The annual Oppenheimer Research Conference (ORC) has become a recognised leader in conservation for showcasing and discussing key issues impacting natural and environmental sciences, biodiversity management and sustainable development in Africa and beyond. The 13th Oppenheimer Research Conference is to be held between 9th and 11th October 2024 in Midrand and is themed “Science Beyond Boundaries”. The conference will feature many highly acclaimed speakers. These include a keynote address from the His Excellency former Prime Minister of Ethiopia Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, a welcome by Nicky Oppenheimer, South African businessman, conservationist and host of the Oppenheimer Research Conference, world-renowned climate IPCC’s Nobel Peace Prize winner, Prof Camille Parmesan, as well as Dr Winnie Kiiru, a highly accomplished research scientist and wildlife biologist and executive director of Mpala, a leading research centre, which support research that improves ecosystem functions and conserves biodiversity in Kenya. The third plenary will be presented by Prof Kevin Gaston, a leading ecologist and conservation biologist. Prof Gaston has worked extensively on global patterns in biodiversity and the impacts of anthropogenic activities on the night-time, particularly through the effects of artificial light and its implications for people and for nature.
Prof Parmesan will provide insight into the observed impacts of recent climate change in natural systems and the impact on wild species that have been affected globally. This is further exacerbated by the fact that researchers are starting to see negative impacts for the most vulnerable species. Changes at the ecosystem level are beginning to cause positive feedback to the climate system, shortening the window of time available for taking actions to avoid “dangerous” climate change. Dr Howard Hendriks, head of conservation for SANParks, will highlight concerns around tipping points and the threat of crossing of environmental thresholds, providing insight into the key actions required to prevent irreversible shifts between alternative ecosystem states, and potentially high societal costs. This will be followed by a presentation by Bulelwa Mabasa and Thomas Karberg, experts in land reform, who will give insights into land reform and discuss its implications and potential for the future of conservation in South Africa. They will broadly assess the perceived successes and failures of South Africa’s land reform programme over the last 28 years of democracy, while exploring options for integration of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Leading grassland ecologist, Prof William Bond, will discuss the future of grassy ecosystems and how they will differ under different climate settings, depending on changing disturbance regimes and global change impacts on plant growth rates, including direct CO2 effects. This will also include insights into mechanisms, models and ecological drivers which will inform these vegetation changes. Irene Mhlanga, will then challenge the perception that wildlife resources, though traditionally viewed as inputs rather than assets, should receive increased investment. She will further demonstrate their economic contributions that exists through the huge potential in tourism, wildlife ranching, fisheries and aquaculture, amongst others.
The third Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grantee, Dr Gideon Idowu, will discuss the global impact of microplastics (the tiny particles that emanate from gradual plastic degradation) which currently stands at over 450 M metric tons (mt), and it is projected to reach 590 M mt by 2050. These plastics have infiltrated virtually every environment and continue to be a source of major concern, especially for their role in biodiversity loss and their potential effects on human health. Globally recognised archaeologist, Prof Lyn Wadley, will present on the rock art of the Waterberg and the journeys of transformation that occurred in this region 2 000 and 1 600 years ago.
Prof Claudio Sillero, conservation Biologist at Oxford University, founder and director of the Ethiopian Wolf Conservation Programme since its foundation in 1995, will discuss the future of Ethiopian wolves, the most endangered canid in Africa, which has occurred as a result of habitat loss, extinctions. Prof. Sillero will also highlight the value that conservation translocations play in securing the survival of the species. Executive director of WIOMSA, Dr Arthur Tuda, with over 20 years of experience in protected areas and coastal conservation, will highlight the importance of developing regional capacity for marine research in the Western Indian Ocean. Dr Tuda will emphasize the importance of continued investment in research infrastructure and capacity building, by addressing the existing gaps and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative research environment.
A further highlight at this year’s conference will be the awarding of the sixth $150 000 Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer Research Grant (JWO Grant). The JWO Grant is awarded annually to support an African-led, environmental research programme for a period of three years. “This year, like never before were the expert panellist’s split as a result of the excellent submissions. I continue to be impressed by the quality and diverse topics of proposals by young African scientists and have no doubt that the future of African science looks bright and is in good hands.” says Dr Duncan MacFadyen, Head of Research and Conservation at Oppenheimer Generations. Of the over 697 grant applications received from across 41 countries, we shortlisted nine candidates. This year’s recipient will be announced at the conference and will give a presentation introducing and giving an overview of their research project. Previous winner, Dr Lovanomenjanahary Marline is also scheduled to provide an update on her research focused on the bryophytes of the high mountains of Madagascar.
South African businessman and philanthropist, Jonathan Oppenheimer, will be interviewed by renowned media personality, Bongani Bingwa on the business of conservation, providing insights into how good business is good for the environment. The second day will end with a panel discussion facilitated by Andrew Cunliffe and Tom Powell, with a focus on the Oppenheimer Programme in African Landscape Systems (OPALS), seeking to identify and influence the levers that can affect systemic shifts in socio-economic systems, to promote more sustainable outcomes for nature and the people nature supports. the conference will also feature a poster session with close to 100 scientific posters covering a diverse array of topics from safeguarding South Africa’s threatened sharks, rays and chimaeras through to exploring diversity, composition, and distribution patterns of spiders in the sand forest, savanna and an ecotone in Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa.
The Oppenheimer Research Conference has become globally recognised for profiling African research and empowering young researchers and environmental stewards. Like no other, the conference focusses on building a network of biodiversity professionals and hosting impactful conversations, which lead to impactful outcomes. While the focus is impact in Africa, the conference encourages global perspectives.
These are crucial components of the Oppenheimer Family’s vision to leaving the world better than how they found it, and to building sustainable and prosperous societies. To achieve this objective, emphasis is placed on developing the next generation of African researchers and expand, promoting systems of sustainable conservation programmes and networks throughout Africa., The family continues to explore research opportunities focused on ecological biodiversity, areas of origins including archaeological and palaeontologic studies and investigating the optimal management of land as well key areas of biodiversity importance across Africa.
The conference is an excellent platform to profile the numerous research and conservation success stories achieved over the years. Over 450 delegates from across 28 countries are expected to gather and share their research findings covering a range of projects. The conference is hosted by Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation and according to Dr MacFadyen, researchers will get an opportunity to network and present their research findings to a diverse audience of academics, students, government, and environmental managers. The transfer of knowledge between scientists and policymakers remains an important outcome, and through bringing stakeholders together, OGRC aims to bridge the gap between research, business and policy. It is our responsibility to ensure that research conducted is integrated into the broader community and influences planning strategies. To achieve this, it is essential to communicate key scientific findings in a way that is accessible and engaging to the wider public through popular writing and public outreach efforts. By doing so, we can promote a clearer understanding and appreciation of scientific insights within the broader community.
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