Patrick Martel

Background

About Patrick Martel

I am the Research and Impact Lead at Innovate Durban, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering innovation in Durban and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region. In my role, I spearhead impactful research projects, including the annual State of Innovation Report for KwaZulu-Natal and an Enterprise Development and Commercialisation Support Study. Currently, I am overseeing a Water Innovation Network Project, a collaborative effort funded by Innovate UK between South Africa and the United Kingdom. My expertise lies in transdisciplinary research projects, with a primary focus on water, climate, and environmental governance. Noteworthy projects in my portfolio include the LIRA 2030 Project on transformative climate adaptation and a WRC Project demonstrating the value of ecological infrastructure in the uMgneni Catchment. I am also a Contributing Author on the IPCC's Special Report on the Ocean, Coast, and Cryosphere. In a consulting capacity, I have recently worked as a water and climate governance technical expert on a Presidential Climate Commission project, and as a governance and social expert on the CICLIA Transformative Riverine Management Support Project. I have been actively involved in water and climate adaptation initiatives in Durban, notably the Palmiet Catchment Rehabilitation Project - where I chaired an Advisory Group and am part of the Community Based Flood Early Warning System. I am currently a Business Advisory Board member for Enactus DUT, and an Advisory Panel Member for developing an Ecological Infrastructure Management Plan and Ecological Infrastructure Investment Plan for the Greater uMngeni catchment.