On the day earmarked to celebrate the earth’s biodiversity we’re publishing articles that point to the successes and challenges facing Africa as it tries to protect species as well as spaces.

A major challenge is how to protect the continent’s dwindling elephant populations. There’s little consensus on how to bring the trade in ivory under control. Some argue that only a full ban can do the trick. Others that allowing some trade is the way to go. Katarzyna Nowak, Benezeth Mutayoba, Phyllis Lee and Ross Harvey offer a way forward that could help the two opposing camps find one another.

The continent also faces serious water crises. While the world’s attention has been on the drought in Cape Town, Melissa McHale, David Bunn and Eddie Riddell unpack research into water shortages faced by rural communities in South Africa. We also feature a number of articles from our archives.

South African master musician Philip Tabane resisted genre pigeonholes with his free spirited music. He was also the proverbial prophet though sadly recognised abroad more than at home during the 1970s and 1980s. In her tribute, Gwen Ansell recalls that during apartheid his music gained international attention, but was hardly heard at home.