November 2023: MSc thesis on Namibian drylands completed at the University of Potsdam

Helen Schroeter from the University of Potsdam has successfully defended her MSc thesis with the title “The effects of drought and grazing on ANPP and RUE in a Namibian rangeland with two different land-use histories being further and closer to a DTP” under the supervision of Prof. Anja Linstädter and PD Dr. Niels Blaum. In her thesis, Helen addressed the urgent need to comprehend the underlying processes that accompany rangeland degradation and the nearing towards a desertification tipping point (DTP) by exploring the combined effects of drought and grazing on Above-ground Net Primary Production (ANPP), Rain-Use Efficiency (RUE) and community composition of Plant Functional Groups (PFGs). Her thesis was based on experimental work conducted in the framework of the NamTip project. With the successful defense, Helen also successfully completes her Master's degree. We wish her all the best for the future!