Integrating Tradition and Science in Coastal Protection
South Africa's coastal ecosystems face mounting pressures from climate change, habitat degradation, and unsustainable resource use. In response, the National Research Foundation's South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) has placed Indigenous Knowledge Systems at the centre of its marine conservation strategy through the Indigenous Marine Innovations for Sustainable Environments and Economies (IMIsEE) project. This initiative demonstrates how centuries-old community practices can complement rigorous scientific methods to restore habitats and support biodiversity.
The Role of NRF-SAIAB in Aquatic Research
Established as a national facility under the NRF, SAIAB in Makhanda serves as a hub for aquatic biodiversity studies across southern Africa. Researchers there examine everything from fish populations to estuarine dynamics, often collaborating with universities and government departments. The institute's work aligns with national priorities outlined by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), emphasising transdisciplinary approaches that respect local contexts.
Launch and Objectives of the IMIsEE Project
The IMIsEE project emerged from partnerships between SAIAB scientists and coastal communities in the Eastern Cape, particularly around Hamburg. Led by Prof. Francesca Porri, the effort draws on traditional weaving techniques and knowledge of the Imizi plant to construct living barriers that stabilise shorelines. These structures not only prevent erosion but also create habitats for marine species, blending ecological engineering with cultural heritage.
Showcase at the DSTI Indigenous Knowledge Summit
In early June 2026, NRF-SAIAB presented IMIsEE at the inaugural DSTI Indigenous Knowledge-Based Technology Innovation Investment Summit held in Boksburg. The display highlighted practical outcomes, including restored coastal zones and emerging sustainable livelihoods for local fishers and crafters. Attendees saw how Indigenous knowledge holders contribute directly to project design, ensuring solutions remain culturally appropriate and effective over time.
Community Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
Central to IMIsEE is genuine partnership with Indigenous knowledge holders. Elders and weavers from Hamburg share insights on seasonal patterns, plant properties, and sustainable harvesting that inform scientific monitoring. Two PhD candidates are currently advancing related research, bridging ecological data with traditional observations to refine restoration techniques.
Ecological and Economic Benefits
Early results indicate improved sediment retention and increased biodiversity in treated areas. The approach also opens pathways for eco-tourism and value-added products from restored sites, supporting the blue economy goals of the Eastern Cape. By valuing Indigenous contributions, the project fosters economic inclusion while advancing conservation targets aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Challenges in Merging Knowledge Systems
Integrating distinct epistemologies requires careful navigation of intellectual property concerns and differing validation methods. SAIAB addresses these through formal agreements that recognise community ownership of traditional knowledge while enabling open scientific publication. Capacity-building workshops help both researchers and community members communicate effectively across cultural and disciplinary boundaries.
Broader Implications for South African Higher Education
The IMIsEE model offers a template for universities and research institutes seeking to decolonise curricula and research agendas. Institutions such as Rhodes University, with historical ties to SAIAB, can incorporate similar community-engaged modules into marine science programmes. This strengthens graduate employability in government, NGOs, and the private sector while honouring constitutional commitments to Indigenous rights.
Future Directions and Scaling Potential
Plans are underway to expand IMIsEE to additional coastal sites and explore applications in other provinces. Continued DSTI and NRF funding will support longitudinal monitoring to quantify long-term ecological gains. International interest from bodies focused on ocean governance suggests the project could inform global best practices for knowledge co-production.
Policy Recommendations and Stakeholder Perspectives
Experts advocate embedding Indigenous knowledge requirements into marine spatial planning frameworks administered by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. Community representatives emphasise the need for equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms. University administrators note that such projects enhance institutional reputation and attract diverse student cohorts interested in applied, culturally grounded research.
Photo by The New York Public Library on Unsplash
Conclusion: A Model for Inclusive Conservation
The NRF-SAIAB showcase at the 2026 summit underscores the power of respectful collaboration between Indigenous knowledge systems and modern science. As South Africa advances its marine conservation agenda, initiatives like IMIsEE provide actionable pathways that deliver ecological, cultural, and economic returns. Readers interested in related opportunities can explore positions in research and higher education through dedicated platforms.
