For nature and livelihoods
2026
Conference
Once a year, all our partners come together to network and share information, in order to improve not only nature, but also livelihoods of the dryland communities in the region.
OUR 2026 AZEF CONFERENCE
13-15 October 2026
NG Kerksaal, Kamieskroon, Northern Cape
Themes:
1. Resilient Rangelands: Sustaining Life in Arid Landscapes
2. Shifting Sands: Drivers of Change in the Arid Zone
3. Living Futures and Landscapes: People at the Heart of Arid Zone Conservation
4. General Ecology: Foundations of Arid Zone Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science
Day(s)
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Who’s invited to attend?
If you work in the arid or semi-arid zone of southern Africa, you’re invited to join us. Managers, landowners, researchers, students, conservationists working at non-profit organisations and government officials (either provincial, national or municipal) all connect at our annual AZEF conference.
Guidelines for Presentations and Abstracts
Deadline for abstract submission 21 August 2026. Submit abstracts to gill@azef.co.za
Conference registration
fees & deadlines:
Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors
for their continued support:
Pre-conference workshop:
Field excursion: An immersive experience of
pastoralism
Clement Cupido, Rangeland Ecologist
Researcher, Agricultural Research Council
Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department,
University of the Western Cape
This field excursion offers participants an immersive
experience of pastoralism across contrasting arid
landscapes of the succulent karoo and renosterveld. The Leliefontein Communal Area spans approximately
194 000 ha with no internal fences, where livestock is
actively managed by herders and navigated across the
landscape using ancient grazing routes.
The communal area consists of 10 villages, each associated with its own informal grazing areas.
Participants will begin the excursion at stock posts to observe the herder’s daily routine in checking animals before moving with livestock along grazing routes. During the walks, participants will gain insight into how herders blend indigenous and scientific knowledge to manage livestock in these arid environments. Palatable and poisonous plants, traditional medicinal plants, animal behaviour, and strategies used to direct livestock across the landscape will also be highlighted.
General Ecology: Foundations of Arid Zone Biodiversity and Ecosystem Science
This session provides space for high quality, fundamental ecological research that advances understanding of biodiversity patterns, ecological processes, and species interactions in arid environments. This session anchors the conference in rigorous ecological science and supports the integration of foundational knowledge into applied themes on environmental change, rangeland resilience, and people-centred conservation.
We invite abstracts on: species ecology, population dynamics, ecological modelling, community ecology, ecosystem functioning, long-term monitoring, trophic interactions, landscape ecology, behavioural ecology, and taxonomic or phylogenetic studies relevant to arid systems.
Conference themes
Resilient Rangelands: Sustaining Life in Arid Landscapes
Arid rangelands support unique biodiversity, mobile pastoralism, cultural heritage, and livelihoods. In
recognition of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, this theme highlights ecological processes, social–ecological resilience, pastoral knowledge systems, restoration approaches, and innovations in rangeland
management.
We invite abstracts on: rangeland ecology, grazing dynamics, ecosystem services, indigenous and local
knowledge, mobility systems, restoration, monitoring, and climate resilience in arid rangelands.
Shifting Sands: Drivers of Change in the Arid Zone
Arid landscapes are undergoing profound transformations driven by climate change, mining and energy expansion, land-use pressures, illegal trade in plants and animals, and biological invasions. This theme explores the cumulative and interacting impacts of these drivers on ecological processes, species distributions, and social-ecological systems.
We invite abstracts on: invasive species, climate impacts, mining ecology, socio-ecological drivers, illegal wildlife and plant trade, land degradation, cumulative impact assessment, and management responses.
Living Futures and Landscapes: People at the Heart of Arid Zone Conservation
Global and national conservation thinking is shifting toward inclusive, landscape-scale approaches that integrate biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural values. This theme aligns with 30×30 targets and the growing recognition of OECMs. It positions people as partners and co-custodians in shaping thriving arid landscapes.
We invite abstracts on: inclusive conservation, co-management, stewardship models, OECMs, living
landscapes, community-based approaches, indigenous leadership, participatory governance, and
cross-boundary conservation initiatives.
Join our AZEF community
As a member of the AZEF community, you have access to partners such as yourself, working to protect the arid and semi-arid zone of southern Africa.
Get to know other partners working in the arid zone, and how they can help you. MORE
Share or learn more about study and work opportunities in the arid zone. MORE
Join our annual conference to connect with stakeholders in the arid zone. MORE
Join our emailer to stay in touch with the latest opportunities in the arid zone. MORE
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