DAAD Higher Education Cooperation Program “Welcome to Africa

DAAD “Welcome to Africa“ 2012–2015 Project proposal AllWet-RES (TUM-HUB-UKZN-UFS-ARC)

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DAAD Higher Education Cooperation Program “Welcome to Africa”

Project proposal

Alliance for Wetlands – Research and Restoration (AllWet RES)

J. KOLLMANN1, J. ZEITZ

2 & J. SLIVA

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1Chair of Restoration Ecology, Center of Life and Food Sciences Weihenstephan

Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Str. 6, 1958 Freising, Germany phone +49-8161-71-3498, email [email protected]

2Humboldt-Universitaet zu Berlin, Faculty of Agriculture und Horticulture, Unit (Fachgebiet) Soil & Habitat Sciences (Bodenkunde und Standortlehre),

Unten den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany, phone +49-30-2093 46486, email [email protected]

Detailed description of the project The importance of ecosystem services provided by wetlands and especially peatlands for human society is generally acknowledged but in many cases not well understood and inefficiently applied. Healthy wetlands provide a multitude of benefits such as provision of water, harvestable resources and cultivated foods for human use, they are areas of significant cultural heritage, and they may play a substantial role in tourism, recreation and research. The key role they fulfill in flood attenuation and erosion control, sediment trapping, nutrient and toxicant assimilation as well as for carbon storage is well acknowledged. The latter function of wetlands was high on the agenda at the UNFCCC CoP17 in Durban, South Africa1. Furthermore, other services and functions of wetlands play an essential role in Sub-Saharan landscapes prone to a progressing desertification and water scarcity. Nevertheless, many African wetlands are still and increasingly being over-exploited, damaged and degraded because of lack of awareness and knowledge deficits, especially among local communities. As a result, wetlands are increasingly losing their functions and cannot any longer provide the ecosystem services listed above2. However, the still existing carbon storage can be protected, and the multitude of ecosystem functions of peatlands can be re-vitalized with an (re-)introduction of environmentally-compatible and “low-emission” land use practices. Hence, the improvement of restoration methods and wise use practices on one hand, and awareness raising and capacity building on the other, are indispensable in order to improve the actual situation. Why should a consortium of German and South African universities focus on this topic within the scope of the DAAD project? Two decades ago there was no knowledge about the occurrence and

1 Worldwide, the carbon storage in peatlands is assessed up to 550 GT, which equals 75% of the total atmospheric carbon or 200% of the total carbon stored in forests and forest soils (Joosten & Clarke 2002). 2 After drainage peatlands change from C-sinks to significant sources of CO2 and other greenhouse gasses (GHG). For example, in Germany the emission of GHG from degraded peatlands ranges between 30 and 40 Mt CO2-equivalents (Höper 2007, Freibauer et al. 2009).


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quality of peatlands in South Africa at all. The first research work of Grundling (1996, 1998, 2005) as well of Sliva (2004) revealed that the country possesses likely more than 10.000 ha peatlands, among them some very old and deep (>15 m and 40.000 years, respectively). About 60% of all peatland sites are located in the eastern part of the country in Maputaland Coastal Plain that astratches along the Indian Ocean from St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal in the south up to Maputo in Mosambique in the north. Although in South African territory the majority of valuable peatlands lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and in theory, there are sufficient protection strategies. In practice there are still substantial problems, especially regarding the (illegal) land use practices performed by the local population (Bronwyn James, personal communication 18.11.2011). The peatlands of KwaZulu-Natal (reeds, swamps and unique swamp forests) are increasingly endangered and damaged by drainage, tree cutting and consecutive burning in order to produce agricultural products (mainly bananas, manioc, yam) for self-subsistence and markets. The peat on such heavily degraded sites is mineralized and the dry peatlands are often affected by extended fires. Moreover, the research of Grobler (2009) shows substantial decrease of natural biodiversity on anthropogenic altered peatland sites. Based on these considerations, the Chair of Restoration Ecology of the Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) together with the Research Unit Soil and Habitat Sciences of the Humboldt Universitaet Berlin (HUB), and in close cooperation with the School of Development Studies UKZN and the Centre of Environmental Management UFS, have prepared the project proposal AllWet RES (Alliance for Wetlands – Research and Restoration). Besides the planned research, the project package aims at further development and strengthening of the academic cooperation between TUM, HUB and the above named South African universities, as well as on the supporting of the bilateral mobility of students and researchers. All sections of the proposed DAAD interdisciplinary cooperative research project should improve the basic and applied knowledge about the possibilities and limitations of the restoration of degraded wetlands and peatlands, thus, contributing to the better understanding of their ecosystem function and role to the society in South Africa. The close cooperation between two German universities of excellence and two South African universities, which cover together the research fields of (i) geography, (ii) land use, (iii) soil sciences, (iv) vegetation and restoration ecology, and (v) social sciences, is an excellent pre-requisite and opportunity to carry out a coherent interdisciplinary research project on a broad ecosystem approach basis. Such ecosystem approach is permanently requested among experts but rarely implemented in practice. In the close integration of research and academic education the group of German and South African experts shall substantially improve the knowledge on the wise use of southern African peatlands in consideration of their land use aspects, particular soil properties as well as ecosystem functions and services. Based on the research results and findings practice-relevant recommendations for the suitable land use practices as well for suitable restoration and conservation methods shall be drafted and disseminated among relevant stakeholders. Research objectives As mentioned above, the current knowledge about the ecology of South African peatlands, about their overall functions or their potential ecosystem services for the humankind is rather limited. The proposed DAAD project shall provide a contribution to fill this gap. Using selected testing areas within Maputaland Coastal Plain suitable and efficient methods for the mapping and evaluation of peatlands shall be elaborated. The work shall focus on the evaluation of the relations between land use, vegetation and soil degradation, restoration potential of soils and biota and related ecosystem services. The proposed consortium of experts possesses the necessary expertise to perform this ecosystem study.


