attend ELA annual & student conferences 2025 at University of Venda, 8–11 October 2025

The University of Venda is getting ready to host the ELA Annual & Student Conferences from 8 to 11 October 2025. This significant event will bring together various experts and community members to discuss a crucial topic: how to balance development with protecting our environment, especially considering the growing challenges of climate change, pollution, and the loss of natural habitats. The conference aims to explore what limits should be placed on development to ensure a sustainable future for everyone, guided by South Africa’s constitutional principles.

Detailed list of event information

• Event Name: ELA Annual & Student Conferences 2025
• Theme: The environment and justifiable limits on development
• Dates: 8 to 11 October 2025
• Venue: University of Venda (UNIVEN)
• Key Stakeholders/Participants: This conference is designed for a wide range of individuals and groups, including environmental activists, community members, environmental assessment practitioners, legal practitioners, judges, academics, scientists, government officials, and representatives from corporations.
• Core Focus: Addressing the “triple planetary crisis” – which refers to the interconnected challenges of accelerated biodiversity and habitat loss, widespread pollution, and climate instability. The event will delve into the intensive use of environmental resources for economic gain and its impact on human well-being and the environment.
• Legal and Ethical Inquiry: The conference will critically examine questions such as “When is development justifiable?”, “What are the limits the law should place on development in the face of ecological collapse?”, and “What are the justifiable limits on development amidst the triple planetary crisis and the justice implications?”.
• South African Context: Discussions will be informed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, specifically Section 24(b), which protects the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being, promoting ecologically sustainable development and justifiable social and economic development. The conference will also consider Section 36, which details limitations on rights and how “justifiable” is interpreted in environmental contexts.

The environment and justifiable limits on development conference

The University of Venda is excited to announce that it will be the host for the ELA Annual & Student Conferences in 2025. This important gathering, set for 8 to 11 October 2025, will focus on a very timely and critical issue: how we can continue to develop and grow as a society while making sure we don’t cause irreversible damage to our precious environment. The theme, “The environment and justifiable limits on development,” asks us to think deeply about the choices we make today for the sake of tomorrow.

Currently, our planet is facing what is known as the “triple planetary crisis.” This means we are seeing a rapid loss of different plant and animal species, an increase in pollution that affects our air, water, and soil, and major shifts in our climate, leading to more extreme weather events. These problems are largely due to how we use our planet’s resources, often taking too much without considering the long-term consequences. This conference aims to tackle these challenges head-on, bringing together a diverse group of people, from environmental activists and local community members to legal experts, government officials, academics, and businesses. They will all come together at the University of Venda to share ideas and find solutions.

A key part of the discussions will be about the legal and ethical questions surrounding development. When is it right to develop, and when does it go too far? What rules should be in place to protect our environment from collapsing, especially when development is pushed forward for economic reasons? In South Africa, these questions are particularly relevant because our country’s Constitution, specifically Section 24(b), gives everyone the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being. This section also promotes development that is both environmentally sustainable and socially and economically fair. The conference will explore what “justifiable” really means in this context and how it applies to the complex challenges we face in environmental and developmental law.

Benefits to the community and how to participate

This conference offers significant benefits to the local community and beyond. By bringing together such a wide array of experts, it will foster discussions that lead to practical solutions for environmental protection and sustainable development. Community members will have the opportunity to hear from leading thinkers, understand the environmental challenges facing their region, and learn about potential ways to get involved in local initiatives. The outcomes of the conference could influence policy-making, local planning, and educational programmes, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for everyone living in areas like Thohoyandou and surrounding regions.

The community can participate in several ways. While the call for abstracts is primarily for academics, students, and practitioners to present their research, the conference itself will be a platform for learning and engagement. Local residents are encouraged to attend open sessions or public lectures that may be part of the conference agenda. They can also stay informed about the discussions and their outcomes through local media and the University of Venda’s communications channels. Furthermore, engaging with the ideas discussed at the conference can empower community members to advocate for environmental protection and sustainable practices in their daily lives and local government. For more details on abstract submissions or to learn more about the conference as it approaches, please visit the official UNIVEN event page. You can also explore other exciting events happening at the university by visiting more UNIVEN events.

Questions and answers

1. What is the ELA Annual & Student Conferences 2025 about?
   It’s a conference hosted by the University of Venda that will discuss how to develop our society without harming the environment, focusing on climate change, pollution, and nature loss, and what limits should be placed on development.
2. When and where will the conference take place?
   The conference will be held from 8 to 11 October 2025 at the University of Venda.
3. Who can attend this conference?
   A wide range of people are invited, including environmental activists, community members, legal experts, government officials, academics, scientists, and businesses.
4. What is the main topic or theme of the conference?
   The main theme is “The environment and justifiable limits on development,” exploring the balance between human progress and ecological preservation.
5. What is the “triple planetary crisis” mentioned in the conference details?
   This refers to three interconnected global environmental problems: rapid loss of biodiversity (plants and animals), widespread pollution, and climate change.
6. How does South Africa’s Constitution relate to this conference?
   The conference will discuss Section 24(b) of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to an environment that is not harmful to health or well-being and promotes sustainable development.
7. Can community members participate, even if they are not academics?
   Absolutely! While the call for abstracts is for researchers, community members are encouraged to attend public sessions or lectures and engage with the conference’s outcomes to learn and advocate for environmental issues.
8. What benefits does this conference offer to the local community?
   It provides a platform for learning about environmental challenges, potential solutions, and opportunities to influence local policy and sustainable practices, leading to a healthier environment for everyone.
9. Is there a cost to attend the conference?
   The conference details do not specify attendance costs for the general public, but typically, academic conferences have registration fees. It’s best to check the official UNIVEN event page closer to the date for spectator or public attendance options and associated costs.
10. Where can I find more information about submitting an abstract or the conference schedule?
    You can find more details and updates on the official UNIVEN event page.
11. Where can I find out about other events happening at UNIVEN?
    You can stay updated on other events by visiting the more UNIVEN events page.