Dr Cherié Janine Forbes joins PiNC
The People in Nature and Climate (PiNC) Lab is pleased to announce Dr Cherié Janine Forbes has this year joined its team as a research officer working on the ALBATROSS project. A palaeoecologist and system dynamicist with a passion for blending local knowledge with technology, Forbes’ work aims to support sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.
“Cherié brings valuable interdisciplinary expertise to our team. We look forward to learning from her and collaborating on nature-based solutions that combine lessons from the past with innovations for future conditions to benefit people, biodiversity and the planet,” says PiNC Lab lead Dr Petra Holden.
Climate-responsive NbS in Africa
Forbes current research focuses on climate-responsive nature-based solutions (NbS) in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a specific regional focus in Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania.
Her work involves using scientific methods like palaeoecology, stakeholder engagement and system dynamics modelling, which she links with fostering partnerships between researchers and practitioners and harnessing local and indigenous knowledge. She also leverages historical insights and systemic interconnections between society, ecology and climate to evaluate adaptive strategies and promote resilience.
“My current work aims to integrate climate risk into subnational adaptation centered on NbS, evaluating climate and environmental data, services and literacy for informing adaptation planning,” Forbes explains.
This builds on her previous work using palaeo- techniques and remote sensing technology to address ecological changes. Specifically focused on the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, a globally recognised biodiversity hotspot and one of the world's six floral kingdoms, her contributions led to international cooperation for sustainable practices and effective ecosystem management in the region.
Sharing knowledge and amplifying voices
Recognising the need for effective ecosystem management in a changing climate, Forbes was inspired to pursue a career in environmental biology and palaeoecology. “My passion stems from the urgency to address global concerns like biodiversity loss and climate change,” Forbes says.
That currency has only been emphasised by her work with the PiNC Lab, she says. “PiNC Lab conducts cutting edge research to advance NbS in sub-Saharan Africa, and it provides a platform for us to share important information with others for social and ecological wellbeing in a changing world.”
For Forbes, sharing scientific knowledge is crucial for fostering connections, promoting scientific excellence, and amplifying voices in the field - especially when it comes to voices from South African women in STEM like herself.
“We must emphasise the role of women researchers in Africa and the significance of their work in driving equitable and sustainable solutions, fostering international cooperation, and inspiring future generations,” says Forbes.