Abstract: Nature alienation is widely perceived as one of the symptoms of the modernity syndrome. The return to nature watching in the form of a hobby has been associated with a variety of benefits in the sphere of both physical and mental health. This practice is more common in advanced economies, and has developed into a substantial economic activity in its own right. Here I focus on the practice of ‘twitching’ – or recording one’s own life list of species as a way of perceiving and understanding world’s diversity. I discuss the geographic levels at which species lists can be placed, the reality of the species concept, and the degrees of certainty one can realistically attach to a given sighting, discussing them both from a positivist perspective, and as individual constructs. I conclude that nature watching can both represent an important component of sensemaking exercises, and contribute useful data to scientific projects.

• Publication Date: 10-Dec-2017
• DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-141-2-45
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Abstract: The engagement of stakeholders has become a key strategic area for Umgeni Water. Key statutory stakeholders, contracted or non-contracted, hold immense influence over, and have a great impact on, Umgeni Water’s policy development and nature of work. Planning for stakeholder engagement can pose a challenge, particularly for the construction of water infrastructure projects, because relations between stakeholders are not static, but are rather dynamic and in a state of flux. In light of the project delays and financial setbacks that have been experienced while implementing infrastructure projects at Umgeni Water, it has become apparent that there are risks posed by the involvement and influence of key stakeholders. Umgeni Water thus needs to be proactive and put measures in place to ensure the successful implementation of projects. The purpose of this study was to provide a framework to assist management and teams working in the water infrastructure projects to better understand how to

• Publication Date: 10-Dec-2017
• DOI: 10.15224/978-1-63248-141-2-46
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• Downloads: 0