Accepted abstracts

Stakeholder prioritization and non-technical feasibility of Forest and Lnadscape Restoration monitoring indicators in Togo, Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire

Co-authors: Sven Guenter (Thuenen Institute), Daniel Keubler (Thuenen Institute)

Death to Kikuyu (D2K): Lessons from the Grootvadersbosch Conservancy, South Africa

Co-authors: Strawberry Hill Farm Grootvadersbosch Estate PO Box 361, Grootvadersbosch, Grootvadersbosch Estate, Grootvadersbosch Estate Grootvadersbosch Estate

Radio documentaries driving rural household and community soil restoration initiatives

Co-authors: Charles Tah (FRI), Bernard Pelletier (FRI), Rosemond Ohene (FRI), Tesfanesh Tadesse (FRI)

National Park Conservancy model and program

Co-authors: Grant Fowlds - Project Rhino

Can Remote Sensing Construct Matched Non-Intervention Comparison Sites for Forest Landscape Restoration?

Co-authors: Sven Günter (Thuenen Institute), Daniel Kübler (Thuenen Institute)

An effort to strengthen ecosystem resilience through the GEF-7 project in Gauteng, South Africa: Early Detection and Eradication of Enterolobium contortisiliquum and Cynoglossum amabile

Co-authors: Nkhangweleni Sikhauli, Thulisile Jaca, Mlungele Nsikani. South African National Biodiversity Institute

From projects to systems: the Cross-Catchment Collective as a model for scaling ecosystem restoration

Co-authors: Hannah Siebrits, Cross-Catchment Collective

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Eva Martens, RBG Kew

Native seed supply networking event

Co-authors: Victor Nsereko, LuTreeCo, Uganda

Advancing Ecosystem Restoration through Early Detection and Rapid Response on emerging alien plants in areas of high biodiversity importance in KwaZulu-Natal.

Co-authors: Thabiso Cele (SANBI), Ntombifuthi Shabalala (SANBI)

Stakeholder engagement within the Magaliesberg Biosphere towards collaborative regenerative land-use solutions to support integrated catchment health and scaling for regional impact

Co-authors: Simone Liefferink (independent consultant) and Christian Schlotfeldt (Olienhout Conservancy) part of the RELISA Magaliesberg project team

Enviro Champs: Citizen Capacity for Catchment Management in South Africa

Co-authors: Dr Hannah Siebrits (Cross-Catchment Collective; Arrayza Pty Ltd; Agulhas Biodiversity Initiative)

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Erna Kruger, Msizi Ndlovu, Nqobile Mbokazi (All Mahlathini Development Foundation)

Untitled abstract

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Simphiwe Tsawu (University of Cape Town), Tafadzwa Dzingwe (University of Cape Town)

Retrospective Reflections: SER’s Standards of Practice as they relate to several southern African wetland rehabilitation projects

Co-authors: Craig Cowden (GroundTruth, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, 3245, South Africa) Gary de Winnaar (GroundTruth)

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Authors: Fiona Eggers (a), Andrew Hull (b), , Vere Ross-Gillespie (a), Craig Cowden (a), Trevor Pike (a), P. Mark Graham (a, c), Sanne van Aarst (b) Affiliations: a GroundTruth, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal, 3245, South Africa b Tanganyika Plantation Company Ltd. (TPC), Moshi, Tanzania c University of KwaZulu-Natal, Centre for Water Resources Research, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal 3201, South Africa

Post-planting interventions for tree growing success and climate mitigation in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and mata analysis

Co-authors: Abrha Brhan Gebre (University of Dar es Salaam/Mekelle University), Emiru Birhane (Mekelle University), Amos Majule‬ (University of Dar es Salaam), and Edmond Alavaisha (University of Dar es Salaam)‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬ *Corresponding author: abrha.brhan@mu.edu.et

Bayesian Network restoration assessment model using a risk-based approach to monitor recovery of riparian restoration at catchment scale

Community-Led Restoration of Indigenous Afromontane Tree Species Around Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Co-authors: NM61st 104

Strengthening Biodiversity Monitoring and Reporting in South Africa: An Indicator Gap Analysis Approach

