Harnessing the Value of 'Wildness' in the Anthropocene

ZOOLOGY IN THE ANTHROPOCENE

A holistic integrated approach to Conservation

On behalf of the Zoological Society of Southern Africa, the local organising committee extends a warm invitation to participate in  23rd International Congress of Zoology (ICZ), which will be held virtually, from 22 to 24 November 2021.

First held in Paris, the ICZ conference will be more than 125 years old in 2021.  It is the only general Zoology conference globally, which incorporates all aspects Zoology, and not sub-disciplines.  This prestigious conference has previously taken place in Europe, North America (USA), Asia and the Middle East.  The ZSSA is delighted to host the ICZ 2021 Virtual Congress.

The ICZ 2021 takes place in the context of a rapidly and significantly changing Earth’s landscape and ecosystems.  Under the theme: Zoology in the Anthropocene and incorporating all aspects of Zoology, this conference is dedicated to understanding and managing change in the current geological timescale, the Anthropocene.  With sub-themes including climate change, urban ecology, biodiversity conservation, threats in the Anthropocene, water – implications of water scarcity and water pollution on human and animal life, as well as many more sub-themes, the conference programme will cater for a variety of interests will be all inclusive.  We hope that the deliberations will assist in bridging Science, Policy and Economics.

AWEI has organised a session on

Harnessing the Value of ‘Wildness’ in the Anthropocene

The Anthropocene poses serious challenges for biodiversity conservation on the African continent, on which human populations are projected to increase fourfold by the end of the 21st Century. The consequent demand for resources will most likely place incredible pressure on Africa’s wild landscapes and indigenous megafauna, which will increasingly come into conflict with human development needs and wants. The ‘wildness’ of Africa holds considerable value, both intrinsic and to human society, but will most likely suffer if this value is not recognized, appropriately harnessed, and equitably shared.