World scientists gather in Kruger Park for environmental solutions

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Kruger National Park (KNP) is set to welcome scientists, researchers, and Protected Area Managers from across the globe for the 21st Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting, scheduled from March 3 to 7, 2024, in Skukuza.

“The park will host 208 delegates representing 80 different scientific and conservation organisations from 25 countries. 99 of the delegates will be from South Africa, representing 30 institutions ranging from national and provincial government departments, academic institutions, research, NGOs and conservation agencies. The meeting will also be streamed live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@savannasciencelivestream335” for those who would like to take part online; said SANParks Acting GM: Savanna Research Unit, Cathy Greaver.

Over the course of four days, the 21st Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting will delve into various ecological and social science topics through presentations and posters. Key themes include analyzing ecological patterns such as animal space-use and biodiversity, as well as understanding processes like erosion, predation, and herbivory. Additionally, this year’s program features discussions on cultural heritage, tourism, human-wildlife conflict, co-existence, the Wildlife Economy, and Wildlife Crime, showcasing diverse expertise aimed at advancing conservation goals.

SANParks scientists collaborate extensively with national and international partners to address biodiversity and protected area management challenges in a changing world. This collaborative effort spans basic and applied research across biophysical and social domains, fostering a deeper understanding of savanna systems. The close interaction between academics and park authorities at this meeting promotes evidence-based decision-making and directs research towards priority conservation needs. Moreover, the event emphasizes capacity building, providing students with opportunities to engage alongside renowned savanna scientists from around the world.

“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, might be very 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. 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”; concluded Greaver.

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