Rhodes University, Centre for Biological Control (2023)
Protecting 30x30 Gains Through Integrated Control of Prosopis and Cactus Invasions in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa
Project Details
Last Updated: February 12th, 2024
Background
Africa’s efforts to secure 30% of terrestrial ecosystems in sustainably managed conservation areas will be undermined if invasive alien species continue to spread and negatively impact on these conservation areas. The Protecting 30×30 Gains Through Integrated Control of Prosopis and Cactus Invasions in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa project aims to secure the necessary data to prove that management efforts for invasive plants such as Prosopis and cactus species, can help protect conservation areas such as the the massive Kgalagadi Trans-frontier Park. 
Management of invasive alien species requires accurate and up to date information on the spread of significant invasive species to inform management effort and biological control. South African researchers have expertise and capability to manage and prevent the expansion of many of the known invasive species of cactus. Unfortunately cactus invasions are not reported as land managers have limited knowledge of the success of biological control efforts. Data on cactus localities will allow for better management of these invasions.
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Project Details
The main goals for the Protecting 30X30 Gains Through Integrated Control of Prosopis and Cactus Invasions in Botswana, Namibia and South Africa project include:
- Regional workshops to identify key role players and their responsibilities
- Providing foundational understanding from which landscape-level, long-term control projects can be planned
- Clearly established understanding of biodiversity requirements and how data will be gathered
- Establishment of clear data management protocols
- Establish management practices to sustain functional ecosystems
- Baseline map of Prosopis distribution in the area of the Kgalagadi Trans-frontier park and buffer zones with particular emphasis on river courses
- Information sharing among stakeholders on the options for biomass use* from managed Prosopis
- Information sharing on biological control options for invasive cacti and Prosopis
- Increased support for release of biological control agents
Project Director Biography
Since 2017, Project lead Philip Ivey has managed projects that employ persons living with disabilities in the field of biological control, development of national strategies for management of invasive alien plants and integrating biological control into plans for invasive alien plant management. Ivey predominantly works in South Africa, but has links to projects across Africa and globally. Ivey promotes the use of biological control to reduce the impact of invasive cacti and waterweeds across Africa and has received funding for projects received from a variety of sources including national government, agricultural sector and related private sector donors.