Research project BL/37/SA10 (Research action BL)
Objective
Explore the interaction between MABs (Man and the Biosphere Reserves) and adjacent man-made environments regarding ecosystem services in pollination by non-bee pollinating insects.
R&D cooperation
MABs constitute a management proposal aiming to reconcile multiple types of land-use on an area representative of the planet's ecological and cultural diversity. Among their objectives is safeguarding ecological integrity of core areas dedicated to conservation. MABs are an integral part of a planning and development strategy contributing to the sustainable paradigm as defined in the green transition. Communities are characterized by diverse and sometimes conflicting interests. The MAB concept serves as a framework to re-coordinate these towards the enhancement of people’s livelihoods and ensuring environmental sustainability. The MAB program targets to reconcile biodiversity conservation, the quest for economic and social development and the maintenance of associated cultural values of communities.
South Africa boasts six MABs: Kogelberg, Cape-West-Coast, Kruger-to-Canyons, Waterberg, Cape-Winelands, Vhembe, interspersed in an agricultural landscape. Since MABs harbor a high biodiversity, they serve as a source of animals providing ecosystem services (ESs). ESs include benefits people receive from ecosystems that support the socio-economic requirements and human well-being. MAB programs enable reserves to help governments finding solutions to the pressing challenges. Stakeholder engagement is crucial to gain community acceptance and to provide a better management of MABs. To strengthen stakeholder’s capacities, international partnerships in research and education proved to be successful.
Organisms providing ESs – while being a significant biodiversity component of MABs - are pollinating insects. MABs may act crop pollinators’ source to adjacent agriculture, a major contribution as more than 75% of crops depend on them. The protection of high pollinator biodiversity, even in transitional zone, should be a crucial aspect of MAB programs. Given the current collapses of honeybee populations, the role of non-bee pollinators is increasing and Diptera are considered one of the most important pollinator groups. Intensified anthropogenic land use is among the main drivers of bee declines and adjacent natural environments are becoming of major importance. Given the close interaction between the MABs ‘Cape-Winelands’ and ‘Vhembe’ and surrounding intensive agricultural activities, these two are chosen as target areas.
Added value & complementarity
All partners are involved in activities related to the above issues. The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) and Kwa-Zulu Natal Museum (KZN) have expertise in studying particular Afrotropical dipteran groups and their role in pollination services, as well as the interaction between Diptera and host plants. SU is involved in entomology and conservation ecology with emphasis on knowledge transfer between research and agricultural industry. UV focuses on insect diversity and conservation in particular with regard to the Vhembe MAB. UWC has relevant experience in behavioral ecology including functional corridors.
Expected results
We will develop research proposals to investigate how Diptera may serve as indicator and ESs in two MABs in South Africa: Cape-Winelands and Vhembe and highlight the most crucial factors for study site selection in these. This will be achieved through reciprocal learning between the partners, the organization of a workshop with project partners and local stakeholders, and publication of policy briefs to increase stakeholder’s capacities and community involvement.
