The Afromontane Research Unit (ARU) at the University of the Free State (UFS) is proud to announce a collaborative effort with the Centre for Biological Control (CBC) at Rhodes University to address a critical environmental challenge: the expanding range of woody plants in Southern African mountains. This timely initiative takes place as part of the Grassland Society of Southern Africa's (GSSA) 59th Annual Congress Policy and Practice Workshop. The rapid encroachment of woody species into these mountain grasslands is disrupting natural ecosystems, threatening biodiversity, and impacting livelihoods dependent on these lands. This phenomenon alters fire regimes, reduces grazing capacity for livestock, and creates challenges for conservation efforts.

This collaboration directly aligns with the university's Vision 130, which emphasises "excellence in research and innovation that contributes to solving local, national, and global challenges." By addressing woody encroachment, this initiative contributes to sustainable rangeland management, a critical aspect of environmental health and economic development in South Africa.

The Workshop:  A platform for shared knowledge and solutions

The GSSA 59th Policy and Practice Workshop, titled Woody range-expanding species in Southern African mountains: trends, predictions and mitigations, will be held on 26 July 2024 at the Gariep Forever Resort in the Free State, South Africa. This event provides a valuable platform for researchers, policy makers, land managers, and practitioners to:

Gain insights: Participants will gain the latest scientific understanding of the trends, predictions, and potential mitigation strategies for woody encroachment.

Share expertise: The workshop fosters an environment for open discussion, allowing attendees to contribute their valuable knowledge and experiences.

Network and collaborate: This event provides a unique opportunity to connect with colleagues from across Southern Africa, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange in addressing this shared challenge.

The GSSA workshop offers two ways to participate

Limited in-person spots (free): Thanks to sponsorship from ETH Zurich, 18 FREE in-person spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This allows for focused discussions and in-depth engagement (travel and accommodation are not included).

Free online participation: The workshop will be streamed online, allowing anyone with an internet connection to participate in the conversation virtually.

This is how one can get involved:

Anyone with a passion for sustainable rangeland management is encouraged to participate in this important event. Secure your spot by following these steps:

In-person attendance: RSVP to Minette van Lingen at info@gssa.org.za, copying Sithando Jwara (JwaraS@ufs.ac.za).

Online and in-person registration: Register here.

Join us as we work together to address this critical environmental challenge and ensure the future health of our Southern African mountain rangelands!