News

The Kruger National Park (KNP) is hosting scientists, researchers and managers from around the world for the 17th Annual Savanna Science Network Meeting from 4 – 9 March 2019 at the Skukuza Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre. The meeting will host 201 delegates representing 92 different scientific and conservation organisations from most continents for a program that includes 126 presentations and 26 poster presentations.

This meeting has grown from one encouraging scientific dialogue around biological research in KNP to one encouraging a broader social-ecological savanna focus from across different continents.

This platform provides an opportunity for scientists to share their latest research findings conducted in national parks and other conservation areas within the savanna biome. This includes numerous research projects from conservation areas mostly within South Africa (with Kruger National Park the best represented), but also drawing in relevant research and understanding from other savanna protected areas across the globe, including Australia, South America, North America and Asia. The conference is also an important forum for dialogue and debate about ecological science and conservation matters; and a pivotal point for future research collaborations. This year an additional morning session has been added to stimulate discussion and co-learning between the managers and researchers around topics relevant to management of the Greater KNP.

Many topical issues in ecological and social sciences will be covered during the four days’ presentations. This year there is a particular focus on climate change and the effects thereof on protected areas. Linked to that is a session reflecting on lessons learned during the recent drought that KNP and surrounding areas experienced. Bush encroachment, as another symptom of climate change, governance and management of rivers in the complex Lowveld socio-ecological system, and perspectives on the upcoming global CITES meeting are some of the other keynote talks delegates can look forward to.

In order to provide a sound scientific platform from which to address the knowledge needs to manage biodiversity and protected areas in a changing world, SANParks scientists engage and collaborate with a wide range of national and international scientists, research partners and funders. A mix of basic and applied research, spanning the biophysical and social domains strengthens research and monitoring efforts as well as capacity building. The close interactions between academics and park authorities facilitated by this meeting are key to promoting pro-active evidence-based decision-making, and directing research into priority conservation management needs. Many researchers rate this meeting as the leading Savanna meeting in the world.

More information on interesting projects conducted by SANParks Scientific Services, who are responsible for organizing this meeting, can be found in their recently published Research Report.

Issued By

South African National Parks (SANParks) – Kruger National Park: Communications & Marketing Department

Media Enquiries

Ike Phaahla
GM: Communications and Marketing – KNP
Tel: 013 735 4363; Cell: 083 673 6974
Email: [email protected]

Judith Botha
Program Integrator: Science Services – KNP
Tel: 013 735 4309
Email: [email protected]