Editorial

Abstract

As we bring 2020 to a close with this December issue, I would like to look back at the performance of our Journal and the scientific community that surrounds it during the last, exceptional, 12 months. In my September Editorial, I reflected on media reports that many people, from across the globe, are putting a greater value on Nature when faced with social restrictions and economic strains. There is a rising demand for nature-based solutions and sustainable development—and therefore a greater need than ever for excellence and diligence in the study of how ecosystems work. Scientific journals in the field play the essential role, through the peer-review process, of assuring quality in the ecological science brought to the public domain. They are key partners in public education and aid the development of innovative environmental policies, making new knowledge rapidly and publicly available through print, online publication and open access. The African Journal of Ecology remains a key repository of the world's knowledge of African wildlife and ecosystems, and its archives are a priceless resource for the continent's environmental managers. No other ecological journal focuses on the African continent in the way we do. In 2020, we have managed, against the odds, to continue to improve the performance of the Journal. Submissions to the Journal were up by 43% on 2019 (possibly a positive result of the time we have all spent locked indoors!). Nonetheless, the Editorial team managed to reduce the median time from submission to publication of accepted articles and to get 6% more articles published than we did last year. In the year to October, a record 412 scientists had participated in our peer-review process, evaluating between them over 255 new research contributions. We published research from authors in 27 African countries studying the ecology of a wide range of ecosystems including deserts, mangroves, mountains, seas, forests, grasslands, freshwaters and urban environments. This is a hugely valuable endeavour and testimony to the efforts of a large and vibrant community of African ecological scientists. After 2020, I think we are all more prudent about imagining what may come next. Whatever is before us in 2021, the African Journal of Ecology is continuing to play an active part in a better future, making new, peer-reviewed African research widely available throughout the world. I am grateful to everyone across our research community for supporting the Journal and look forward to working with you all in this New Year and many beyond it.