The Biodiversity Science and Policy Advice (BSPA) Branch Symposium, held on 5 March 2025 in Cape Town and Pretoria, brought together colleagues for a day of meaningful engagement, learning, and connection. Under the theme “Thriving People in Nature,” the symposium emphasized the interconnectedness of biodiversity conservation and human well-being.
A day of connection and learning
The symposium provided a platform for staff to reflect on how their work contributes to both environmental sustainability and societal benefits. The opening remarks set the tone, reinforcing the importance of working together to integrate biodiversity considerations into policy and decision-making.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in interactive sessions and scenario-based challenges that encouraged cross-disciplinary thinking. The Biodiversity Connections activity helped colleagues explore linkages between their respective roles, while the Thriving People and Nature session facilitated discussions on how to align biodiversity science with practical, real-world applications.
One of the key highlights was the Scenario Challenge, where teams tackled real-life case studies, finding ways to balance biodiversity conservation with development needs. This exercise sparked insightful conversations and reinforced the need for innovative, collaborative approaches in addressing environmental challenges.
Key takeaways
The symposium encouraged participants to consider several critical questions:
- How can biodiversity be prioritized in decision-making?
- How can our work translate into tangible, real-world impact?
- How can we foster stronger connections across teams and disciplines?
These reflections guided discussions throughout the day, culminating in a Closing Reflections session where participants shared key insights and actionable commitments for strengthening biodiversity initiatives within SANBI.
Looking ahead
Beyond the engaging discussions, the symposium reinforced the value of collaboration, highlighting the collective expertise and dedication within the BSPA branch. As SANBI continues its mission, events like these serve as a reminder that meaningful change happens when people come together with a shared vision. With renewed energy and fresh perspectives, participants left the symposium inspired to champion biodiversity conservation while ensuring that people and nature thrive together.
