The Durban Research Action Partnership (D'RAP)
What is the partnership about?
The Durban Research Action Partnership (D’RAP) is a partnership between the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) and eThekwini Municipality (EM) and is set up as an umbrella under which various transdisciplinary research programmes, such as biodiversity conservation, management and social-ecological systems, are implemented. Through D’RAP, transdisciplinary research is conducted within focussed research programmes within the eThekwini Municipal area in a range of disciplines including environmental science, biological science, social science, governance and economics. These research programmes aim to generate much-needed evidence-based knowledge to assist eThekwini Municipality (both municipal officials and leadership) in making informed and appropriate environmental management decisions, and to build capacity by supporting student research activities at the University. Such novel institutional partnerships are important for generating knowledge and learning so as to address the gap between scientific research, policy development and management within a local government.
If you would like to sign up to join the D’RAP network, please contact the D’RAP Research Coordinator, Ms Preshnee Singh at SinghP7@ukzn.ac.za
Have an idea for a D’RAP related research project? Or looking for a potential supervisor for a D’RAP related research project? Click here to fill out details about you and the project and inform Ms Preshnee Singh at SinghP7@ukzn.ac.za
How is D’RAP structured?
D’RAP is set up as an umbrella under which are two transdisciplinary research programmes, ie. the Reforestation Research (RR) programme and the Global Environmental Change (GEC) programme. These programmes have had several funding phases along themes. These were the KwaZulu-Natal Sandstone Sourveld (KZNSS), Community Reforestation Research Programme (RR), Durban Metropolitan Open Space System (DMOSS), and Water: from source to sea. Funding phases run for two to three years.
