Abstract ID: 3.12730 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

The unique and rich biodiversity of African mountains has remained relatively unscathed by modern societal impacts. However, the alarming effects of unprecedented land use changes, demographic shifts, climate change, and rising per capita GDP on biodiversity are becoming increasingly evident and action is needed to halt ongoing species loss and ecosystem degradation and safeguard the mere fabric of human life and wellbeing. To inform policy, investments, and management strategies, mountain biodiversity data and ecological monitoring are essential. Unfortunately, data and knowledge about the current status of and long-term trends in African mountain species and ecosystems is largely insufficient. Here we present the outcomes of an effort to (i) identify the challenges associated with data collection, access, sharing, and usage in African mountains, (ii) assess their severity across various respondent groups and geographic locations, and (iii) evaluate possible solutions as well as (iv) clarify responsibilities for addressing them. Data gathered at the first Southern African Mountain Conference in 2022, as well as a horizon scanning exercise and an online survey were rich in information and perspectives. Analyses indicated persistent technical, financial, and institutional challenges, including a lack of coherence and collaboration among institutions working on mountain biodiversity data, exacerbated by insufficient legislative frameworks that hinder cross-border cooperation. Financial constraints in turn impede data collection and the capacity of research institutions, particularly in areas such as museum curation, taxonomic repositories, and connectivity mapping. Additionally, there is a disconnect between expertise and employers’ needs, alongside difficulties in building capacities and attracting students to well-paid careers in the natural sciences. Finally, important challenges reside in the fair and just involvement of traditional and indigenous knowledge holders and communities in the collection, sharing and use of data.
Opportunities to address these challenges are plentiful. Our work contributes to identifying short- to long-term actions to address them as a collaborative effort across borders and across academic as well as governmental, non-governmental, and other non-academic institutions.