The 2023 TREPA Indaba, held at the Southern African Wildlife College in September in Hoedspruit, South Africa, brought together a diverse group of participants, including researchers, community leaders, and practitioners for an immersive experience focused on the links between human and animal health and emerging disease detection. 

Departing from traditional classroom methods, the 2023 TREPA Indaba prioritized experiential activities, provocation sessions, mass games, networking sessions  and debriefings to foster collaborative learning and actionable insights.

The TREPA (Threat Reduction for the Environment, People, and Animals) research project, led by Associate Professor Meredith Gore, aims to fill knowledge gaps regarding the risks associated with zoonotic diseases of pandemic potential linked to wildlife trade, using a One Health approach.

The four-day event featured six comprehensive learning activities, including lectures such as "The genesis of TREPA: History and Future of Learning" and "Modeling Systems and Location Science." Each session aimed to provide a deeper understanding of topics like spatial data importance, the One Health concept, and traditional medicine.

Recognizing the power of experiential learning, the 2023 TREPA Indaba incorporated four activities: savannah ecosystem game drives, K9 dog demonstrations, a walking tour of the rangers' camp, and a visit to the Moholoholo Rehabilitation Center and vulture "restaurant." These hands-on experiences enriched participants' understanding of the subjects, fostering memorable and impactful learning moments.

The team facilitated specific conversation openers during coffee breaks, encouraging participants to discuss topics such as zoonotic diseases, human health and One Health. Additionally, community leaders from Mozambique and South Africa engaged in discussions, fostering a collaborative environment.

Feedback from community representatives highlighted the significance of comprehensive learning sessions, raising questions about anthrax transmission and proposing solutions like erecting fences, livestock vaccination, and access to natural resources. The community emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, "nothing about us without us."

As the 2023 TREPA Indaba concluded, the research team initiated a timeline evaluation and shared insights for future engagements. Suggestions included more information dissemination, increased local engagement and consistent involvement of community leaders.

The transformative learning experiences and collaborative solutions emerging from the 2023 TREPA Indaba underscore the importance of experiential education and community involvement in addressing complex challenges at the intersection of wildlife, human health, and ecosystem dynamics.

Main image: Indaba group photo. All photos courtesy of TREPA team members and the Southern African Wildlife College.