It has been 21 years since the Thicket Forum first brought together a community of researchers, land users, and conservationists who recognised the ecological and cultural value of the region’s dense and diverse vegetation—later formally recognised as the Subtropical Thicket Biome. Defined by its spinescence and resilience, the biome presents both thorny ecological challenges and opportunities, particularly in the context of sustainable land management and the coexistence of domestic and wild herbivores.

The 2025 Thicket Forum, under the theme Living Landscapes, provides a space to reflect on more than two decades of dialogue, research, restoration, and collaborative stewardship. It is a moment to honour the progress made in understanding and managing thicket ecosystems, while also looking ahead. As pressures on land and climate intensify, this forum invites us to explore innovative strategies and partnerships that ensure the long-term resilience, visibility, and value of this unique and often overlooked biome.