University of Pretoria research fellow Dr Elizabeth le Roux has been awarded the fourth annual Jennifer Ward Oppenheimer (JWO) Research Grant.

Her research programme will explore whether the movement of cattle and pastoral communities in Africa can help to reconnect and integrate fragmented conservation areas.

Le Roux is also an assistant Professor at the University of Aarhus, in Denmark.

Her work will be undertaken over three years and is informed by the conviction that “the earth needs ecologically intact ecosystems and we need to be ambitious in our conservation targets".

“One of the most significant challenges we face will be to find space for biodiversity in a human-dominated world. We need to resolve the conflict between biodiversity conservation and fair opportunities for the social and economic development of local communities,” said science and conservation organisation Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation.

The grant of $150 000 provides funding to enable researchers to build evidence which can inform decision-making around Africa’s natural resources. It encourages practical action leading to the implementation of innovative solutions at local, regional and national levels for the benefit of African communities.

“The main purpose of the JWO Research Grant is to make common cause about how we think about saving our planet. We are fortunate to be able to engage scientists that are shifting our world-view and spearheading research that has the potential to change the world for our children and future generations,” said Oppenheimer Generations executive chairperson Jonathan Oppenheimer.

A distinguished panel with experience across academia and practice in environmental science reviewed the 332 applications received from some of the brightest minds in 29 African countries for this year's grant. The JWO grant received entries from across Africa, increasing its reach over previous years.

“The highlight of the JWO this year, has been the wide breadth and diversity of the applications we’ve received. We’ve had sterling responses from all corners of the continent, celebrating what the JWO grant is all about, elevating African voices in securing sustainable futures,” said Oppenheimer Generations research and conservation head Dr Duncan Macfadyen.

The five other finalists shortlisted for the research grant were Dr Alice Karanja, of Kenya; Dr Peta Brom, of South Africa; Dr Bridget Bobadoye, of Nigeria; Dr Sivuyisiwe Situngu, of South Africa; and Dr Tiwonge Mzumara-Gawa, of Malawi.

Since its inception four years ago, the JWO Grant has supported groundbreaking African research programmes with the potential to significantly contribute to the advancement of environmental and allied sciences by identifying and addressing real-world issues across the continent, the organisation said.