INMACOM Strengthens Technical Capacity in Aquatic Biomonitoring and River Health Assessment

INMACOM, through the GEF-8 IncoMaputo Project, participated in the South African Scoring System Version 5 (SASS5) Aquatic Biomonitoring Training Course, facilitated by the Freshwater Research Centre in Cape Town, South Africa from 27–30 October 2026.

INMACOM was represented by Nokulunga Dlamini, Project Monitoring and Evaluations Specialist, and Gcinile Ndzinisa, Regional Gender and Social Safeguards Officer and Youth Focal Point.

The four-day training aimed to strengthen technical knowledge and practical skills in freshwater ecosystem monitoring, with particular emphasis on the use of aquatic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators of river health.

Key areas of learning included:
· Standardised aquatic biomonitoring and SASS5 sampling methodologies.
· Identification of aquatic macroinvertebrates and assessment of freshwater ecosystem health.
· Practical field sampling and biological assessments along the Eerste River in Stellenbosch.
· Interpretation and reporting of biomonitoring results.
· Management of freshwater biodiversity data using the Freshwater Biodiversity Information System (FBIS).
· Application of ecological monitoring evidence to integrated water resources management.

The training contributes to our ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity for evidence-based water resources management across the Incomati and Maputo River Basins, shared by the Kingdom of Eswatini, the Republic of Mozambique, and South Africa.

The participation of both Monitoring and Evaluation and Gender and Social Safeguards specialists further supports the integration of scientific monitoring, inclusive stakeholder participation, and knowledge sharing into regional water resource management initiatives.

INMACOM is implementing the UNDP Eswatini-GEF Project Strengthening Integrated Transboundary Management of the Incomati and Maputo River Basins in Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. The project is funded by Global Environment Facility, implemented by the UNDP Eswatini and executed by Global Water Partnership Southern Africa.

Through continued capacity strengthening, regional cooperation, and science-based decision-making, INMACOM remains committed to promoting healthy freshwater ecosystems, environmental security, and sustainable livelihoods across the shared Incomati and Maputo River Basins.