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Regarding soil sciences and applied conservation of peatlands (as covered by HUB) the main objective of the project is the development of a peat soil evaluation system with direct linkage to appropriate restoration methods and measures. Regarding aspects of restoration and vegetation ecology (as covered by TUM) the main objective is the assessment of the biological, ecological and social limits and conditions for a sustainable peatland restoration in the particular geographical and socio-economic conditions of eastern South Africa. Partial research objectives will be elaborated in a close cooperation with South African partner universities and institutes. All field studies will be coordinated with, and performed in a close cooperation with the South African partners. The majority of laboratory works (e.g. soil analyses) will be carried out in premises of the HUB. The planned research work shall be performed by PhD students, who will be supported by Master students and Interns. In order to bring also South African PhD students on board of the AllWet RES project the HUB and TUM foresee to prepare and to submit an application for two “sandwich-symposiums” for two South African PhDs by 15 October 2012. In case of a successful approval of the project proposal the applicant and the partners at Humboldt Universitaet Berlin plan to apply for an additional financial support for talented South African Master students in order to allow them to work on their theses within the scope of the AllWet project. Possible research themes for PhD and MSc students are listed below. It is our intention to present the aims and results of the DAAD AllWet RES projects at national symposia in South Africa as well as at international conferences. The outline, progress and results of AllWet-RES will be presented on a specific site within the homepages of the Chair of Restoration Ecology TUM and HUB. Education objectives The project has three mean education objectives

Involvement in an interdisciplinary ecosystem research and learning of respective methods

Improvement of abilities to perform research in difficult conditions and in team work

Improvement of intercultural and social understanding PhD students and Master students will work under an intense supervision of researchers from all partner universities and institutes. All partial research studies will be carefully coordinated and harmonized so that they all will efficiently contribute (in respect of both, the content and the time plan) to the achievement of the above formulated objectives. The close cooperation of students and researchers from different countries and representing various research areas will substantially contribute to their better understanding of different cultural and social conditions in Europe and in Africa. These aspects play an important role also when preparing and conduction the summer schools and excursions for students. AllWet RES Project Consortium The AllWet RES project will be implemented in a close cooperation and partnership of TUM (Chair of Restoration Ecology) and HUB (Research Unit Soil and Habitat Sciences) with two renowned South African universities (project beneficiaries) and well as with one South African research institute (associated partner, only own contributions, no profit from DAAD support): 1) University of KwaZulu-Natal

School of Development Studies


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Durban, 4041 www.sds.ukzn.ac.za

2) University of the Free State Centre of Environmental Management

Bloemfontain, 9300 http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=106 3) Agricultural Research Council - Institute for Soil, Climate and Water

(http://www.arc.agric.za/) The Letters of Intent of these partners are annexed to the application. In agreement with all project partners the Chair of Restoration Ecology will lead the project (‘Konsortialführung’) and thus it is submitting this project proposal as applicant. There is already an existing and functional contact and networking among all partners. Researchers of all institutes work together in the International Mire Conservation Group, a professional international network aiming in the conservation and wise use of mires and peatlands worldwide. These already existing contacts guarantee an immediate start of the project without personal or conception misunderstandings. AllWet RES proposal in relation to the 2nd call of the ACP S&T program 2012 In the fourth quarter of 2012 the European Commission foresees the publication of the 2nd call of the EU Program ACP Science & Technology. Provided that the call will come into force before the end of 2012, the financial support of approved project proposals will start likely by the end of 2013. Within the scope of this call the project partners intend to apply for the financing of an international project Alliance for African Wetlands – Increasing capacity and learning networks for ecologically and socio-economically sustainable wetland management. In the course of the preparation of the ACP S&T project proposal an efficient network with above listed other complementary partners from South Africa, Mozambique and Swaziland has been established and a first preparatory workshop was held in Pretoria (South Africa) in November 2011 and in Freising (Germany) in December 2011 (supported by DAAD, ID 54494104). The proposed DAAD AllWet RES project has been designed as a completely self-containing research and education package. However, in case of the publication of the call for ACP S&T projects and when preparing the respective application, the reference to the DAAD research and education initiative will substantially enhance the chance regarding the Commission’s positive evaluation and approval. The ACP S&T application can refer to, and base on the finding, results and experience gained by the AllWet RES project.

