Broad participation enhances initial steps towards a South African ecosystem observatory system (LTER)

Ecologists representing many research institutions reached broad agreement about establishing a formal long-term ecological research and monitoring pl atform for South Africa. A network of research sites (Long-term Ecological Research sites, LTERs(1)) will improve our understanding of ecosystem funct ion, our ability to diagnose chronic and detrimental ecosystem change (natu ral and anthropogenic) and strengthen our ecological early warning capabili ties. Better management of the benefits derived from ecological goods and s ervices will contribute to human welfare. An LTER network will assist decis ion-makers by providing answers to ecological issues of the day, derived fr om ecological data collated across time and space. A logical framework for identifying LTER sites and guiding principles to govern the implementation and management of an ecosystem observing system for South Africa have been drawn up.