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Viability and desirability of financing conservation in Africa through fire management

Author

Listed:
  • Tony Knowles

    (Cirrus)

  • Nicola Stevens

    (University of the Witwatersrand
    University of Oxford)

  • Esther Ekua Amoako

    (Rhodes University
    University for Development Studies)

  • Mohammed Armani

    (KNUST)

  • Chipilica Barbosa

    (Angola National Node)

  • Colin Beale

    (University of York)

  • William Bond

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Emmanuel Chidumayo

    (Makeni Savanna Research Project)

  • Colin Courtney-Mustaphi

    (University of Basel
    Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology)

  • Kebonye Dintwe

    (University of Botswana)

  • Andy Dobson

    (Princeton University)

  • Jason Donaldson

    (University of the Witwatersrand
    University of Georgia)

  • Luthando Dziba

    (Wildlife Conservation Society
    Nelson Mandela University)

  • Navashni Govender

    (Nelson Mandela University
    South African National Parks)

  • Gareth Hempson

    (University of the Witwatersrand
    University of Glasgow)

  • Glynis Joy Humphrey

    (University of Cape Town)

  • Duncan Kimuyu

    (Karatina University)

  • Paul Laris

    (California State University)

  • Aya Brigitte N’Dri

    (Nangui Abrogoua University)

  • Catherine L. Parr

    (University of the Witwatersrand
    University of Liverpool
    University of Pretoria)

  • James Probert

    (University of Liverpool)

  • Gernot Ruecker

    (ZEBRIS Geo-IT GmbH)

  • Izak Smit

    (South African National Parks
    Nelson Mandela University)

  • Tercia Strydom

    (South African National Parks)

  • Stephen Syampungani

    (Copperbelt University
    University of Pretoria)

  • Sally Archibald

    (University of the Witwatersrand)

Abstract

Adopting early dry season fires in African conservation areas has been proposed as ecologically desired and a means of generating sufficient carbon revenues for their management. We interrogate available peer-reviewed information on the ecology and biogeochemistry of fire in Africa to offer an informed perspective on the full implications of the proposal. We conclude that there is insufficient evidence that a shift to early dry season fires will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, that resultant biodiversity and ecosystem service outcomes may not be desired, and that adopting a single burning regime limits the use of fire to achieve a diverse range of goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Tony Knowles & Nicola Stevens & Esther Ekua Amoako & Mohammed Armani & Chipilica Barbosa & Colin Beale & William Bond & Emmanuel Chidumayo & Colin Courtney-Mustaphi & Kebonye Dintwe & Andy Dobson & Ja, 2025. "Viability and desirability of financing conservation in Africa through fire management," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(3), pages 226-233, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01490-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01490-9
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