Citizen Scientists at Tara Rokpa Centre

Biosphere reserves are designated areas that aim to conserve and manage ecosystems, promote sustainable development, and support research and education. They are recognized by UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program, which was established in 1971.

The Marico Biosphere Reserve was designated by UNESCO in July 2018 at the 30th International Man and the Biosphere Conference in Indonesia. Tara Rokpa Centre falls within the Marico Biosphere reserve.

Biosphere reserves aim to promote a balanced relationship between humans and the environment, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of ecosystems and communities. To achieve this, one of the activities of the stakeholders of such reserves is to involve and educate the local communities and public about conservation, sustainability and environmental management.

In June of this year, the Marico Biosphere Reserve, in collaboration with a dedicated team of 14 Citizen Scientists, undertook a significant river monitoring project in Draaifontein, partly on Tara Rokpa land. The group was hosted at TRC for the day.

The group was divided into three teams, each tasked with monitoring two sections of three different streams at designated points. This important initiative aimed to gather vital data on the health of these water bodies.

The day started with a briefing session where the purpose of the day’s activities and individual responsibilities were clearly outlined to all participants.

The teams then set off to their respective streams to conduct the first round of readings. Utilizing the “Be Resilient” app, each group meticulously recorded their findings. The app facilitated real-time data collection and ensured that all observations were accurately logged.

Post-lunch, the groups rotated to different streams for the second round of monitoring. This rotation ensured that each team had the opportunity to collect data from two different streams, providing a comprehensive overview of the river conditions.

The three streams were studied using measurements of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, salinity, velocity planks, clarity tubes, coliform tests, and Mini-SASS scoring sheets.

Two of the monitoring points were found to be in a natural condition, where the water is suitable for both irrigation and human consumption. The third stream was found to be in a modified state due to cattle grazing and human activity, rendering its water unsuitable for human consumption.

The group found that the presence of alien invasive trees, such as poplars, around the streams, had a significant impact on water availability. These trees absorb substantial amounts of water during the day, which was evident from the lower total discharge readings at midday compared to the morning.

This feedback highlights the need for continued monitoring and management to preserve the natural state of our water resources and address the impacts of human activities and invasive species.

The efforts of the Marico Biosphere Reserve Citizen Scientists resulted in a successful day of data collection and environmental monitoring. The gathered data will play a crucial role in assessing and improving the health of the local aquatic systems.