The National Research Foundation of South Africa (NRF) and the Research Council of Norway (RCN) have unveiled a collaborative investment of nearly R100 million (60 million Norwegian kroner) to fund ten innovative climate research projects. This initiative, which will run from 2025 to 2028, addresses critical environmental challenges, including urban development, biodiversity conservation, marine resource management, and renewable energy planning.

Building on a 20-year history of collaboration, the new partnership will facilitate cross-border research on key issues. Projects will range from managing ecosystems in mountainous regions to developing sustainable seafood farming practices in Ålesund, Norway, and Saldanha Bay, South Africa. Other research will focus on addressing global value chains in wine exports and mitigating the growing threat of forest fires.

Dr Fulufhelo Nelwamondo, CEO of the NRF, emphasized the significance of the expanded collaboration, noting that it allows for larger research consortia and strengthens cross-border scientific efforts. “This program enhances our ability to tackle shared sustainability challenges and ensures that the outcomes will be utilized by policymakers, public institutions, and private sectors in both nations,” Nelwamondo said.

Norway’s Minister of International Development, Anne Beathe Kristiansen Tvinnereim, commended the long-standing partnership, praising its contributions to environmental research. “South Africa and Norway have cooperated extensively on nature, oceans, and environmental research. I look forward to the breakthroughs this collaboration will deliver,” she stated.

Each of the ten projects will be co-led by a South African and a Norwegian researcher, ensuring a balanced exchange of expertise. The NRF and RCN will oversee the implementation of these projects, focusing on producing research that benefits both nations and contributes to global climate solutions.

 

Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku

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https://www.nrf.ac.za/norway-and-south-africa-collaborate-on-10-groundbreaking-climate-projects/