The Centre for Environmental Management (CEM) at the University of the Free State (UFS) recently celebrated its 30th anniversary with a two-day conference themed ‘Sustainable Horizons: Navigating the Future with Environmental Innovation’. Bringing together academics, alumni, and industry partners, the event focused on developing innovative solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

CEM’s impact over the years

Since its establishment in 1994, the CEM has grown exponentially. Starting with just four students enrolled in the Master of Environmental Management (MEM) programme, the centre now welcomes nearly 50 students each year. Over the past three decades, CEM has produced 592 master’s graduates, 19 doctoral graduates in Environmental Management, and 126 honours and postgraduate diploma recipients in Integrated Water Management.

The centre’s research output has also seen significant growth. While its first decade saw just one journal article and 40 research reports published, the last decade has witnessed over 500 journal articles,160 research reports, 460 conference posters and proceedings, and 80 book chapters.

CEM is proud to boast a diverse and international student body, representing 18 countries and speaking an array of native languages – with one class alone encompassing 21 different languages. Over its 30 years, CEM has offered seven degree programmes, taught by more than 200 experts from both academia and industry.

‘Sustainability is no longer just a choice, but a necessity’

Prof Olusola Ololade, the current head of CEM, opened the conference with a powerful message, urging collective action. “As we gather to discuss urgent environmental challenges and explore innovative solutions, let us remember the importance of our shared responsibility,” she said. “Sustainability is not a solo endeavour - it requires collaboration, innovation, and a united vision for a healthier planet.”

Prof Paul Oberholster, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and former head of CEM, congratulated the centre on its milestone, emphasising that the conference was not just a reflection on the past, but a springboard for the future. “This event creates a space for new ideas, partnerships, and solutions to tackle environmental challenges, not only in South Africa but across the continent,” he remarked.

Leading the shift towards sustainable resource management

Keynote speaker Prof Nick King, an environmental futurist and Co-Chair of UNEP's GEO-7 Science Advisory Panel, delivered a compelling presentation titled Environmental Triumphs and Challenges: Looking Back, Looking Forward in Southern Africa and Beyond. In his address, he highlighted how industrialisation has accelerated environmental degradation, calling for a transformative shift in resource management. “Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is essential to mitigating climate impacts, conserving water, and preserving biodiversity,” Prof King noted.

Despite alarming reports from the United Nations on climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, Prof King expressed optimism, pointing to the potential of collective action and systemic reform. He urged for policies that address the root causes of environmental degradation and advocated for accountability, including the recognition of ecocide as a criminal offence. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of youth involvement in sustainability, particularly in regions like South Africa.

Looking ahead: preparing future environmental leaders

The conference also featured prominent speakers, including Ashwin Seetal, a strategic water management specialist from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research; Prof Lochner Marais from UFS’s Centre for Development Support; Dr Gabriel Ngorima from the Graduate School of Business Leadership; and Prof Susan Brokensha from the UFS’s Department of English. Panel sessions covered a range of topics, including sustainable resource management and strategies for advancing environmental protection across Africa.

As the CEM looks ahead to the next 30 years, its mission remains clear: to continue training the next generation of environmental and water managers who will tackle the critical challenges of climate change and water scarcity in southern Africa. With its legacy of impactful research and a diverse alumni network, CEM is committed to forging a more sustainable future for the region.