The Southern African Wildlife Management Association (SAWMA) is an independent, voluntary, non-profit professional body, founded in 1970. The association represents a multi-disciplinary membership and is involved with the science and management of wildlife and other renewable natural resources. It includes the various disciplines, such as wildlife research, conservation science, ecology, genetics, animal science etc.
The main function of SAWMA is to promote the common interest of our membership by publishing research articles in a scientific journal, African Journal of Wildlife Research, organising an annual conference and providing our members with news and other information, thereby keeping all abreast of the latest research and development and setting a code of ethics and standards for wildlife management and wildlife research.
DATES:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 6 -11 October 2024 (arriving 6 October, departing 11 October)
VENUE:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Arebbusch Travel Lodge, Windhoek, Namibia
MAIN THEME: Â Thinking Big: Landscape Level and Transboundary Perspectives on Southern African ConservationWildlife management in southern Africa faces numerous challenges, including habitat fragmentation and loss, human-wildlife conflict, and climate change. To address these issues, a landscape-level approach that considers ecological, social, and economic factors is essential. This approach involves the integration of various management strategies, such as habitat restoration, community engagement, and adaptive management, to promote the conservation of wildlife and their habitats while also supporting local livelihoods.
During the SAWMA Namibia 2024 conference, we will showcase studies from different regions in southern Africa, highlighting successful landscape-level approaches to wildlife management and conservation. We urge the participants to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and lessons learned from these approaches and explore ways to scale up these efforts to achieve greater impact. Four sub-themes will enable presenters to share their experiences on topics such as community-based natural resource management, connectivity, green economy, and conservation health. Our goal is to facilitate interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to guide improved wildlife management and promote sustainable development in southern Africa.
SAWMA is a registered voluntary association with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP).
SACNASP is the legislated regulatory body for natural science practitioners in South Africa. The natural sciences encompass a wide range of scientific fields covering all of the basic sciences and many of their applied derivatives. For a complete list of the current fields of practice recognised by SACNASP, please click here.
You can earn CPD points just by registering as a paying SAWMA member?
Attending a SAWMA conference will help you earn CPD points