Science & Research
Decisions made now need to be informed by science
- Email: [email protected]
- Office: (+27) 21 788 2724
Marine & environmental governance & policy development
International award winning sustainable architecture & planning
Scientific interface for governance & design
The work of the IPCC has shown that decisions made now should be informed by science – from design & development of new buildings or the adaption of existing infrastructure, to corporate action through to policy-making.
Science & Research Services
Lara is a 24 year old biologist, with a undergraduate and honours degree in Botany and Zoology from Stellenbosch University. She is also a PADI Divemaster.
Currently, Lara is completing her International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea). This is a joint master programme organized by ten leading European universities in the field of marine sciences. This program covers subjects to prepare the next generation of scientists to understand ecosystem functioning and the conservation of biodiversity to work in marine biological resource exploitation and management.
Lara’s specialization track within this program is Applied Marine Ecology and Conservation. For her Honours thesis, under the supervision of Prof Guy Midgley (Nobel Peace Prize Winner Climate Change), Lara conducted research on the vulnerability of the iconic African tree species, the Quiver Tree (Aloidendron dichotomum) to climate change. Species distribution modelling was the main tool used to assess the whether or not the species migration rate will be sufficient to match the rate of climate change in southern Africa.
This was done by modelling past and future migration rates. Subsequent use of Quantum-GIS allowed for a prognosis to be made regarding the vulnerability of the species. In addition, coupled with genetic variation known in the populations, effective and informed conservation decisions could then be made on the basis of this information.
Lara believes that in a rapidly changing world, the next generation of scientists needs to be integrating knowledge and resources from all sectors.
She passionately believes that cross-disciplinary, dynamic and innovative solutions are required to truly protect and conserve our ecosystems.
Download: “The Ocean as a Solution for Climate Change” (PDF) www.oceanpanel.org
Don’t hesitate to get in touch by giving us a call, or filling out the contact form below:
Climate change requires integrated innovative solutions for governance, design and the science-policy interface. Implementing the Sustainable Development Goals is an absolute imperative – it is changing the way we design and develop new initiatives – we need solutions that are designed to meet our needs without harming the planet.
We need new narratives that can guide policy which is sufficiently flexible to meet an uncertain future. We need meaningful compliance with existing and new laws.
Enviromer has been created for this purpose. Our team offers expertise in marine and environmental governance and policy, international award winning sustainable architecture and planning and a specialist scientific expertise.