ResearchCenter for Regional Environmental Studies - FEST

Hank Shugart, Director

Environmental feedbacks from human interactions with Earth systems are best studied and understood at regional scales. This project seeks to reinforce the scientific breadth by investigating the dynamics of regional-scale feedbacks of fire and grazing on Southern Africa (i.e., research on the effects of animal grazing on Southern Africa including the interactions between grazing and fire). This project takes advantage of our existing strengths in modeling the large-scale vegetation dynamics of the region and serves to promote a strong institutional relationship between UVA and major conservation organizations, notably the World Wildlife Fund.