A team from the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) recently visited South Africa to exchange expertise and strategies for controlling invasive plant species. The visit included participation in the conference titled "Managing Biological Invasion Across Different Environments in South Africa," which brought together experts to share insights, present activities related to invasive alien species, and discuss approaches for their control, impact assessment, and sustainable management. The NCVC team also engaged in a specialized training course focused on the mechanical and chemical management of Prosopis plants, as well as efforts in biological control. The training included practical field visits to sites affected by various invasive species, such as cacti, Prosopis, eucalyptus, Australian acacias, and conifers. As part of the visit, the team attended a series of lectures addressing the development of national monitoring lists for invasive plants, outlinin g best practices for the preparation and categorization of species. The lectures also covered biological control methods utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies. The sessions highlighted South Africa's experience in combating invasive species over the past 100 years, offering valuable insights into assessing the economic impact of invasive plant spread and its effects on biodiversity. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration and knowledge-sharing efforts in the field of vegetation management and combating desertification, as the NCVC continues to enhance its approach to sustainable environmental management. Source: Saudi Press Agency