Description:
Insight in the diversity and distribution of the Fynbos ecosystems in South Africa, with emphasis on the geographic distribution, ecological position and sustainable harvesting of Wild Rooibos.
Research objectives:
To enlarge the insight in the diversity and distribution of the Fynbos ecosystems in South Africa, the information system 'SynBioSys Rooibos' will be developed. The emphasis will be on the geographic distribution, ecological position and sustainable harvesting of Wild Rooibos. Wild rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), an ericoid shrub of the Fabaceae family which is restricted to the Fynbos ecosystems in the western mountain ridges of the Cape Floristic Region, is well known as a source for south-african herbal tea. Initiated by the Dutch embassy in Pretoria the multidisciplinary project is focussing on the sustainable harvesting and production of Wild Rooibos in relation to the conservation of the Fynbos ecosystems. Apart from the information system, the project also wants to enhance the knowledge on the ecology of Aspalathus linearis.
To develop the system all available data on the ecology, geography and sustainable use of Wild Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) will be collated at three different levels: species, vegetation, landscape. The activities within the project include the organisation of workshops, meetings with stakeholders and partners, carrying out of field work,excursions, and ecological experiments, and software development and testing.
Results and products:
The project aims in the first place at knowledge development. It will resulta in a series of papers and (its main goal) the development of the information system SynBioSys Rooibos. On the base of annual reports, a comprehensive report will be compiled in 2010 including policy advise and suggestions for the housing and maintenance of the information system. Furthermore, in 2010, a symposium will be organised to present the final results of the project and to discuss them with researchers, policy makers, and other stakeholders. |