It is necessary to clarify two important points: (i) the DAAD-financed project AllWet RES would not overlap with the objectives and working plan of the intended ACP S&T project of the European Union, and (ii) there is no risk of double financing. In fact, both projects would represent ideal complementary parts with enormous synergy effects based on the following arguments:

In spite of the fact that ACP S&T is a so-called “Higher Education” program, it regrettably allows not any baseline academic research (ACP S&T application guidelines).

Here the DAAD program “Welcome to Africa” offers a good opportunity to fill a gap.

In the case of our successful ACR S&T application, the ACP project can efficiently use all results provided by the DAAD project.

If the ACP S&T application successfully approved, it would start only by the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014, i.e. in time when the AllWet-RES project of DAAD will be in its last year.

http://www.sds.ukzn.ac.za/

http://natagri.ufs.ac.za/content.aspx?DCode=106

http://www.arc.agric.za/


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Project structure and working plan MSc studies, PhD research and student training will focus mainly on particular questions in population biology, vegetation dynamics and socio-economy of wetland restoration, including wise use of these ecosystems. The summer schools and the excursion in South Africa will introduce the students to urgent African issues of environmental protection, resource management and sustainability; they shall also help the students in formulating their research hypotheses and topics. The summer school in Germany (Berlin/Munich) will allow to present and discuss the project issues in European context and to show examples of successful projects and applied methods. In detail, the project personnel and the project package shall be structured as follows: Project task force (‘Kernprojektgruppe) The project task force consists of the heads of both German research groups (Prof. J. Kollmann, TUM, and Prof. J. Zeitz, HUB), the project coordinator (‘Teilfinanzierung DAAD’), project assistant (‘Teilfinanzierung DAAD’), research representatives delegated by partner universities and institutes (UFS, UKZN, ARC; own financing/nicht belegbare Kosten) and PhD students (‘Teilfinanzierung DAAD’). The project coordinator is appointed by TUM, as this university is the project applicant and in case of approval it will take over the responsibility of the overall project management (‘Konsortialführung’). The project assistant is appointed by HUB. The main project office will be settled in Freising (Germany). The Chair of Restoration Ecology TUM will provide a suitable project office within its premises (own contribution, i.e. ‘nicht belegbare Kosten’) that can be used by the coordinator and the MSc and PhD students cooperating in the project. The HUB will provide suitable working conditions for the project assistant and its students that will work in the project. Personnel for project administration (‘Verwaltunsangestellten’) will be provided by all project participants as own contribution (‘nicht belegbare Kosten’). The German part of the task force will meet on regular basis. It will also organize regular meetings (round tables, brainstormings) in order to assess the project progress, achievements, failures and solutions. Depending on the agenda of these meetings, also MSc students will participate. The whole task force (German and African partners) will organize also virtual meetings on regular basis (Skype conferences) to assure regular exchange of information. The project coordinator shall start his work on 1 August 2012. He/she shall settle the organizational, administrative and structural basis for the implementation of the project in Afrika and Germany. Achieving this step, all project activities shall start beginning from 1 October 2012. Study and research visits / preparation of MSc theses 9 German (HUB, TUM) graduate students – preparation of MSc thesis in S.A. in cooperation with the partner universities The professional interdisciplinary guidance of Master students during their preparation of MSC theses within the scope of the project belong to the core AllWet RES activities. There are still substantial deficits in the real interdisciplinary research in the environmental sciences and thus, an active cooperation of MSc students is of utmost importance. The work in the international team will


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force their intercultural and social competencies and improve the ability of an efficient team working. The preliminary research topics within the scope of MSc theses are as follows:

a) Technische Universitaet Muenchen - The study of invasive alien species in degraded wetlands, including their effects on

biodiversity, the environment and ecosystem management. - Reproduction, dispersal, germination and establishment of indigenous plant species suitable

for restoration of degraded wetland sites. - Assessing the success of restoration measures in terms of the improvement of biodiversity. - Feasibility and sustainability of wetland restoration methods in inter-dune environments. - Social network forums as a tool for understanding, accepting and supporting restoration

measures. - Capacity building and education: Which tools are suitable to achieve wetland restoration and

sustainable use by local communities? b) Humboldt Universitaet Berlin - Current knowledge about soil properties of organic soils in the test region (incl. methods of

investigation and mapping) - Influence of land use on soil properties of peat soils (comparison of two test areas) - Influence of different level of ground water on saturated hydraulic conductivity of peat soils

(comparison of areas within a hydrologic gradient) - Water balance of drained and rewetted peatlands (incl. test of hydrological models) - Carbon storage of different types of peat substrates - Importance of peatlands for carbon storage in dependence on geographical situation and

land use (incl. use of different kind of available maps). 2 German (HUB, TUM) postgraduate students – preparation of PhD thesis in S.A. in cooperation with the partner university Preliminary research topics within the scope of PhD theses:

a) Technische Universitaet Muenchen: - Effect on large-scale plantations of alien cellulose crops (Eucalyptus, Pinus) on soil

development and ground water, and restoration potential of degraded wetlands. - Development of remote-sensing-based methods for mapping and evaluating of wetlands in

remote areas (border between S.A. and Mozambique). - Socio-economic studies on the suitability of social-learning platforms for improving the

acceptance of restoration measures. - Effect of large-scale plantations on the local community structure and the impact thereof on

traditional environmental and conservation values.

b) Humboldt Universitaet Muenchen - Development of soil functions for soils in peatlands concerning to their water and carbon

storage capacity - Development of an evaluation method for vulnerability of peat soils caused by drainage and

climate change.


