Through research, education and outreach, the Environmental Policy Research Unit (EPRU) works to enhance policy-making in the field of environmental and natural resource economics and support sustainable development and poverty reduction in South Africa and Southern Africa.
Recent News

EfD Researcher Job Listing: Researcher Position in National Biodiversity Accounting
A new position within EfD has been opened in a project focusing on the development of tools for governing biodiversity conservation, this research is a great initial career step for young researchers. Applications close: 2025-02-26
Read more

Researchers explore strategies to ‘de-risk’ green hydrogen investment in the Global South
EPRU researchers collaborated with UNU-MERIT to study methods to de-risk green hydrogen investment. They examined Chile and South Africa’s green hydrogen projects and their potential risks. They found important paths to aid development
Read more

Researchers developed method to assess climate vulnerability of protected areas
Climate change is a challenge for Protected Areas, such as national parks. It can affect biodiversity, infrastructure, and income from tourism. EPRU researchers developed a framework to assess PA’s vulnerability to climate change
Read more

Congratulations to Chalmers Mulwa for the Thomas Sterner’s Best PhD Thesis Paper Award
At the EfD Awards Dinner, Chalmer K. Mulwa was put forward as a nominee and won the Thomas Sterner’s Best PhD Thesis Paper Award. His research looked into adaptation against climate shocks and the impact on food security in Namibia.
Read more