NATIONAL NODE -
SOUTH AFRICA
Photo credit: HC Digital /Unsplash
Introducing ECOP South Africa
South Africa is surrounded by three “oceans” – the Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean. The coming together of the cold Benguela current and the warm Agulhas current results in a magical diversity of marine habitats and ecosystems, such as the Great African Seaforest, mangroves, subtropical coral reefs and deep sea muds. South Africa has a coastline of roughly 3,000kms, the ocean is home to more than 13,000 marine species, and the ocean supports livelihoods, cultures, identities and economies across the country, with more than 40% of the population relying on coastal areas for recreation, food, habitation and livelihoods.
Early-career ocean professionals are central to marine science and ocean decision-making in South Africa. The South Africa ECOP Node aims to be an inclusive network that brings together people that care about ocean research to achieve “the Ocean we want”. The South Africa Node recognises the lack of recognition of ECOPs from the Global South and Southern Africa, and wants to empower and highlight the work, research and aspirations of ECOPs in the country and broader region. In this regard, the Node aligns with the ECOP Programme vision of strengthening and elevating “the diverse perspectives of new generations of ocean professionals through a collective voice”.
Goals and Objectives
ECOP South Africa aims to be a network fostering cross-country collaboration for a more sustainable future. It aims to unite diverse stakeholders, specifically supporting early career ocean professionals in various fields, addressing challenges, promoting job opportunities, and facilitating knowledge transfer. The vision of the South African ECOP node includes building a community of emerging researchers, connecting them nationally and internationally, and ensuring sustainability through mentoring and training opportunities.
Specifically, we plan to organise, support and implement the following regular activities:
- Monthly Node Meetings to support networking, co-developing the Node and future activities;
- Bi-annual surveys to better understand ECOP capacity needs, interests, and wishes. These will inform the below activities;
- Training sessions on writing grant proposals, for public speaking, for transdisciplinary research and fostering scientific collaborations. We aim to organise these bimonthly;
- Topical webinars, workshops and online engagements, and if funding allows, in-person events on cross-cutting themes such as ocean literacy, DEI and gender in ECOP projects, and ocean conservation;
- Quarterly online forums to connect researchers, scientists, and policymakers to facilitate discussions and collaborations on marine research. There will also be ongoing efforts to engage with policymakers, advocating for the integration of ocean-related policies into national and regional development plans.
ECOP South Africa Coordination Unit
Contact us: southafrica@ecopdecade.org
Riesna R. Audh
Affiliation: South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON), South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI).
I specialise in polar Oceanography, sea ice biogeochemistry, ECR and stakeholder engagement. My goals include fostering the development and mentorship of ECOPs within the field. I aim to contribute towards creating opportunities for capacity building, skill development, and collaboration, ensuring that early-career voices are amplified in both national and international conversations. Contact details: rr.audh@saeon.nrf.ac.za
Brishan Kalyan
Affiliation: South African Environmental Observation Network, Institute of Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University.
I specialise in phytoplankton ecology and taxonomy, remote sensing and barcoding. My professional goals and aspirations within the UN Ocean Decade are to contribute to the use of the vast amounts of data gathered in understanding and sustainably using the ocean, reduce pollution and assist in providing measures to build a non-consumerist economy and society. ORCID: 0000-0001-8359-346X. Contact details: brishanrhk@gmail.com.
Mia Strand
Affiliation: Nippon Foundation Ocean Nexus, Institute of Coastal and Marine Research, Nelson Mandela University.
I am a postdoctoral research fellow, focusing on transdisciplinary knowledge co-production processes to centre equity in ocean governance. My aspirations within the UN Ocean Decade include contributing to the development of a regional and national ocean literacies strategy, which considers a plurality of ocean literacies and knowledge systems. It is also to further the voices of South African ECOPs in international and regional fora, such a the UN Ocean Conference and the Africa Ocean Roadmap. ORCID:0000-0002-8642-1572. Contact details: miavstrand@gmail.com.
Buhle Francis
Affiliations: Centre for Integrated Post-School Education & Training, Nelson Mandela University.
I specialise in small-scale fisheries, coastal communities, especially women and youths, sustainable livelihoods and climate change resilience through a transdisciplinary approach. My professional goals and aspirations within the UN Ocean Decade is to advance genderequality and ocean governance, with an emphasis on climate change adaptation. I support early-career professionals through recruitment and mentorship, fostering the next generation of ocean leaders. I seek to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including small-scale fisheries, coastal communities, and researchers. ORCID:0000-0003-1248-5159. Contact details: Buhle.Francis@mandela.ac.za.
Eugin Bornman
Affiliation: Estuarine and Movement Ecology Lab, University of Southern Mississippi, Marine and Antarctic Research for Innovation and Sustainability, University of Cape Town.
I specialise in Fish Movement Ecology and Estuarine Ecology. My professional goals and aspirations within the UN Ocean Decade involve contributing to designing and monitoring MPAs based on ecological connectivity data. Contribute to global initiatives targeting the restoration and resilience of estuarine habitats as critical nursery areas. Actively participate in initiatives to bridge gaps between research, policy, and action. ORCID: 0000-0003-1909-7108. Contact details: euginbornman@gmail.com.
Lizzy Makhubela
Affiliation: University of the Western Cape, Bevisioneers: Oribi.
I specialise in marine conservation, and my professional goals and aspirations within the UN Ocean Decade focus on enhancing inclusivity and connectivity within networks that support early career opportunities, advocacy, and ocean literacy. I am committed to empowering early career professionals by providing meaningful avenues for their engagement in ocean conservation efforts. Through fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, I seek to advance initiatives that promote ocean sustainability. Contact details: Lizzy.makhubela@imaginescholar.org.
Photo credit: Jean Baptiste /Unsplash
Photo credit: Dana Luig /Unsplash
ECOP South Africa Highlights
● Official Node launch event on Tuesday 27 May 2025. Register here.
● The SA Node will be seeking 3 more committee members and open applications in June.
● The SA Node will attend the One Ocean Science Congress and UNOC3 in Nice, France! Let us know if you will be there!
● From July we will launch our quarterly photograph competition (the winner will be featured on our official ECOP website!)
How to join the ECOP South Africa Node
Join the ECOP South Africa Node WhatsApp Group
Resources/Links
- African Network of Deep-Water Researchers: https://challenger150.world/african-network-of-deep-water-researchers/
- Our host, the Institute for Coastal and Marine Research: https://cmr.mandela.ac.za/
- SAEON Elwandle Coastal Node: https://smcri.saeon.ac.za/
- Ocean20, G20 South Africa: https://g20.org/track/ocean-o20/