Co-authors: Lize von Staden (SANBI), Sediqa Khatieb (SANBI), Tendamudzimu Munyai (SANBI)

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. in South Africa: Invasion Risk, Early Intervention and Ecosystem Restoration

Co-authors: Tumeka Mbobo (South African National Biodiversity Institute)

The Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems Through Integrated Catchment Management: Case study of Priority Sub Catchments in Lesotho

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Amanda Kalaku (ERS)

Forest Restoration and Conservation by Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities

Co-authors: Gertrude Kenyangi

Certification as a tool in responsible natural resource management - experiences of the Forest Stewardship Council in Africa and beyond. A keynote paper

Co-authors: Harrison O Kojwang Phd and Peter Alele Phd, The Forest Stewardship Council

Establishment of WASH Committees for Sustainable Management of Protected Springs

Restoring the Blue-Green Heart of Kigali: Lessons from Large-Scale Urban Wetland Restoration in Rwanda

Update on biological control of Tecoma stans (L.) in three provinces of South Africa

Scaling Ecosystem-Based Disaster Risk Reduction in South Africa: An Integrated Approach to Restoration and Climate Resilience

Natural Capital Accounting as an evidence base for ecosystem restoration at scale: Lessons from South Africa

Co-authors: Nokuthula Wistebaar (South African National Biodiversity Institute)

Untitled abstract

The Effect of Soil Microbe Inoculation on Ecological Rehabilitation of a Disturbed Grassland Ecosystem in Urban Areas, Gauteng

Co-authors: Prof. Leslie Brown (UNISA), Dr. Tanya Fouche (UNISA)

Invasive alien species, Melaleuca, Eradication

Co-authors: Mlungele Nsikani (SANBI)

The role of seed banks in restoration – the Millennium Seed Bank Partnership

Co-authors: Elinor Breman (RBG Kew), Naomi Carvey (RBG Kew), Kate Hardwick (RBG Kew)

Species distribution modelling and niche dynamics of cryptic invasive murid rodent species from southern Africa under climate change

Co-authors: Maseko, K.K.N.1,2*, Chimimba, C.T.1,2, Monadjem, A.2 & Mokhatla, M.1,2 1Centre for Invasion Biology (CIB), Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa 2Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield, 0028 South Africa

Citizen Science as an Enabler of Landscape Restoration Governance: Lessons from UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Southern Africa

Co-authors: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environmet

Soil quality indices in South African protected areas: Site-specific insights, policy gaps, and the role of expert opinion

Co-authors: Johan van Tol (University of the Free State)

Restoring Rangelands and Strengthening Rural Livelihoods

Serotinous woody plant invaders as an invasion syndrome of Mediterranean-type ecosystems and the potential for their eradication from South Africa

Co-authors: Karen Esler (Stellenbosch University), John Wilson (Stellenbosch University & SANBI), Mlungele Nsikani (SANBI & Stellenbosch University)

Sustainable Financing for Integrated Catchment Management Implementation in Lesotho

Green Defender Programme

Co-authors: Mr. Mlungisi Mncwabe ( Natal Midlands Development Programme) UEIP

South Africa’s National Invasive Species Strategy and Action Plan (NISSAP), 2026 – 2036.

Co-authors: Dr Tlou Masehela - DFFE Ms.Thato Mogapi - DFFE

Updates on Management Progress Toward the Eradication of Harrisia pomanensis in Limpopo, South Africa

Co-authors: Bongani Mashele(SANBI-DBE)

Untitled abstract

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A Friend or Foe for Whom? Acacia reficiens in African Rangelands: A Systematic Review

Co-authors: Stephen Mureithi, Staline Kibet, Jane Mutune, Madelene Ostwald

Localising International Standards of Ecological Restoration in Informal Settlements: A Global South Perspective

