People & Partners

Dr Ryan Blanchard is the Manager of the Fynbos Node at the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON). He holds a PhD and MSc in Botany with particular focus on ecology, biological invasions and ecosystem service science. He aims to understand how different drivers of change such as invasive alien species, fires and more recently climate change may impact biodiversity and ecosystem services. These fields draw on the need for integrated methodologies to address complex social and ecological systems. Since joining SAEON, he aims to expand the long-term research platforms to include a broader spectrum of ecological, climatic, and social data to better address global challenges and impacts on society. Ryan is keen to collaborate with anyone interested in long term research platforms and their development across the fynbos biome.