Adopting the Internet of Things technologies in environmental management in South Africa

Abstract

This paper reports on potential applications of IoT technologies that could contribute to sustainable environmental management (EM in South Africa). These technologies have been categorised under environmental quality and protection, natural resource management, oceans and coasts management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, conservation and environmental awareness. A literature review was conducted to identify applications of the IoT at an international level that fall into the categories mentioned above. The research then analysed these applications and suggested applications that can be customised to the South African environment. The purpose of the paper, therefore, is to prove the potential of IoT as a possible contributor to sustainable EM in South Africa. This is in line with South Africa's Department of Environmental Affairs' mission of “creating a prosperous and equitable society that lives in harmony with the environment.” The question that this research answers therefore is, “What IoT technologies should be adopted in South Africa to make an impact on sustainable environmental management?”