Co-authors: Mungenge CP1,2, Holden PB1, Ziervogel G1, Cupido S3, Mahlale LT3, Makombe Z3,Tyler J3, Banana E4, Baloyi M4, Nyirenda A4, Paradza T5, Muganyi S4, Ndhlovu S5, Chiremba S5, Jones M5, Moyo M6, Chirwa M7, Matimba I7, Lwembe B8, Kabocha N8, Phiri A8, Mutale A8, Dausi B8, Humbu P8, Kondowe B9, Hunga W9, Khonje M9, Kabungwe J10 & Nyambalo FL10. 1. African Climate & Development Initiative, University of Cape Town, South Africa 2. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, South Africa 3. Slum Dwellers International Secretariat, Cape Town 4. Dialogue on Shelter Trust 5. Zimbabwe Homeless People’s Federation 6. Zimbabwe Young People’s Federation 7. People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia 8. Zambia Homeless and Poor People’s Federation 9. Centre for Community Organisation and Development 10. Federation of the Rural and Urban Poor

Who pays? An option for urban conservation

Co-authors: Anthony Roberts, Nature Connect

Assessing long-term vegetation recovery following ecological restoration of a subtropical floodplain wetland in South Africa

Title: Restoring Ecosystems, Reviving Heritage: Integrating Indigenous Knowledge and Cultural Heritage in the Restoration of Kaya Forests in Kilifi County, Kenya

Co-authors: Author: Jacinta Mwachizigwa Affiliation: Directorate of Culture and Heritage, Kilifi County Government, Kenya

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Dr. Petrus J. Pieterse (Stellenbosch University), Diane L. Larson University of Minnesota, Adj. Associate Professor), Dr. Estelle Kempen (Stellenbosch University)

Untitled abstract

Decline in traditional/ancient dishes consumption and the western influence in our modern society.

Co-authors: Lungelo Mthwa, Bongeka Ntola, Lizeka Ntsikeni, Lindelani Mbulawa

Untitled abstract

Implementation Conditions and Readiness of Municipal Climate Action: Case Study of the North West Province

Co-authors: Prof Roelof Burger (North-West University), Dr Stephen Opiyo (North-West University), Dr Phathutshedzo Mukwevho (North-West University), Dr Nike Wesch (North-West University), Dr Izelque Botha (University of Limpopo) and Dr Kealeboga Mmolutsi (North West Department of Human Settlements)

Agroecology as a Landscape Restoration Strategy: Lessons from the Mount Elgon Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, Kenya and Uganda

Co-authors: Mary Nyasimi, UNESCO Jemimah Kimitu, UNESCO Fred Masika, UNESCO

Who Pays for the Catchment? FSC-Verified Impacts and the Business Case for Ecological Infrastructure

Co-authors: Dr David Gaynor, Climate and Ecosystem Services Lead, Africa FSC Richard Fergusson, Southern Africa Coordinator, FSC

Responsible Forest Governance, Restoration, Biodiversity Conservation and Community-Led Climate Action in Practice

Co-authors: Mme Prudence Galega, FSC Africa Advisory Committee Member

Bridging the Urban-Rural Divide: Rangeland Restoration, Pastoral Mobility, and Inclusive Spatial Governance in Nigeria

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Farai Tererai (SANBI); Sheunesu Ruwanza (Rhodes University); Mlungele M. Nsikani (SANBI)

A Risk-based Bayesian Network Approach to Assessing Climate Resilience of Urban Landscape Design.

Co-authors: Prof Felix Nchu - Acting Research Manager, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Applied Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Indrani Hazel Govender - Independent Consultant

Unlocking Freshwater Biodiversity Data for Ecological Restoration: An Introduction to the FBIS Africa Platform

Co-authors: Helen Dallas, Jeremy Shelton, Nazley Liddle Freshwater Research Centre

Rewilding Extinct Johannesburg: Scaling Urban Grassland Regeneration through Carbon Sequestration and Net Positive Ecology

Co-authors: Marc Sherratt, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), University of Cambridge.

