Long-Term Socio-Ecological Research (LTSER) platforms provide structures for learning about and producing solutions to sustainability challenges that arise in susceptible areas.

The Mont-Aux-Sources (MaS) LTSER platform is based in the northern Maloti-Drakensberg region, close to the Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (the home of the Afromontane Research Unit). It focuses on the interaction with relevant stakeholders, competent authorities, and researchers to find sustainable solutions to socio-ecological problems in the area, such as the current wetland degradation challenge that can – if not addressed – lead to the loss of ecosystem services as well as the livelihoods of the locals. The alpine system of the Maloti-Drakensberg is one of the least well-studied and understood in the region – particularly as it is geographically peripheral to South Africa (rugged borderlands) and there is limited research driven from within Lesotho. The ARU has overcome both logistical and security challenges for long-term research in the alpine zone through the creation of the Alpine lease area and Alpine base facility. 

The LTSER platform strives to collaborate with interested and affected parties to find, restore, and maintain the environment.