Environmental Science Rhodes University

Overview

Key features

The Environmental Science program of Rhodes University is interested in human-environment interactions and in the governance and sustainable management of complex social-ecological systems. We recognise that we are living in a globalising and rapidly changing world characterised by numerous interconnected environmental and social challenges. We undertake research on the ecological and socio-economic dimensions of these challenges, with the goal of contributing towards more resilient, equitable and sustainable pathways into the future. The nexus between human well-being, livelihoods, vulnerability, ecosystem services and change is central in all our work.  Key areas of research include:

• Livelihoods, vulnerability and biodiversity

• Ecosystem services and societal benefits

• Non-timber forest products use, trade and management

• Landscape change and land degradation

• Co-management and governance of protected areas

• Community based natural resource management

• Social learning for change

• Climate change adaptation

• Urbanisation, urban greening and forestry

• Ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration

• Invasive plants – uses, impacts and management

• Food security, especially in relation to ecosystem services provision and wild foods