GYPWORLD Africa: Setting an agenda for gypsum ecosystem research in southern Africa

Abstract

Significance:
This paper introduces gypsum ecosystem research to southern Africa. It is the result of current joint efforts to compare African gypsum  ecosystems with those in other parts of the world. We highlight the expansion of an international network through joint projects and  training of young scientists. We propose a research agenda to sensitise the ecological community in Africa to the significance of life on  gypsum and to demystify the existence of gypsum soil and associated ecosystems in southern Africa.