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Nomsa Sibeko (Nature speaks and reponds NPC)

Securing Water Source Areas through Collaborative Stewardship: The WWF–Sappi Partnership in the Southern Drakensberg

Community perceptions of Salvia tiliifolia invasion in the Eastern Cape: Implications for biodiversity and rural livelihoods

Co-authors: Charlie Shackleton, & Sheunesu Ruwanza Department of Environmental Science, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa

Identifying Riverine Litter Sources Through Community Based Monitoring: Evidence from the Jukskei River

Co-authors: Samkelisiwe Khanyile- Gauteng City-Region Observatory, Thandokuhle Zungu: Alexandra Water Warriors

From Planning to Implementation: An Onrus Catchment-to-Coast case study for holistic catchment management and restoration

Co-authors: Ms. Lulutho Mancunga (Overstrand Municipality: Environmental Management and Conservation)

Life after plantations. Long-term vegetation dynamics reveal passive restoration of montane grasslands in South Africa.

Co-authors: Rion E. Lerm (SAEON), Dave Thompson (SAEON), Jan Graf (SAEON), Lynne Stone (independent), Rachel M. Keen (Kansas State University), Mightyman Mashele (SAEON)

Advancing Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration: Co-developing South Africa's Freshwater Challenge Roadmap

Co-authors: Esmeralda Ramburran: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment: Working for Wetlands Programme, 473 Steve Biko, Arcadia, Pretoria, 0083, South Africa Farai Tererai: South African National biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, 2 Cussonia Street, Brummeria, 0001, South Africa

Restoring Nature, Restoring Livelihoods: Community-Led Ecological Restoration and Youth Engagement in Kenya's Coastal Biosphere Reserve

Co-authors: B8

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Gladman Thondhlana (University of Pretoria); Sheunesu Ruwanza (Rhodes University)

Climate-Informed Ecosystem Restoration: Predicting Future Invasion Risk of Terrestrial Invertebrates under Climate Change in South Africa

Co-authors: Rob Slotow (University of KwaZulu-Natal) & Caswell Munyai (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Participatory Land Use Management: An innovative complimentary approach to catchment restoration in uMkhomazi catchment

Co-authors: Rebecka Herinkson/ Lingon Sustainability

Applying the value creation framework to understand how value is delivered by multi-stakeholder landscape platforms in the Berg-Breede landscape, Western Cape, South Africa

Co-authors: Prof. Sheona Shackleton, African Climate and Development Initiative, UCT

Untitled abstract

Evaluating the invasive status and potential risk of Agonis flexuosa (Western Australian peppermint) in South Africa.

Co-authors: Menzi M. Nxumalo

Adaptive and collaborative management strategies for active rehabilitation on riparian systems, case study: 24 Rivers, Berg River Catchment

Co-authors: Helen Stuart (WWF RSA), Georgina van Biljon (Intaba Environmental Services)

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: SANOU Lassina (Institut de l’Environnement et de Recherches Agricoles, Département Environnement et Forêt) , KROMA Seydou (Université Nazi Boni (UNB)), HIEN Mipro (Université Nazi Boni (UNB))

Understanding the Distribution of Opuntia robusta J.C. Wendl in South Africa

Co-authors: Menzi Nxumalo (South African National Biodiversity Institute)

The Spread and Ecological Impacts of Cylindropuntia pallida in the North West Province, South Africa

Co-authors: Keabetswe Nhlapo, Nkhangweleni Sikhauli

Building Community Resilience Through Participatory Water and Natural Resource Governance in Bergville

Co-authors: Erna Kruger (Mahlathini Development Foundation); Nqobile Mbokazi (Mahlathini Development Foundation); Msizi Ndlovu (Mahlathini Development Foundation)

The Role of Herbaria in the Identification of Alien Invasive Plants for Effective Management: Evidence from Acalypha poiretii in South Africa

Co-authors: Thulisile Jaca. South African National Biodiversity Institute

Aloysia gratissima: An Emerging Threat Invading Natural and Agricultural Landscapes in South Africa

Co-authors: Nkhangweleni Sikhauli, Nosisa F. Bulose, Goitseone Sedimo, and Thulisile Jaca (South African National Biodiversity Institute)

Field Validation of the African Native Tree Seed Security System (ANTSSS): A Provenance-Based Framework for Conserving Native Tree Genetic Resources

Co-authors: Francis Abila (LuTreeCo); Allan Akatwijuka (LuTreeCo)

Untitled abstract

Co-authors: Mthokozisi Buthelezi (uMngeni-uThukela Water)