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2 South African researchers – research stage in Germany at the TUM and HUB Intentionally, the visits of South African experts to Germany is planned for the last year (2015), as their research topics shall be specific and the suitable persons selected only after the implementation phase 2012–2014. The research studies will focus on those general themes of peatland evaluation and restoration where expertise is particularly strong at the participating institutes. Preferably, the time plan of the stay of guest researchers shall allow their participation in the Annual meetings of the German Peatland Society (DGMT) and the German Soil Science Society (DBG). It is expected that in the second half of their stay, the researchers will prepare present own presentations for students and researchers on TUM and HUB.

Excursions, summer schools, internships 1 Excursion of nine students and one researcher (TUM/HUB) to South Africa (10 persons in 2012 for 14 days) The excursion will be designed for a selected group of students interested in the performing their MSc project in South Africa in cooperation with the partner universities. The aim of the excursion is to meet with the academic community of the partner universities (researchers, students) to exchange experiences, and to introduce the main research topics and problems directly in the field. The excursion should be used for the strengthening of direct personal contacts among students and researchers and for identifying the most promising topics of potential research. To reach this aim it is important that a good number of S.A. students can participate in the field excursions and group discussions as well. Here, TUM and HUB will seek for the necessary co-funding. 2 Summer Schools of students and researchers in South Africa and Germany (2 summer schools 10 persons in 2013 and 2015 for 14 days) The education method “summer school” is very suitable for efficient transfer of knowledge in a group and for exercising of professional dialogues and discussions. International summers schools are able to enhance team spirit and common responsibility among students, and improve their social intercultural understanding and abilities. In South Africa (1st summer school), one of the following themes for the summer school will be implemented:

- “African Ways in Nature Conservation and Restoration” – Understanding of African particularities in working with local communities; substantial differences to European approaches in environmental planning and protection.

- “Understanding Wetlands” – Development of suitable tools for better understanding of wetlands by local communities (including educational material for schools, establishment of nature trails, popular leaflets and tourist brochures).

In Germany (2nd summer school), complementary topics will be prepared and implemented, but from a European point of view. A part of the summer schools will be always the visit of relevant institutes and authorities (such as ‘Landesamt für Umweltschutz’ in Bayern und Brandenburg, or iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority in St Lucia in South Africa) and, if possible, also informal meeting with stakeholders (NGOs, farmers) in order to discuss the actual land use conflicts or other relevant problems.


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4 German (TUM/HUB) graduate students – Internships (interships in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015; 3 months each at the partner university and collaborating in the above listed research, especially in relevant topics)

- Preparation of social learning forums, gathering and evaluation of data. - Collaboration in the ground verification of remote sensing data for wetland inventory and

assessment. - Collaboration in the field studies on the population biology of native species and alien

invasive species. The main supervision of the above listed MSc and PhD works and the internships shall be provided by TUM and HUB. However, within the scope of the close cooperation there is always one researcher from the partner university (UFS, UKZN) foreseen as a co-supervisor for each German MSc and PhD student working in S.A. Short stays Participation in conferences It is very important to present the aims and results of the DAAD-funded project at national and international conferences. At the moment, the partner universities have not developed specific conference plans. However, there is an annual national wetland conference in South Africa – the “National Wetland Indaba”, on which also experts from neighboring countries regularly participate and which is an excellent platform for the dissemination of the project ideas and results. Hence, the annual participation between 2013 and 2015 of two German (TUM/HUB) researchers is planned within the scope of the project. Personnel In order to assure a smooth and efficient implementation of the complex project that is consisting of many “puzzle pieces” of individual researches and studies, and to guarantee the high-quality results and deliverables, a project coordinator has to be appointed at TUM (experienced researcher and project manager, salary group 13/5, 50%, ‘Teilfinanzierung DAAD’), who shall control and manage the technical, financial and administrative implementation of AllWet RES, prepare all relevant logistics for the cooperation and exchange of students and researchers, and coordinate the preparation of joint publications and other scientific papers. The project coordinator shall also function as anchorman for all relevant persons from all five institutions (four universities and one research institute) involved and the DAAD. The partner university HUB will appoint a project assistant, a part-time researcher (‘Teilfinanzierung DAAD’) who will be the main corresponding partner of the coordinator, will support his work on day-by-day basis and who will assure the close scientific and administrative cooperation between both universities. If applicable, this position can be used also for gaining a PhD academic grade within the scope of the project. The necessity of the project coordinator and project assistant to travel to and in South Africa (for on-site project management, expanding of network cooperation, strengthening of university cooperation) is adequately reflected in the financial plan. Hence, relevant short-term journeys between 2012 and 2015 are planned. Experience has shown that field studies of European students without daily support of local technicians who are familiar with the local particularities, customs and languages (in this case: Zulu) regularly fail. Thus, a close cooperation of German graduates and postgraduates with South African


