As part of the project RECAP – Supporting early-career African researchers in planning and conducting research projects on sustainable development using the example of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves – Prof. Heike Molitor, Franziska Rottig and Jana Gengelbach visited three biosphere reserves in South Africa and Eswatini. The visit took place from 22nd of February to 4th of March and allowed to gain a deeper understanding of regional contexts and strengthen collaboration among project partners.

Together with project partners Eureta Rosenberg and Kwanele Siyengo (Rhodes University) and practitioners from the participating biosphere reserves, initial ideas were developed for a curriculum to support early-career African researchers in conducting transdisciplinary research in biosphere reserves.

RECAP aims to support young scientists in South Africa, Eswatini and Ghana in designing and implementing research projects on sustainable development – using UNESCO Biosphere Reserves as exemplary research contexts.

In a co-creative process with project partners, key themes for the planned capacity-building activities were identified. Particularly relevant were ethical aspects of conducting research with communities, networking, and science communication. These focal areas will now be further refined and integrated into the development of a structured curriculum.

The project builds on the ongoing collaboration and valuable insights from local partners Tonderai Makoni, Lutendo Mugwedi and Hloniphani Moyo (Vhembe Biosphere Reserve), Marié-Tinka Uys (Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region NPC), and Prof. ’Themb’alilahlwa A.M. Mahlaba and his colleagues from the University of Eswatini, as well as community members and representatives of regional conservation institutions.

Funded by the German Bundesamt für Naturschutz - Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, RECAP aims to establish a cross-country research and support network in the context of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in Sub-Saharan Africa.