Novel study looks at ecosystem services provided by palmiet wetlands

Abstract

WETLANDS Dr Alanna Rebelo recently received a joint PhD degree from Stellenbosch University (SU) and the University of Antwerp in Belgium on this topic. Her thesis, titled ‘Ecosystem services of Palmiet wetlands: The role of ecosystem composition and function’ , considered the benefits palmiet wetlands hold for ecosystems and people in South Africa. The research was funded by the National Research Foundation and the Department of Science and Technology, among others. Of all ecosystems, wetlands are considered to be one of the richest in terms of ecosystem services provided, yet the complexity of wetland ecology has resulted in them being the least studied. These ‘services’ are defined as the benefits that humans derive from nature. “Many people have heard of palmiet, but do not know what a valuable wetland plant it is and what ecosystem services it supplies to society,” says Dr Rebelo. Currently, South African wetlands and associated river systems are in a critical state, with over 65% reported to be damaged, and 50% estimated to have been destroyed.

Authors

Categories