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technicians is absolutely necessary. Therefore, the project foresees the appointment of two technicians (at UKZN and UFS, respectively) for the period of 2.5 years (starting on 01.10.2012), on the part-time-basis 3.5 days/week. The remuneration of 600 €/months complies with the actual payments provided by the universities. Per technician there are 30, 120, 120 and 30 field days calculated for the years 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, and the corresponding daily allowance and mobility costs are budgeted in the financial plan. Communication and dissemination of results The communication and dissemination of project achievements is considered as an essential part of the project. All materials will be prepared in English and German, and if appropriate, also in Zulu. The task force will decide on the suitable dissemination material and strategies. Possible options are: educational material for students, scientific articles for research community and popular articles for a broad public, brochures, leaflet or Internet presence and publications. The participation in conferences has been already mentioned above. Material expenses (‘Sachmittel’) In order to be able to run the project package for the entire time of three years and to receive all research results in expected quality, the following equipment and consumables in South Africa are necessary. In order to gain long-time series the field equipment will be continuously used by the research staff and students of South African partner universities as well by project field technicians also in the time when no German participants will perform field research. One field car (4x4 double cab, diesel) – used vehicle (cost 12.000 €)3

- The project foresees lots of cooperative field works in rural and remote areas in South Africa during all four years 2012–2015. The purchase of one second-hand field car for the project purposes is substantially cheaper and thus more cost-effective than renting or leasing.

Three laptops with necessary software and hardware (total costs 3.300 €) - The daily use of laptops, especially in the field is necessary. As reported by the partner

universities, at the moment there are no spare laptops available that can be used for the purpose of the project.

Two GPS handheld devices and one field tablet handheld GPS/GIS (total cost 4.200 €) - GPS handhelds and GPS-supported handheld tablet are a prerequisite for the efficient

gathering of field data, mapping and inventories. Peat corer with 10 m extensions (cost 1.500 €)

- The knowledge about the peatland depth and stratigraphy is necessary for the assessment on the hydrological features, restoration potential and the carbon storage. One set must be permanently available for field work in South Africa

Soil sampling set with 100 soil sample rings (cost 1.000 €) - Undisturbed soil samples are necessary for calculation of the peat bulk density and the CO2

storage. Field conductivity-meter and pH-meter (cost 1.000 €)

3 The application foresees the purchase of one used field vehicle; it also calculates financial support of rent cars, as allowed by DAAD program regulations. Rent cars will be used only for long-distance travel on paved roads between cities (Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontain, Durban, Manguzi etc.) whereas the field 4x4 vehicle is solely foreseen for the off-road work in project field sites. The use of this vehicle on paved roads is inefficient (very slow and high fuel consumption).


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- The long-term series of conductivity and pH measurements allow the allocation of the peatland to hydro-ecological peatland types and the assessment of restoration or land use options

Remote sensing data, purchase of data (total cost 6.000 €) - The studies on mapping and evaluation of degraded wetlands in remote areas require

adequate remote sensing data (satellite images, aerial photographs) that have to be purchased. Similarly, access to, and the use of national and international data sets and databases is liable to pay costs and thus, the necessary budget is foreseen in the finance plan.

Literature - To be able to get access to relevant literature (books, journals etc.) and to cover some

publication fees 2.000 € are budgeted for the total time of the project. Small field equipment and consumables

- There is requirement for the small equipment for the field work of graduates and postgraduates, as well for the preparation of the excursion and the summer school. Hence, the total budget of 3.700 € is foreseen for this purpose for the entire time of the project.

Offices consumables and supplies - There will be office supplies used at the partner universities in connection with the work and

stay of German students and researchers in South Africa (office material, postage, copy costs etc.). Hence, a budget of 1.200 € for both universities and the entire time of the project is foreseen in the finance plan.

Non-provable income Non-provable income of German partners (TUM, HUB) (nicht belegbare Einnahmen der deutschen Institution, geschätzt) The project foresees the total non-provable income (in-kind contribution) of the TUM and HUB of approximately 40.300 €. This amount consists of: TUM

The provision of the office rooms and infrastructure TUM for the project coordinator, PhD, MSc and S.A. researchers;

2.400 €

Financial support for the participants of the excursion in S.A., 250 € p.P 2.250 €

Financial support for the participant of the summer school in S.A., 250 € p.P 2.250 €

Personnel in-kind cost: Secretariat of the research groups, administration of the project; partial costs 2012–2015; 32 months à 200 €

6.400 €

Personnel in-kind cost: Head of the reserach groups, supervision of the project, research quality, coordination of joint publications; partial cost 2012–2015: 32 months à 300 €

9.600 €

Personnel in-kind cost: Technician TUM for S.A. researchers 6 months, part time à 650 €

