cultural Community Protocols Revision Workshop & Peer-to-Peer Learning Exchange

By -
Image
Community mapping Natural Justice’s Cath Traynor together with Mina Buthelezi (SANParks BSP/K2C Data Collector & Field Assistant), and Prof. Wayne Twine (Wits University) facilitated a 3-day workshop with the Kukula Traditional Health Practitioners Association to revise their bio-cultural community protocol (BCP). The Kukula’s original BCP was finalized in 2010, and the past 6 years have seen a growth in Kukula membership, a change in their priorities plus the introduction by the South African Government of several new laws and policies which will impact the Kukula. The objectives of the workshop were to (i) finalize the BCP revision process, (ii) focused discussions concerning leveraging the revised BCP, (iii) furthering engagement around medicinal plant issues with protected areas managers, and (iv) peer-to-peer learning exchange with Ndindani Community Nursery in Phalaborwa . During the first session of the workshop the Kukula agreed on a BCP revision process, this wa...
Read more

K2C to start a blogging page

By -
Image
From the 1st Dec 2013, K2C will start a regular blog posting on this page.   Various potential bloggers will be approached by K2C to submit regular blogs on their life in the K2C, their challenges and opportunities.   If you would like to contribute and be a regular blogger on the K2C blog page, please contact info@kruger2canyons.org.   If you would like to be able to follow the regular blogs, please fill in your email address in the email block below "Follow by Email"
Read more

KNP ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CAPACITY BUILDING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORS

By -
Image
By Vulani Mabunda On the 19 th of July 2019 19x EMS from different host institutions, i.e.   Sefapane, Nourish and Letaba Ranch attended an Environmental Education workshop at Letaba Elephant Hall facilitated by KNP’s Kirsty Reedman and her team. Environmental Education (EE) connects us to the world around us, teaching about both natural built environments, EE raises awareness of issues impacting the environment upon which we depend, as well as actions we can take to improve and sustain it. The specific outcome s from the Workshop was to empower participants to be able to: Design and implement an environmental Education Programme Design and implement a children’s environmental education programme Design and implement an environmental education programme for visitors to a conservation area Through this workshop, EM's acquired a lot of knowledge and experience in terms of Environmental Education:  EM's learned how to integ...
Read more