Botswana Hosts 4th SASSCAL Council of Ministers Meeting on Climate and Land Management

Botswana Hosts 4th SASSCAL Council of Ministers Meeting on Climate and Land Management. The 4th Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) is currently underway in Botswana, bringing together representatives from six member states — Angola, Botswana, Germany, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.

The high-level gathering is focused on strengthening regional cooperation in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable land management. Ministers and senior officials are examining SASSCAL’s strategic role in advancing climate research, building scientific capacity, and supporting evidence-based policymaking across the region.

Discussions at the meeting highlight the importance of collaborative engagement in tackling the challenges posed by climate variability and environmental degradation. Delegates are reflecting on progress made in recent years while shaping forward-looking interventions that respond to the evolving climate landscape.

SASSCAL has played a critical role in supporting research and innovation across Southern Africa, particularly in areas such as adaptive land management, water resource monitoring, and climate resilience. By convening member states, the Council of Ministers meeting provides an opportunity to align priorities, share knowledge, and strengthen partnerships that contribute to sustainable development.

fficials emphasized that the outcomes of the meeting will guide future initiatives aimed at enhancing regional resilience to climate change, ensuring that scientific research translates into practical solutions for communities and economies. The gathering also underscores the importance of integrating climate science into national and regional policy frameworks to support long-term sustainability.

As the meeting continues, Botswana’s hosting of the Council reflects its commitment to advancing regional collaboration and positioning Southern Africa as a leader in climate research and adaptive land management.