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Given the general consensus in the scientific community on the existence of climate change the question has shifted from: 'Will we have to deal with the consequences of climate change' to 'How should we adapt to the changes which are most likely to occur'. This has led the scientific community to engage in research which allows governments and other stakeholders to create pro-active responses to the expected climatic changes rather than a reactive response when the consequences forecasted actually occur.
The Kruger to Canyons study area (K2C) was designated as a Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO to preserve the integrity of the conservation areas while improving the livelihoods of the people who live within its borders.
The area has a large climatic and topographical range, and is the site of multiple stressors. This makes it an excellent subject for considering how global change impacts might be successfully managed in a diverse landscape.
As there are numerous different sectors - including state conservation, private conservation, commercial agriculture, and former homeland type dense settlement areas - this area formed an excellent backdrop for the Kruger to Canyons Climate Change initiative of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
The aims of the project are to:
- Provide local stakeholders with access to the latest climate change information and data in the most accessible format
- Give stakeholders a better understanding of how to use this information and data, and to understand the limitations of this data
- Enable improved stakeholder decision making and adaptation strategies in the face of climate change
- Understand the information requirements of stakeholders to improve current and future accessibility of climate change information
Stakeholder engagement: Project researchers are trying to understand which sectors should be, and want to be involved in the process. Initially a few key stakeholder groups will be selected for the first phase of the project.
Stakeholder workshops: Stakeholders will be provided with the latest information at special workshops. The workshop will be centred on training people on how to best use this information. Project researchers will also require feedback from stakeholders to improve the accessibility and usefulness of the products.
Website: Based on stakeholder recommendations, the information will be provided online to ensure ongoing accessibility through the web.
Larger-scale stakeholder outreach workshops: Project researchers will involve more stakeholders who are interested in obtaining this information to ensure that more sectors have the opportunity to access this vital information.
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