Scientists to exchange knowledge on climate change, fire ecology etc
Nomazulu Moyo
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa – The Kruger National Park, one of the largest and most diverse wildlife reserves in Africa, will this March welcome scientists and other experts from around the world to discuss the latest research and management practices on savannah ecosystems.
The 21st Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting will take place from 3 to 7 March 2024 in Skukuza, Kruger National Park. It is being organised by the South African National Parks (SANParks) and the Savannah Research Unit.
Scientists will also discuss conservation, tourism and community engagement
The meeting aims to foster collaboration and exchange of knowledge among scientists, researchers and protected area managers who work on savannah ecosystems, which cover about 20% of the Earth’s land surface and support a rich biodiversity and human livelihoods. The meeting will cover topics such as climate change, fire ecology, wildlife conservation, tourism, and community engagement.
Cathy Greaver, the acting general manager of the Savannah Research Unit, said that the park would host 208 delegates representing 80 different scientific and conversation organisations from 25 countries, of which 99 of the delegates will be from South Africa.
Scientists consider meeting a premier savannah science conference
“The idea for the Savanna Science meeting came about when a small group of scientists working on river related issues in KNP, reflecting on the impacts of the 2000 floods, started thinking that a small meeting held annually to share research findings with management, would be useful. The scope and participation of these meetings grew quickly to include Savanna related research and delegates from many countries and organisations. This meeting is now considered the premier international savanna science conference covering socio-ecological research taking place in savannas across the globe,” Greaver said.
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“The conference format allows for dialogue and discussion on ecological science and conservation matters, both formally and informally in a spectacular venue, shaping our collective understanding and seeding future research collaborations and projects to fill key knowledge gaps.”
The conference will include presentations on cultural heritage, tourism, human wildlife conflict, and co-existence as well as the wildlife economy and wildlife crime.
