A SASUF meeting took place as part of an ongoing collaborative project among SASUF partners from Rhodes University (Prof Sheunesu Ruwanza), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (Prof Cristian Alarcón-Ferrari), Stockholm University (Prof Anna Treydte), participated online), and the staff members from the Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences (Dr Florence Mazwi Murungweni). The project focuses on addressing invasive alien plant encroachment and the impacts of climate change through knowledge exchange. The delegation from Sweden was warmly welcomed by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture (FSEA), Prof Natasha Potgieter and the International Relations and Partnerships Office representatives. The South Africa Sweden University Forum (SASUF) Collaborative visit took place recently at UNIVEN.
Seating L-R: Mr Matome Mokoena, Dr Florence Mazwi Murungweni, Prof Natasha Potgieter, Ms Hope Siaga, Prof Cristian Alarcón-Ferrari Standing L-R: Mr Sage Baloyi, Ms Dolley Thibedi, Ms Tshogofatso Shai, Prof Sheunesu Ruwanza, Ms Shudhufhadzo Munyai, Mr Solomon Ramusunzi, Mr Tsundzuka Hakamela
During the visit, the partners discussed the impact of invasive alien plants and woody species encroachment on biodiversity in the context of climate change and the potential for community involvement in addressing these challenges. These discussions were followed by a seminar hosted by the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Presentations covered topics such as bush encroachment, invasive alien plant species management and restoration, and the role of citizen and community science in monitoring invasive alien plant species in ecosystems.
In conclusion, the discussions emphasised that effective management strategies are urgently needed to address the challenges posed by invasive alien plants. Innovative solutions involving lo-cal communities were recognised as essential for long-term success. The discussions also focused on the potential use of modern technologies to empower local communities to develop more ef-fective and legitimate strategies to deal with invasive alien plants.
Two MSc students are involved in this project: one from South Africa (Sage Baloyi) and one from Sweden (Amanda Sommarström). The South African student is researching the distribution of Black Wattle in the Soutpansberg mountain range in Limpopo Province, using remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology, while the Swedish student is Mapping Woody Encroachment by Invasive Species in Vhembe District, a landscape perspective using Remote Sens-ing.
The workshop also addressed current interventions and restoration opportunities aimed at miti-gating the future risks of invasive alien plant invasions and climate change.
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