Transformative Pathways to Resilient and Sustainable Futures

From 2025-2027, SARA will support eight working groups to synthesise knowledge under the general theme of “Transformative pathways” . The working groups aim to take a pathways approach to understanding how different systems can be transformed to meet societal, climate and biodiversity goals, by identify directions of change which can enable these fundamental changes in ways of doing and thinking. The eight working groups selected comprise a diverse range of experts from the Southern African region, and will each focus on a particular sub-theme, such as multifunctional conservation landscapes, gender and land rights, and climate resilience. 

Over the three-year period, groups will convene at a series of in-person and online workshops, with the goal to develop both academic and policy/practice engagement products and processes. 

The eight working groups

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.

Beyond siloes: Sustainable heritage futures

This group challenges Eurocentric approaches to heritage management in Southern Africa by integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge, aiming for pluralistic and inclusive heritage futures.

Centering wild harvesters for transformative change in Southern Africa

Addressing sustainability in wild harvesting, this group aims to develop equitable and resilient biodiversity economies by integrating societal engagement and cross-sectoral knowledge.

Human~Nature Connectedness  

This group seeks to enhance urban resilience in Southern Africa by fostering a stronger connection between people and nature, thereby promoting human health and planetary wellbeing.

Wildlife institutions for inclusive conservation systems (WIFICS)

Focused on wildlife conservation, this group examines diverse institutional models in Southern Africa to support just and resilient wildlife economies, aiming to influence policy and practice.

Arts-Based Co-Imagining

This group explores arts-based practices to envision resilient and sustainable futures in Southern Africa, integrating local priorities and knowledge systems

Resilience Rewired

Working across Southern Africa, this group aims to transform resilience strategies in humanitarian aid, emphasizing gender and local knowledge to improve service delivery and influence policy.

ALIVE: African Land, Inclusion, and Voices for Equity

This group focuses on gender equity and land rights in East and Southern Africa, using participatory action research and social ecological systems thinking to address issues like insecure land rights and land degradation.