Explore the foundations of freshwater ecosystem science and biodiversity conservation. This category provides essential knowledge for understanding river and wetland systems, the species that inhabit them, and the methods used to monitor and protect freshwater biodiversity across the Inkomati Basin and beyond.

Target Audience: Conservation practitioners, environmental managers, researchers, students, and government officials involved in freshwater ecosystem management.

Key Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems
  • Apply standardised methods for biodiversity data collection
  • Identify key freshwater species and interpret monitoring data
  • Navigate and utilise the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (FBIS)

Introduction to Freshwater Ecosystems

This foundational course introduces learners to the ecology of freshwater systems, including rivers, streams, wetlands, and estuaries. Participants will explore the physical, chemical, and biological components that define healthy aquatic ecosystems, with a focus on Southern African river systems and the transboundary Inkomati Basin.

What You Will Learn:

  • The hydrological cycle and its role in freshwater ecosystem dynamics
  • Physical habitat characteristics of rivers, wetlands, and estuaries
  • Ecological processes including nutrient cycling, energy flow, and food webs
  • Threats to freshwater ecosystems: pollution, flow alteration, invasive species, and climate change
  • The importance of connectivity in transboundary river systems

Duration: 4–6 hours
Prerequisites: None
Language: English (Portuguese translation available)

Biodiversity Data Collection Methods

Learn standardised protocols for collecting freshwater biodiversity data in the field. This practical course covers sampling design, field techniques, data recording, and quality assurance procedures aligned with regional and international standards used by FBIS and partner institutions.

What You Will Learn:

  • Principles of sampling design for aquatic biodiversity surveys
  • Standard operating procedures for fish, invertebrate, and vegetation sampling
  • Use of field equipment: nets, electrofishing gear, water quality meters
  • Data recording protocols and field sheet completion
  • GPS and site documentation requirements
  • Chain of custody and sample preservation techniques

Duration: 8–10 hours (includes practical exercises)
Prerequisites: Introduction to Freshwater Ecosystems (recommended)
Language: English (Portuguese translation available)

Species Identification & Monitoring

Course Description:

Develop skills in identifying key freshwater taxa found in Southern African river systems. This course focuses on fish, macroinvertebrates, and aquatic plants commonly used as biological indicators of ecosystem health, with emphasis on species found in the Inkomati Basin.

What You Will Learn:

  • Taxonomic keys and identification guides for freshwater fish of the Inkomati system
  • Macroinvertebrate identification to family level using SASS5 protocols
  • Recognition of indicator species and their environmental tolerances
  • Photographic documentation and voucher specimen preparation
  • Long-term monitoring programme design and implementation
  • Interpreting biodiversity trends and ecological status

Duration: 10–12 hours
Prerequisites: Biodiversity Data Collection Methods
Language: English (Portuguese translation available)

Using FBIS (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System)

Master the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (FBIS), the open-access platform for freshwater biodiversity data in Southern Africa. This hands-on course guides users through data discovery, contribution, and analysis using FBIS tools developed by the Freshwater Research Centre.

What You Will Learn:

  • Navigating the FBIS web interface and map viewer
  • Searching and downloading biodiversity occurrence records
  • Understanding data validation and quality flags
  • Contributing new records: data formatting and upload procedures
  • Generating species lists and occurrence reports for specific sites or regions
  • Integrating FBIS data with GIS and statistical software
  • Data licensing and citation requirements (Creative Commons)

Duration: 6–8 hours
Prerequisites: Basic computer literacy
Language: English (Portuguese translation available)
Access: https://freshwaterbiodiversity.org