Location
We are a small department dedicated to advancing inter- and trans-disciplinary science and learning aimed at understanding and managing complex human-environmental/social-ecological systems, with a focus on Africa.
We are interested in human-environment interactions and in the governance and sustainable management of complex social-ecological systems. We recognise that we are living in a globalising and rapidly changing world characterised by numerous interconnected environmental and social challenges. We undertake research on the ecological and socio-economic dimensions of these challenges, with the goal of contributing towards more resilient, equitable and sustainable pathways into the future. The nexus between human well-being, livelihoods, vulnerability, ecosystem services and change is central in all our work. Key areas of research include:
- Livelihoods, vulnerability and biodiversity
- Ecosystem services and societal benefits
- Non-timber forest products use, trade and management
- Landscape change and land degradation
- Co-management and governance of protected areas
- Community based natural resource management
- Social learning for change
- Climate change adaptation
- Urbanisation, urban greening and forestry
- Ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration
- Invasive plants – uses, impacts and management
- Food security, especially in relation to ecosystem services provision and wild food