3.900 €

Sum 26.800 €

HUB

In-kind in total (rooms, facilities, services, personnel) 13.500 €


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Non-provable income of the foreign partners (nicht belegbare Einnahmen der ausländischen Institutionen, geschätzt) The project foresees the total non-provable income (in-kind contribution) of the partner institutions of approximately 12.000 € as follows:

a) Provision of guest rooms for German (TUM) students and researchers 2 universities, 2 x 32 months 4.320 €

b) Personnel in-kind cost Secretariat of the Chair, administration of the project; partial costs 2012–2015 2 universities, 2 x 32 months à 40,00 € 2.560 € Head of the Units, supervision of the whole project (advisory function; Coordination of joint publications), partial cost 2012–2015: 2 universities 32 months à 80,00 € 5.120 €

Neither the Chair of Restoration Ecology TUM or the HUB, nor the School of Development Studies UKZN and the Centre of Environmental Management UFS does dispose over own dormitories and thus they cannot provide a free accommodation. However, the project partners will endeavor to find a suitable and affordable accommodation for the project students and researchers during their stay in the respective partner country. Note As confirmed by the DAAD (email by Ms Ramershoven, 23.11.2011) the provision of a proof of partner universities that they would alternately recognize the student’s performance and a confirmation of a waiver of the tuition fees is not necessary, as the German (TUM) students will be enrolled at the home university during their entire stay at the partner university in South Africa.

References:

Freibauer, Annette; Drösler, Matthias; Gensior, Andreas; Schulze, Ernst-Detlef (2009): Das Potenzial von Wäldern und Mooren für den Klimaschutz in Deutschland und auf globaler Ebene. Natur und Landschaft, Band 84, Heft 1, Seiten 20-25,

Grobler, Retief (2009): A phytosociological study of peat swamp forests in the Kosi Bay lake system, Maputaland, South Africa. Masterthesis; Department of Plant Science Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences University of Pretoria, Pretoria

Grundling P-L. (1996): Sustainable Utilisation of Peat in Maputaland, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In Lüttig, G.W.(Ed.) Abstracts of the 10th International Peat Society Congress. May 1996, Bremen. 1.6.

Grundling, P-L, Mazus, H., Baartmann, L. 1998. Peat Resources in northern Kwa-Zulu Natal wetlands: Maputaland. Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Report no. A25/13/2/7, Pretoria.

Grundling, P-L. & Grobler, R. 2005. Peatlands and mires of South Africa. In: Steiner, G.M. (ed.) Mires from Siberia to Tierra Del Fuego. Stapfia 85, Landesmuseen Neue Serie 35, pp. 379-396.

Gundling, P-L. & GROBLER, R. 2005. Peatlands and mires of South Africa. In: Steiner, G.M. (ed.) Mires from Siberia to Tierra Del Fuego. Stapfia 85, Landesmuseen Neue Serie 35, pp. 379-396.

Höper, Heinrich (2007): Freisetzung von Treibhausgasen aus deutschen Mooren“, TELMA Band 37, Seite 85-116


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Joosten, Hans und Clarke, Donal (2002): Wise use of mires and peatlands. s.l. : International Mire Conservation Group and International Peat Society

Sliva, Jan et al. (2004): MAPUTALAND – Wise Use Management in Coastal Peatland Swamp Forests in Maputaland, Mozambique / South Africa. Wetlands International, Project No: WGP2 – 36 GPI 56.

Bronwyn James, Staffmember „iSimangaliso Wetland Park“: mündliches Gespräch am 18.11.2011


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Expertise of the applicant (Chair Restoration Ecology WZW TUM)

1) Wetland research in Southern Africa (Feuchtgebietsforschung im südlichen Afrika) Please refer to the detailed information published at the webpage of the Chair:

German version: http://www.roek.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=7&L=0#c689

English version: http://www.roek.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=7&L=1#c753

2) CV of the responsible person in charge (Projektverantwortlicher)

Prof. Dr. Johannes Kollmann

Chair Restoration Ecology, Technische Universität München, Emil-Ramann-Straße 6, 1958 Freising, Germany; phone +49-8161-71-3498, email [email protected]

Personal

Born in Bonn, 22.07.1963, German; married, four children

Scientific education

Habil 2000 Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), venia legendi in Ecology, Zürich, Switzerland

PhD 1994 Dept Biology, University of Freiburg, Germany, supervisor Prof. Dr. O. Wilmanns

MSc 1990 Dept Biology, University of Freiburg

1984–1990 Studies in Biology and Chemistry at the Universities of Kiel and Freiburg, ‘Staatsexamen’ Degree

Research interests

Restoration concepts and methods

Vegetation dynamics and wetland ecology

Impact and evolution of invasive alien plants

Research positions and funded projects (30 projects, 2,305 k€)

2010– Professor (W3), Chair of Restoration Ecology, Technische Universität München

2000–2009 Associate Professor (20082010, Head of Botany Section), Department of Agriculture and Ecology, University of Copenhagen

20092011 Coordinator of the interdisciplinary research platform NORA (Nordic Network of Species Range Dynamics), funded through NordForsk (Oslo)

20092010 Speaker of the Graduate School Agriculture and Ecology (AGREC), University of Copenhagen

20082010 Leader of the Centre of Invasive Species – Evolutionary ecology of invasive organisms under climate change, University of Copenhagen

