CONGRESS 55
the problems we have created. We urgently
need to tackle the underlying issues
that are driving the destruction of
nature and recognise that the way we
produce and consume food is pushing
the world to its limits with proven and
demonstrated negative consequences
for us.
However, I am heartened by the work
I see you are all doing. When I look at
the Congress programme and see the
depth and breadth of the important
work being done, I know that we will
find solutions.
Necessity creates new thinking. Now is
a good time to look at new economic
models and to fix the disjunctions in our
systems; to build more resilience.
My challenge to you is to take this opportunity
that the pandemic has provided.
Take time to rethink and innovate.
Question everything. Look at the
threats and find radical ways to find
nature-based solutions.
Find ways to create an inclusive economy
that accounts for nature. Find novel
ways to create new sustainable businesses
and provide jobs. Become and
grow entrepreneurs. Create a bottomup
revolution. Use technology. Help
create stability.
Be bold and
embrace the change
for it is a chance to
renew and grow.
Your world depends
on it!
In the spirit of not letting a good crisis
go to waste, the Grassland Society has
embraced new opportunities and we
are hosting our first ever virtual Congress.
The organising team has worked very
hard in a short space of time, under
challenging lockdown conditions to
put the Congress together and I would
like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all
those involved in the Congress.
The organising team have certainly
gone beyond the call of duty. It has
been a privilege to serve with the dedicated
members of this team.
We will certainly miss the interaction
and camaraderie of a physical congress,
but we hope you will embrace the different
mechanisms available to interact
with fellow delegates.
We also extend a warm welcome to
our international colleagues who would
otherwise not as easily have been able
to attend.
I would like to thank our sponsors who
have helped to make this congress a reality.
We could not have done this without
you.
In particular, I thank the Eastern Cape
Department of Rural Development and
Agrarian Reform who was originally going
to be hosting us at Mentorskraal in
Jeffreys Bay.
They demonstrated their ability to
adapt to changing times. I further thank
the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism
Agency, South African National Parks,
NICS, Capstone Seeds Terreco Aviation
and the Centre of Environmental Management
for their generous support.
Honoured guests, delegates and members
– welcome to the 55 th but first-ever
virtual Congress of the GSSA!
Thanks to our sponsors!
Anonymous Donor - from a research grant
at the University of the Free State
Grassroots Vol 20 No 3 September 2020
04