~ by Keneilwe Mmushi,
Catchment Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with the National Research Foundation of South Africa and the University of Mpumalanga, hosted the 6th National Global Change Conference at the University of Mpumalanga. This 4-day gathering brought together funders, organisations, researchers, academics and students working across the green sector to engage around the theme: Transformational Science for Social and Economic Empowerment in a Changing World.
Among the participants was Keneilwe Mmushi, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region and one of 12 Cross-Catchment Collective Youth representatives. Several sessions aligned closely with ongoing K2C work, offering insights that could strengthen local practice. These included research on the spatial distribution of woody invasive alien species, improving the utility of temporal satellite imagery for mapping invasives in the Global South, integrating citizen science in water quality monitoring, and understanding metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems through species feeding strategies.
The conference placed strong emphasis on partnerships and collaboration, highlighting the need to integrate ecological and economic priorities in ways that address climate risks while supporting environmental awareness and enterprise development within communities.
Young professionals from organisations such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), Conservation Exposure Education & Training, Meat Naturally Africa, DUCT Rivers, Mahlathini Development Foundation, Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region, the Association for Water and Rural Development, and the Institute of Natural Resources NPC represented catchment partnerships from across the country.
A highlight for the youth cohort was the side event titled From Capacity Development to Capabilities: Youth Shaping Catchment Futures in a Changing World, convened by Miss Dan’sile Cindi Mavimbela from SANBI. This lively and reflective session explored how collaboration across catchments supports entrepreneurship in the green sector, strengthens climate services, and encourages public-private partnerships. It showcased youth-led initiatives that create jobs while addressing environmental challenges linked to climate and weather extremes.
Discussions also unpacked how science, policymaking and community action could better align, and how partnership models might be institutionalised within national climate and water policy frameworks. This demonstrated not only the practical value of collaboration but also the leadership role young professionals are increasingly playing in shaping catchment futures.
The Cross Catchment Collective (CCC), represented by these young leaders, brings together seven initial partnerships alongside SANBI and the Water Research Commission. By enabling cross-learning, shared reflection and collective action, the CCC is creating new pathways to scale impact beyond isolated projects.
Together, these engagements highlighted how youth leadership, scientific insight and collaborative partnerships are essential for building resilient catchment systems. For K2C, participation in national platforms like the Global Change Conference strengthens our ability to connect science with community-driven action, enriches the practice of catchment restoration, and supports the young professionals who are helping to shape a more climate-resilient future.