Welcome to the Freshwater Ecology Laboratory
The Freshwater Ecology Laboratory, housed within the School of Biology and Environmental Science at the University of Mpumalanga, promotes the sustainable use of freshwater resources through a comprehensive understanding of aquatic biodiversity. Led by Professor Wilbert Kadye, the Laboratory contributes to addressing global environmental changes and ensuring that communities across southern Africa have access to quality freshwater and its ecosystem services.
Addressing Freshwater Challenges in Southern Africa
In southern Africa, water insecurity and the inequitable distribution of freshwater resources pose significant challenges to both communities and ecosystems. Aquatic biodiversity plays a key role in monitoring freshwater quality and supporting sustainable economic, social, and environmental development.
The Freshwater Ecology Laboratory addresses these challenges through innovative research that informs better management and conservation practices.
Our vision is a southern Africa where all people have secure access to quality freshwater and its ecosystem services. Our mission is to conduct ecological research into freshwater ecosystems and their associated flora and fauna, providing the knowledge needed to inform water and aquatic resource use strategies that promote sustainable catchment management.
Our Approach
Our approach to achieving our vision focuses on three key areas
Innovative Research
We study freshwater ecosystems to understand how they function and how aquatic biodiversity supports ecosystem health. This knowledge is essential for informing the conservation and sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Collaboration & Networking
We collaborate with researchers, institutions, and community stakeholders to tackle water and biodiversity-related challenges. These partnerships ensure that our research is effectively applied to improve freshwater management and conservation.
Advocacy & Awareness
Through active engagement with government entities, local communities, and other stakeholders, we advocate for better water management policies and raise awareness of sustainable water use while increasing access to our research.
Research Focus
Our research focuses on understanding the structure and function of freshwater ecosystems and their biodiversity.
We conduct strategic ecology and taxonomy research, essential for monitoring ecosystem health and guiding conservation efforts. Our key areas of focus include:
Our Impact
Empowering Local Governments to Improve Water Management
The Freshwater Ecology Laboratory aims to expand its initiatives to other regions, ensuring more communities benefit from sustainable water management practices tailored to local conditions and informed by the latest ecological research.
In the Eastern Cape, water scarcity and the uneven distribution of freshwater resources have long plagued communities, leading to challenges in sustaining livelihoods and preserving local biodiversity. We recognized the need to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical, on-the-ground water management solutions.
In collaboration with the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, we partnered with the Eastern Cape Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs & Tourism (DEDEAT) and worked with the Amathole Catchment Forum, a community-based stakeholder group. Together, we translated our research into accessible information to inform policy, improve management practices, and promote economic development through eco-tourism in the region. By engaging with local government officials, we ensured that scientific data on freshwater ecosystems was both understood and applied effectively to conserve biodiversity and enhance water management strategies.
Our research includes the recent identification of a new fish species, Enteromius mandelai, endemic to the Eastern Cape, as well as the discovery of allopatric lineages of endangered species like Sandelia bainsii and Amatolacypris trevelyani. Our ecological studies on the environmental needs of these species provide critical information for DEDEAT’s ongoing efforts to monitor sentinel species and protect vital freshwater habitats.
Through these collaborations, the Freshwater Ecology Laboratory supports local governments in implementing strategies that improve water access and conserve biodiversity. Grounded in local contexts, our research provides adaptable solutions for sustainable water use, catchment management, and ecosystem preservation.