Championing African Biodiversity with Kuben Naidoo

Africa is home to some of the world’s most unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity, but these treasures face increasing threats. The African Journal of Biodiversity Conservation (AJBC) plays a critical role in championing research that addresses these challenges. Today, we’re joined by Kuben Naidoo, Editor-in-Chief of AJBC and a leading voice in biodiversity conservation, to explore how this open-access journal strengthens African research, supports conservation efforts, and fosters scientific collaboration across the continent. We’ll uncover insights into the journal’s purpose, its commitment to accessibility, and how it supports researchers in shaping the future of biodiversity conservation.

The purpose and vision of AJBC

1. What inspired the establishment of the African Journal of Biodiversity Conservation, and what role do you see it playing in addressing Africa’s biodiversity challenges?
   There are two major reasons for the establishment of AJBC. Firstly, was a desire to unite all African researchers that are undertaking amazing conservation research. Frequently, this research is not widely published and opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing limited. We identified a pressing need for a conservation journal that would fill this void and foster the development of sustainable partnerships between institutions and researchers on the African continent. Secondly, due to several threats to our biodiversity, conservation of our natural resources is paramount. On-going conservation efforts are vitally important to protect our iconic wildlife. Africa boasts an amazing array of diverse wildlife reserves and impressive ecosystems- what better way to showcase this in a journal that exemplifies our commitment to protecting our natural resources. We hope that this new journal will inspire a cultural shift and a new generation of academics.
2. How does the AJBC distinguish itself from other biodiversity-focused journals, particularly in the context of African research and conservation needs?
   We wanted to create a journal that is uniquely African. The focus of other conservation journals are not predominantly African and primarily focus on ecosystems elsewhere. African Journal of Biodiversity Conservation should resonate well with African researchers that now have a platform to voice opinions and share their research findings. The aims of the journal are also aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that, through conservation, seeks to ensure sustainable development throughout Africa. There are many unjust ideologies as Africa still suffers from the coloniality of resources and leveraging of people and their wealth. This is the opportune time for evidence-based conservation research to assist in mitigating the crisis affecting our biodiversity.

Open access and accessibility

1. AJBC operates as an open-access journal, ensuring free access to its content. Why was this model important to adopt, and how does it align with the journal’s mission?
   There are many researchers and scholars that belong to under resourced institutions. There should not be a barrier to knowledge sharing; the benefit should be open to all. One of the SDG’s is to reduce poverty therefore people should not be denied the ability to access information. Also, an open sharing model ensures greater dissemination of information fostering and fast-tracking research critical to conserving of biodiversity.
2. Article Processing Charges (APCs) are often a concern for authors. Could you elaborate on how the AJBC’s policy of no APCs for qualifying works supports research accessibility? What are the criteria for qualification?
   The waiver of initial APCs is to encourage researchers to publish in AJBC. This is an attempt to eliminate the cost typically associated with publishing allowing greater accessibility. This should encourage researchers to freely publish and not having to worry of the financial constraints of sharing their research. Many institutions, especially in Africa, are underfunded. This serves as a barrier as most researchers from western institutions benefit from partial to full subsidies. In the AJBC model, all researchers, irrespective of affiliation, benefit from the concession.

