Pathways to multi-use conservation landscapes 

Focusing on multi-use landscapes in South Africa and Namibia, this group applies social-ecological theory to support just and sustainable conservation practices that integrate ecological integrity with human livelihoods.

This group focuses on understanding and supporting transformative pathways toward just and sustainable multi-use landscapes. These are landscapes where conservation is embedded alongside diverse land uses, and where nature’s multiple values underpin both ecological integrity and human livelihoods. Working across South Africa and Namibia, the team applies cutting-edge social-ecological and transformation theory to map existing pathways, analyze feedbacks and leverage points, and support managers and decision-makers to critically evaluate and adapt their strategies for engaging and governing these landscapes. 

Group members: 

  • Prof. Alta de Vos, Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University (lead)
  • Dr Dirk Roux, Scientific Services, South African National Parks (lead)
  • Prof. Reinette (Oonsie) Biggs, Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University
  • Britta Hackenberg, Senior Technical Advisor, Namibia Nature Foundation/ Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University
  • Morgan Hauptfleisch, Director of Research, Namibia Nature Foundation
  • Izak Smit, Senior Scientist, South African National Parks
  • Nelsiwe Mpapane, South African National Parks
  • Michael Klaver, Centre for Sustainability Transitions, Stellenbosch University