Projects: EU-Afrika – Vorbereitende Maßnahmen zur Antragstellung in den EU-Hochschulkooperations-programmen mit Afrika 2011 All-Wett, DAAD, ID 54494104 (research cooperation, 2011)

Scientific basis for grassland restoration in southern Brazil, DFG, KO 1741/2-1 (research cooperation, 2011–2012)

http://www.roek.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=7&L=0#c689

http://www.roek.wzw.tum.de/index.php?id=7&L=1#c753


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Restoration of local populations of rare and endangered arable field plants on organic farms in Germany, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, ID 2806OE254 (PhD student, 2011–2013)

Implications of intraspecific diversity of plant species used for restoration of calcareous grasslands, DAAD (PhD student, 2011–2013)

Changes in community context of neophytes during the invasion process, Stipend Universität Bayern, DAAD, Stiftung Kanada-Studien (PhD student, 2011–2013)

Natural and human caused shifts in shrub and tree vegetation in subarctic Greenland in relation to climate changes, KU Research Fund (PhD student, 2009–2012)

1996–1999 Research Associate with Prof. P.J. Edwards, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich, Switzerland

1995 Postdoctoral Fellow with Prof. P.J. Grubb, Department of Plant Sciences, University of Cambridge, UK

Scientific contributions

Johannes Kollmann’s (JK) expertise is in the field of applied plant ecology and biodiversity research. His main focus has been on invasive alien plant species including evolutionary aspects during the invasion process, spread of invasive species, impact on native ecosystems and improved methods for management of invasive species. Plant provenances used for restoration projects have been another topic in JK’s research group. Non-adapted provenances can result in failure of ecosystem restoration, and genetic introgression into local populations has negative effects on regional biodiversity. Rivers and wetlands are among the most modified ecosystems in most parts of the world with strong needs for restoration. Thus, JK has for some years worked on floodplain ecology, mainly in the near-natural Tagliamento River in NE-Italy. Processes observed in this system can be used to restore some of the ecosystem dynamics which has been lost from most wetlands in central Europe. A fourth research topic in JK’s group has been plant-animal interactions during pollination and seed dispersal, since these are essential processes for facilitation of restoration measures. JK has supervised 14 PhD theses and 44 BSc or MSc theses.

Publications (1995–2012)

90 international refereed publications (1885 citations SCI, h-index 23; 22.02.12); 68 other publications.

Kollmann, J., Jensen, K.B., Frandsen, S.I. & Hansen, M.K. (2011) Uprooting and burial of invasive alien plants: a new tool in coastal restoration? Restoration Ecology, 19, 371–378.

Simberloff, D., … Kollmann, J. et al. (2011) Non-natives: 141 scientists object. Nature, 475, 36.

Thiele, J., Isermann, M., Otte, A. & Kollmann, J. (2010) Competitive displacement or biotic resistance? Disentangling relationships between community diversity and invasion success of tall herbs and shrubs. Journal of Vegetation Science, 21, 213–220.

Kollmann, J., Jørgensen, R.H., Roelsgaard, J. & Skov-Petersen, H. (2009) Establishment and clonal spread of the alien shrub Rosa rugosa in coastal dunes – A method for reconstructing and predicting invasion patterns. Landscape and Urban Planning, 93, 194–200.

Andersen, U.S., Córdova, J.P.P., Nielsen, U.B., Smith Olsen, C. Nielsen, C., Sørensen, M. & Kollmann, J. (2008)

Conservation through utilization: a case study of the vulnerable Abies guatemalensis in

Guatemala. Oryx, 42, 206–213.

Nielsen, C., Hartvig, P. & Kollmann, J. (2008) Predicting the distribution of the invasive alien Heracleum mantegazzianum at two different spatial scales. Diversity and Distributions, 14, 307–317.

Kollmann, J., Frederiksen, L., Vestergaard, P. & Bruun, H.H. (2007) Limiting factors for emergence and establishment of the invasive non-native Rosa rugosa in a coastal dune system. Biological Invasions, 9, 31–42.

Fleischmann, K., Edwards, P.J., Ramseier, D. & Kollmann, J. (2005) Stand structure, species diversity and regeneration of an endemic palm forest on the Seychelles. African Journal of Ecology, 43, 291–301.

Hänfling, B. & Kollmann, J. (2002) An evolutionary perspective of biological invasions. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 17, 545–546.


