Predictions of the effects of climate change on natural ecosystems in South Africa, over the medium to long term, have included reduced spatial extent of the Grassland biome (Ellery et al. 1991) and an increase in the extent of the Desert biome (Macdonald & Midgley 1996). This graphic shows how the Grassland Biome is expected to shrink as surrounding biomes expand their ranges. It also shows how increasingly arid conditions in the Northern Cape r...

The Fynbos ecoregion of South Africa stretches out in a coastal belt on the Western cape. This region is characterisied by heath- and shrubland and a mediterranean climate. Many of the plants inhabitating this ecoregion are evergreen with needle-life leafs.

For SEI

South Africa is located in Southern Africa, at the southern tip of the continent of Africa, comprising of 1,219,912 sq km. It has a population of 44,344,136 (July 2005). Major environmental concerns are: lack of important arterial rivers or lakes requires extensive water conservation and control measures; growth in water usage outpacing supply; pollution of rivers from agricultural runoff and urban discharge; air pollution resulting in acid rain;...

Data and maps on poverty, sanitation, safe and clean water and the incidence of cholera were used to help contain the spread of cholera in the Kwazulu Natal province in January 2001. Poverty and cholera data sets showed that the cholera outbreak followed a river flood plain and moved through and towards poor areas.

Western Cape + Flower valley locator