Southern African GMBA Regional Hub
Introduction
GMBA regional hubs connect researchers for regional, cross-cutting research, strengthening GMBA's vision and objectives. Collaborating with the International Project Office (IPO), these hubs enhance geographic coverage, inclusiveness, and support to local communities. They develop products and activities aligned with GMBA's goals and are led by individual SSC members.
In the global assessment of mountain biodiversity by GMBA, regional hubs play a crucial role in mobilising experts for knowledge sharing, co-creation, and dissemination. They engage with local scientific communities, facilitating knowledge access and capacity building. These hubs benefit from resources collected during the assessment, including funding opportunities.
The first regional hub has been established at the Afromontane Research Unit on the University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus in South Africa. The hub is under the leadership of Prof Peter Taylor, ARU Professor-in-residence and also Subject Head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology. An additional hub has been established in South America (Brazil) and further ones are being negotiated in Asia (Nepal), Oceania (Australia), and Northern Europe (Norway).
Regional hubs play a crucial role in mobilising experts for knowledge sharing, co-creation, and dissemination:
Support
The Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment is benefiting from extensive support and collaboration from various key institutions dedicated to advancing research and conservation efforts.