Statutory and policy-based eco-disaster risk reduction in SADC member states.

Unlabelled: Effective legislative framework is the cornerstone of managing hazards and disasters because they have become policy problems of global and local concern. This research study aims at understanding the implementation, strengths and gaps of policies related to Eco-DRR in SADC member states. In particular, attempts to critically analyse the making of DRM policies, as well as the variables underpinning these policies, given the high level of disaster losses.

Environment predicts lineage distribution and zones of recombination in South Africa.

The amphibian-infecting chytrid fungus, (), is widespread throughout Africa and is linked to declines of populations and species across the continent. While it is well established that the lineage of encodes traits which determine disease severity, knowledge around how lineages are distributed according to environmental envelope is unclear. We here studied the distribution of in South Africa based on the two lineages found, GPL and CAPE, in terms of their genome and environmental envelope statistically associated with their distribution.

Modelling the historical distribution of schistosomiasis-transmitting snails in South Africa using ecological niche models.

Schistosomiasis is a vector-borne disease transmitted by freshwater snails and is prevalent in rural areas with poor sanitation and no access to tap water. Three snail species are known to transmit schistosomiasis in South Africa (SA), namely Biomphalaria pfeifferi, Bulinus globosus and Bulinus africanus. In 2003, a predicted prevalence of 70% was reported in tropical climates in SA.

A Critical Evaluation of International Agreements Towards a Revised Categorization for Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs).

Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) are widely promoted as an international instrument to achieve certain conservation, cooperation and developmental goals, especially within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). In the SADC context, the status of TFCAs is categorized based on the extent to which international agreements have been signed. These agreements take different forms such as treaties, memorandums of understanding (MoUs), protocols and bilateral agreements.

Identifying key risks to the performance of privately protected areas (PPAs) through theory of change (ToC).

Privately protected areas (PPAs) are internationally considered to be important policy implementation instruments to augment and strengthen protected area networks. However, there has been limited reflection on the performance of PPAs over time. This paper aims to identify key risks to the performance of PPAs as policy implementation instruments through the application of Theory of Change (ToC).

Considering flood risk in spatial development planning: A land use conflict analysis approach.

Flooding is the predominant natural hazard observed in Africa, and it often leads to damage to property and losses in human lives. To ensure that the detrimental effects of flooding are kept to a minimum, flood-prone areas should best be left undeveloped. Spatial development planning is a tool that can assist disaster risk managers in ensuring the aforementioned.

Assessing the Likelihood of Gene Flow From Sugarcane ( Hybrids) to Wild Relatives in South Africa.

Pre-commercialization studies on environmental biosafety of genetically modified (GM) crops are necessary to evaluate the potential for sexual hybridization with related plant species that occur in the release area. The aim of the study was a preliminary assessment of factors that may contribute to gene flow from sugarcane ( hybrids) to indigenous relatives in the sugarcane production regions of Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, South Africa. In the first instance, an assessment of wild relatives was conducted based on existing phylogenies and literature surveys.

Spatial assessment of amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in South Africa confirms endemic and widespread infection.

Chytridiomycosis has been identified as a major cause of global amphibian declines. Despite widespread evidence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis infection in South African frogs, sampling for this disease has not focused on threatened species, or whether this pathogen poses a disease risk to these species. This study assessed the occurrence of Bd-infection in South African Red List species.