Several experts from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) were involved in the development of a landmark report which looks at the link between forests, water, the climate and people.

The report, titled “The Forest and Water on a Changing Planet: Vulnerability, Adaptation and Governance Opportunities,” was compiled by over 50 scientists from 20 countries.

Through the report , which was launched during the United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York this week, scientists responded to questions regarding what people can do for and with forests to ensure a sustainable quality and quantity of water to support the health and wellbeing of both forests and people.

Contributions from the CSIR experts covered a broad range of topics across the report, including forest hydrology, climate and land-use change, and governance-related aspects, as well as multiple benefits and synergies in trade-offs.

The council says the involvement of its experts in this landmark assessment demonstrates a high regard for CSIR expertise, as well as acknowledgement of the unique and important South African perspective on forest and water interaction as the report includes several local case studies.

CSIR experts who contributed to the report include: CSIR chief researcher, Dr Emma Archer as a co-ordinating lead author; CSIR research group leader, Dr Mark Gush as a lead author; CSIR research group leader, Dr Marius Claassen as a co-ordinating lead author and CSIR senior researcher, Dr Lorren Haywood as a contributing author.

The report is available for download here: https://www.iufro.org/science/gfep/forests-and-water-panel/report/