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Honors and awards

2010 Professorship ‘Invasion Ecology’, University of Copenhagen (declined)

2009 Professorship ‘Population Biology and Biogeography’, University Vienna (declined)

1995 Walter-Schall-Award for outstanding PhD thesis

1994 Post-doctoral fellowship stipend, Reinhold-Tüxen-Gesellschaft

1991 PhD stipend from the ‘Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes’

Editorial boards: Basic and Applied Ecology (2000–), Écoscience (2003–), Nordic Journal of Botany (2001–2007), Perspectives Plant Ecology, Evolution & Systematics (1998–), Phytocoenologia (2004–), Plant Ecology (2006–2008)

Reviewer: 66 journals including Conservation Ecology, Ecography, Ecology, Freshwater Biology, Functional Ecology, Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal of Ecology, Journal of Vegetation Science, Oecologia, Oikos and PLoS ONE

3) CV of the responsible person of the German partner university (Humboldt Universitaet Berlin)

Prof. Dr. Jutta Zeitz (geb. Roloff) Geburtstag/ -Ort: 31.05.1955, Schwerin (Mecklenburg/Vorpommern) Staatsangehörigkeit: deutsch Familienstand: verheiratet, 2 Kinder (Volker, 19.6.81; Ulrike, 12.11.88)

Berufliche Entwicklung 8/1973 Abschluß der Erweiterten Oberschule (EOS) "Goethe" in Schwerin

9/1973 - 8/1977 Studium an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Sektion Pflan-zenproduktion

in der Studienrichtung "Pflanzenproduktion", Abschluss als "Diplom - Agraringenieur"; Thema der Diplomarbeit: "Zur Eutrophierung des Goldberger Sees" (Auszeichnung mit dem Humboldt-Preis)

9/1977 - 9/1980 Forschungsstudium an der Universität Rostock, Sektion Melio-rationswesen und Pflanzenproduktion, Anfertigung der Promotion A: "Untersuchung zur Bodenwasserregulierung von Tieflehm-Staugleyen durch Gefügemelioration und Dränung"

10/1980 - 3/1984 Wissenschaftliche Assistentin an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Sektion Pflanzenproduktion, Wissenschaftsbereich "Meliorationswesen und Landeskultur" Arbeitsgruppe Landeskultur; Forschungsarbeit zu Fragen der Nährstoffauswaschung aus Sandböden

4/1984 - 1/1986 Wechsel innerhalb des Wissenschaftsbereiches in die Arbeitsgruppe Moorforschung; Forschungsarbeit zur ökologischen Standortbeurteilung sowie Folge- und Nebenwirkungen von Meliorationen auf Bodenfunktionen in Niedermooren

2/1986 - 1/1989 Aufnahme einer B-Aspirantur und erfolgreicher Abschluss durch Verteidigung

der Dissertationsschrift: "Untersuchung zu ausgewählten bodenphysikalischen Kennwerten in Niedermooren im Hinblick auf Melioration und Nutzung"


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2/1989 Berufung zur Hochschuldozentin für das Fach Meliorationswesen

2/1989 - 4/1993 Arbeit als Hochschuldozentin im Institut für Bodenfruchtbarkeit und

Landeskultur an der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin; Erar-beitung der Lehrprogramme für die eigenen Vorlesungsreihen "Landeskultur und Melioration", "Moornutzung und Moorkunde", "Vermessungs- und Kartenkunde" (jeweils Vorlesungen, Seminare, Übungen im Gelände)

SS 1990 - 1996 Lehrauftrag an der Universität Stuttgart - Hohenheim, Institut für Bodenkunde und Standortslehre (Leitung Prof. Stahr) für die Vorlesung: "Einführung in die Moorkunde"

seit 1.10.1999 Fachgebietsleiterin des FG Bodenkunde und Standortlehre; Erarbeitung der

Vorlesung "Bodenkunde" im Grundstudium (ab WS 99/2000); Umgestaltung des Studiums nach B.Sc und Master-System und Erarbeitung der entsprechenden Module

seit 5/2002 Ernennung in das offizielle Gutachtergremium für Stipendiaten der Deutschen Stiftung Umwelt (DBU) auf die Dauer von 5 Jahren

1.10.2003 Berufung zur Universitätsprofessorin Akademische Selbstverwaltung:

- mehrere Jahre Mitglied des Institutsrates und 3 Jahre stellvertretende Institutsdirektorin - mehrere Jahre Mitglied des Fakultätsrates - April 2002 bis März 2006: Prodekanin für Forschung an der Fakultät - seit April 2011 Sprecherin des Departments für Nutzpflanzen- und Tierwissenschaften

Mitgliedschaften in Verbänden:

Mitgliedschaften in: Deutsche Bodenkundliche Gesellschaft (DBG); Bundesverband Boden e.V.; Deutsche Moor- und Torfgesellschaft (DGMT); International Peat Society (IPS); International Mire Conservation Group (IMCG)

International Peat Society: Mai 2006 Berufung in den Vorstand für die Dauer für 4 Jahre, Juni 2010 Wiederwahl bis 2012

Deutsche Bodenkundliche Gesellschaft: - mehrere Jahre stellvertretende Vorsitzende der Kommission VIII "Bodenschutz" - 09/2001 bis 09/2005: Vorsitzende der Kommission VIII "Bodenschutz"

Bundesverband Boden: - 1998 -2010: Obfrau des Fachausschusses: "Bodenlehrpfade"

2004 Berufung in die Kommission „Bodenschutz“ beim Umweltbundesamt und 2010 Wiederwahl

2007 Berufung in den Klimaschutzrat von Berlin und 2010 Wiederwahl

2011 Berufung in Wissenschaftlichen Beirat des Biosphärenreservates Spreewald

Documents

DAAD Higher Education Cooperation Program “Welcome to Africa