The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) will host the 2026 Biodiversity Research and Evidence Indaba, which will take place from 2 - 4 September 2026 in Boksburg, Gauteng.
Convened under the theme, “Bridging Science, Policy and Society: Inclusive Evidence-Based Decision-Making for Uptake and Positive Impact,” the Indaba will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, conservation agencies, civil society, indigenous and local knowledge holders, and development partners.
The three-day gathering will assess progress in biodiversity research, identify critical evidence and knowledge gaps, and develop recommendations to strengthen the use of scientific evidence in environmental policy and decision-making. Its outcomes will also inform the updating of the National Biodiversity Research and Evidence Strategy and its Implementation Plan.
Discussions will cover the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, the National Biodiversity Assessment, land degradation and ecosystem restoration, species conservation, biological invasions, climate resilience, citizen science, biosafety, the biodiversity economy, and marine and coastal biodiversity.
Professor Guy Midgley, Director of the School for Climate Studies at Stellenbosch University, will deliver the keynote address on advancing biodiversity science and policy in South Africa.
Members of the media are invited to attend the opening session and other relevant sessions during the Indaba.
Date: 2 September 2026
Time: 08:30
Venue: Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre, Boksburg, Gauteng
Interview opportunities with DFFE representatives, researchers and biodiversity experts can be arranged on request.
RSVP:
Noma Bolani
Cell: 066 112 3746
E-mail: nbolani@dffe.gov.za
Enquiries:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
E-mail: znqayi@dffe.gov.za
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