Science and management co-learning to navigate social-ecological issues 

17-19 September 2019 

Pine Lake Marina, Sedgefield, South Africa 

Background: The Garden Route Interface Meeting (GRIM) is an annual event taking place in the Garden Route and providing a forum for researchers and practitioners interested in better understanding and managing (or navigating) social-ecological systems (SES) and their complex interactions and feedbacks. Three types of interfaces are of particular interest: human-nature (social-ecological systems), theory-practice (scientists and managers), and social-natural (sciences).

Previous meetings: The 2017 and 2018 meetings each attracted >70 delegates and key discussion themes during these meetings included the establishment of long-term social-ecological research sites, methods for and challenges in studying SES, sustainable resource use, adaptations and transformations in SES, governance models and challenges, ecosystem services and benefit flows, ways in which people connect with nature, and use of social media to understand human-nature relations.

Themes for the 2019 meeting: The overall aim of GRIM is to promote knowledge sharing, dialogue and networking related to learning about and managing SES. Both managers and scientists are invited to share their latest approaches, challenges, insights and findings. We encourage all contributions to be grounded in practical management, e.g. by including a final slide that explains the relevance of the findings/concepts to management. In addition to the themes that emerged during previous meetings, we would welcome contributions that address (a) monitoring, evaluation and learning in SES, and (b) processes of participation, collaboration and knowledge co-production (including transdisciplinary research).

Abstract submission guidelines: Abstracts on novel approaches and findings with distinct management application can be submitted for three types of contributions:

  • Posters: A1 size (59.4 x 84.1 cm) posters in either portrait or landscape orientation
  • Presentations: 5 min speed talks or 15 min presentations

Abstracts of no longer than one page should be submitted by 31 May 2019 to Nerina Kruger at nerina.kruger@sanparks.org. Please use the abstract template and indicate presentation type, title, authors, presenting author, and affiliation details. Once all abstracts have been evaluated, a programme will be finalised and uploaded/circulated.

Registration and payment: The 2019 registration fee is R 1,200 for full-time registered students and R 1,800 for all other delegates (payable by 30 July 2019). The registration fee includes attendance, teas and lunches for all three days, the GRIM braai (barbeque) and a mid-conference excursion. Please complete and submit the attached registration form to Jackey Deacon at dot@mpu.co.za. Due to the size of the venue and to allow for quality interaction, the number of delegates will be capped at 100 on a first pay first accept basis.

Accommodation: Delegates are responsible for making their own accommodation arrangements. Various options are available at Pine Lake Marina at 10% discount for delegates. Please visit http://www.pinelakemarina.co.za/accommodation.aspx and contact Eric Lourens at reservations@pinelakemarina.co.za or +27 44 349 2200 for details. There are also other accommodation options in the area, e.g. in nearby Sedgefield (see www.booking.com).

Pre-meeting workshop for post-graduate/early career researchers: Following the successes of the 2018 Spring School, a pre-meeting workshop is being planned for scholars interested in social-ecological research. This workshop will help prepare attendees to make the most of their GRIM experience. If you are interested in attending, please contact Hayley Clements (hayleyclements@sun.ac.za) or Kristi Maciejewski (kristi@sun.ac.za).

For more information, click here: GRIM_Sept 2019_information_and_call_for_abstracts.

Click here to register online.