Supporting authors and researchers

1. How does AJBC support early-career researchers and authors from underrepresented backgrounds in sharing their work?
   We encourage submissions from early career scientists; one of the objectives of AJBC is to serve as a voice for researchers from all backgrounds. Published research is freely accessible due to the open funding model. This means that no matter where you are in the world, you will be able to freely access, download and use information. This will enhance cooperation and networking opportunities amongst researchers and hopefully help to enhance their academic development. One of the greatest challenges amongst early career scientists is inadequate research funding; AJBC aims to lighten the burden and remove some of the stumbling blocks to academic sharing.
2. Can you provide details on the resources or guidance provided to authors during the submission and publication process?
   AOSIS shall perform plagiarism detection and other suitable quality and originality checks on all submitted works and provide reports. AOSIS will perform typesetting, page layout, mark-up and publishing of all Works and other editorial content in the respective file formats from time to time (e.g., PDF, XML, HTML and ePub). The proofreading and correction of final galleys by Authors and The Editorial Team will also be managed. The galleys will be proofread by the Authors (first) and, if required, by The Editorial Team (second). AOSIS shall make corrections of mistakes at no additional cost. Copyediting (language) and reference editing of all Works will be performed after The Editorial Team and Reviewers complete their scientific evaluation and the Editor-in-Chief has approved the final version. In addition, The Journal shall be established as a primarily online Open Access publication, and Works shall be Published under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC-BY) license deed. Thematic clusters, Issues, or book supplements may be Published simultaneously for better visibility and promotion. Although the exclusive right of first publication will be signed to AOSIS, the Authors, or the Authors’ employer, shall retain the copyright of all their works published in The Journal. All authors will be able to check on the status of their submissions through registration and logging into the AJBC website. Our submission procedure is straightforward, and our editorial team provides constructive feedback and a swift response. All work will be evaluated on its merits and contribution to the field, ensuring a fair and transparent review process.

Journal scope and peer review

1. What is the scope of topics that AJBC covers, and are there particular areas you would like to see more submissions in?
   AJBC publishes papers from all disciplines in conservation ecology and nature conservation as well as those that show the critical linkages between nature and humanity. This peer-reviewed, open-access journal is a platform for the dissemination of best practices, informed opinions, shared experiences, comprehensive engagement with the literature, and critical research to foster collaboration between role-players in and around the African continent. The aims of this journal are devoted to protecting, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, regulate climate and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.
2. Could you walk us through the peer-review process and how the journal ensures the quality and credibility of published works?
   The Editorial Board is a group of experts in the journal’s field who also provide strategic guidance and oversight. Authors retain copyright and give a publication licence to the publisher. AJBC follows a double-blinded peer review model to ensure integrity and quality of all submissions. These experts are drawn from various institutions and fields and were selected based on scientific merit. The evaluation process is fair and transparent with high academic standards. The journal has a rapid turnover time from initial submission to online publication to ensure greater visibility and sharing of quality research.
3. Approximately how long does it take for a submission to go through the review process and, once accepted, move to publication?
   This generally depends on the quality of the submissions, the revision time to complete corrections etc. On average, returned submissions with completed minor revisions can be published within a few weeks after initial submission. Since AJBC follows an Open Access model, turnaround times tend to be quicker than traditional journals.

The impact of AJBC

1. Over the years, how has the journal influenced African biodiversity research and conservation efforts?
   AJBC is still new, so its impact is limited. However, we hope that it will play a large role in disseminating conservation knowledge and providing a platform for African researchers to network and collaborate in managing our biodiversity. We hope to gradually expand and become the voice piece of conservation efforts to ensure the continued existence of our precious resources.
2. Are there any examples of published works in AJBC that have led to notable changes or influenced conservation strategies at the local or regional level?
   No, presently, we are encouraging submissions and hope to become established within a few years.

Closing thoughts

1. Lastly, what message would you like to share with researchers and conservationists in Africa about the importance of sharing their work through AJBC?
   The aims of this journal are devoted to protecting, restoring and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, sustainable forest management, combatting desertification, regulating climate, and halting and reversing land degradation and biodiversity loss. All publications that show critical linkages between nature and human wellbeing with a perspective from or on Africa will be considered. In addition, AJBC seeks to serve as a platform for the dissemination of ideas on best conservation practices, opinion pieces, shared experiences, critical analyses, and comprehensive reviews to encourage cooperation between all role-players from within and outside Africa. Africa, with its vast conservation areas and resources should become a leader for the distribution of conservation knowledge; we hope that AJBC will serve African researchers in communicating this information and facilitating dialogue. We encourage all to contribute and make Africa a conservation world leader.

Thank you, Prof. Naidoo, for sharing your invaluable insights on the African Journal of Biodiversity Conservation and its mission to safeguard Africa’s natural heritage through research and collaboration. If you’re a researcher or conservationist, AJBC offers a platform to showcase your work and make a tangible impact. We encourage you to explore the journal, read inspiring research, and consider submitting your own findings. Together, we can drive meaningful progress in protecting Africa’s biodiversity. Visit AJBC today to learn more and start contributing!