The Knysna Estuary Research Foundation is an NGO based in Knysna, South Africa, focused on coastal system research – particularly how these systems change over time, what actions can be taken to effectively manage and conserve these systems and how communities can and should live within these systems.
Coastal social-ecological systems are challenged by the escalating consequences of population growth, urbanisation and climate change. Addressing these challenges requires informed management and behavioural change. Because they fuel each other, both are required if we are to sustain the flows of benefits we derive from these systems.
Our mission is to promote and support the conservation of the highly productive and biodiversity rich Knysna Estuary, using targeted scientific research, knowledge creation and dissemination, societal education and stakeholder collaboration.
RESEARCH
Develop, facilitate and promote demand driven conservation and management focused research aimed at maintaining and/or achieving the desired ecological state of estuarine and coastal social-ecological systems. Read more.
EDUCATE
Provide and implement relevant environmental education to stakeholders in social-ecological systems through the development of scientifically based, goal-oriented education programmes. Read more.
CONSERVE
Determine the occurrence, extent and effects of anthropogenic impacts on natural systems, and provide scientific guidance and resources to maintain and/or achieve the desired ecological state of a system. Read more.
COLLABORATE
Facilitate and support a Community of Practice that provides a learning platform for research, education and conservation. Read more.
