Mandla Dlamini

I am a researcher and lecturer specializing in freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing methods. My work integrates advanced spatial analysis with applied conservation, tackling challenges in water quality assessment and broader environmental management. Through this research, I bridge ecological science and policy, advancing sustainable strategies to safeguard vulnerable freshwater ecosystems and natural resources.

This expertise is critically important because freshwater ecosystems, particularly wetlands, are central to Africa’s development vision under Agenda 2063. Wetlands provide essential ecosystem services, including water purification, flood regulation, biodiversity support, and climate resilience. Yet their sustainability is not only shaped by ecological processes but also by human perceptions and interactions. Communities often view wetlands as both vital resources and contested spaces, balancing cultural values, livelihood needs, and development pressures. Understanding these socio-ecological perceptions is crucial for designing adaptive, community-driven strategies that align conservation goals with human well-being.

By harnessing GIS and remote sensing, I generate precise, large-scale insights into ecosystem change, enabling early detection of degradation and guiding proactive conservation. At the same time, my research emphasizes the importance of integrating local knowledge and community perspectives into policy frameworks. This dual approach ensures that ecological science informs governance while

respecting human dimensions of ecosystem management. In doing so, I contribute directly to Agenda 2063’s aspirations for environmentally sustainable, climate-resilient economies, while reinforcing Africa’s leadership in advancing global priorities, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including but not limited to clean water access and climate adaptation.