SANParks and the active use of the concept of complexity

Soil moisture and soil nutrients are key factors determining heterogeneity and its ultimate impact on biodiversity. The role of fire is a driver of heterogeneity that still needs to be fully understood.

He pointed out that “respect for the complexity, richness and diversity of the socio-ecological systems” is one of the key conservation values of SANParks.

Ideas on complexity are also influencing leadership in SANParks, as well as the development of many currently emerging projects. The influence manifests particularly as systemic, holistic and trans-disciplinary approaches, typically using tools like systems dynamics diagrams and scenario planning.

Dr Biggs explained how adaptive management (“learning by doing”) is now an integral part of national parks management. It is used as a powerful tool to integrate values and social issues with biophysical and ecological issues. He explained how they are developing different management tools for complicated vs complex systems.

Complexity: How it changes our approach to research and decision making

Professor Kevin Rogers of the Centre for Water in the Environment at the University of the Witwatersrand explained what makes up a complex system and the importance of adaptive management (learning by doing) in managing such an environment. Complex systems are dynamic (ever-changing), heterogeneous (varies over space and time), with many non-linear interactions, multiple causes and outcomes and high levels of uncertainty.

He also outlined a long-term study of the woody cover of part of the Kruger Park to show how researchers get a very different “picture of life” at different scales, and discussed the implications of this for research in such a complex, dynamic system. Research on complex systems will have to move away from classic “puzzle solving” approaches and statistical analysis to embracing new ways of gathering, processing and using data.

Future challenges in systems ecology

Against the backdrop of the mission and objectives of the Kruger National Park, Dr Rina Grant of SANParks Scientific Services highlighted some of the major questions and challenges still facing ecosystems research in national parks.

She explained that soil moisture and soil nutrients are key factors determining heterogeneity and its ultimate impact on biodiversity, but that there are many more drivers of heterogeneity that we still don’t fully understand. These include understanding the role of termites, the impact of pesticides, the role of fire, invasive alien plants, impact of artificial water points and impacts of climate change.

Dr Grant emphasized that we also need more research to better understand the role of people in the system, including the needs of tourists and the socio-ecological needs of neighbouring communities.

The outcomes of the meeting were summarised by science communicator Marina Joubert of Southern Science.