From Hippie Dreams to Marine Stewardship
Discover how marine guide Ilizna turned a love for the ocean into a career in conservation, storytelling, and marine stewardship along South Africa’s Garden Route.
Healing the soil, healing the soul: How one grassroots leader is restoring land, dignity and hope
What does conservation look like when it begins not in boardrooms or policy documents, but in the soil beside a grandmother’s home? For Bruno Omondi Otieno, founder of the K’ombija Community in Kenya, conservation is not a profession separated from people’s daily lives.
From classroom to conservation: How students are redefining stewardship
Who is Tintswalo Mukhari? She’s not a scientist or politician; she’s a high school student from St Catherine’s Convent in South Africa who is proving that youth can drive real environmental change. What is she doing? Together with her co-captain, Lesedi Kgarimetsa, Tintswalo leads the True Blue Recycling Club, a school-based initiative turning everyday waste
Sharks, stories and stewardship: How one communicator found her calling beneath the surface
What does it mean to speak for the ocean? For Esther Jacobs, a conservation storyteller, mother and campaigner whose journey spans from the cold coasts of Scotland to the vibrant marine ecosystems of South Africa, it means combining emotion with science, storytelling with advocacy, and turning life’s hardest challenges into a voice for change. Esther’s
See. Feel. Act. Why storytelling is the new science of conservation
What happens when a biologist swaps the microscope for a camera, and discovers that storytelling can be just as powerful as science? From Arctic expeditions to coral reefs, from UNESCO heritage sites to naval and research vessels, Casper Tybjerg’s journey has spanned over two decades and 64 countries, a lifetime dedicated to showing the world
Living with purpose: A career journey across continents, communities and oceans
In the heart of Mossel Bay, where the Indian Ocean meets South Africa’s Garden Route, Andrea Rowlands-Bradfield stands as a lighthouse for youth, conservation and purpose-driven leadership. Her story is a sweeping saga of adventure, reinvention and resilience, a journey that spans continents, career paths and conservation frontlines. Today, Andrea is the Co-founder and Director
From saddles to safaris: A journey of grit, grace and the great outdoors
In a world so often rushed and reactive, some individuals lead with presence, purpose and a deep understanding of place. Andrea Bradfield is one of them. From rhino-tracking in remote bushveld to mentoring marine guides along South Africa’s southern coast, her journey is stitched together not by ambition, but by intention. This is the story
Sting in the shadows: Fighting wildlife crime in the heart of Africa
The forest near the Congolese border was thick with tension. The mission: intercept the illicit cargo, dismantle the syndicate and avoid casualties. This kind of covert “sting”, an undercover operation designed to catch criminals in the act, was familiar territory for Grevis Mutendi. In a remote clearing, long exploited as a smuggling corridor, half a
Turning tactical expertise into wildlife crime prevention: Lessons and advice
What happens when a former military intelligence officer trades the battlefield for the bushveld? Meet Leon Rossouw, a South African investigator who has transformed decades of tactical expertise into a powerful weapon against wildlife crime. From the plains of Southern Africa to the international networks trafficking endangered species, Leon has been at the frontlines where
Do you have what it takes to be a wildlife crimefighter?
What does it take to bring down an international wildlife trafficking ring? For Tim Santel, the answer lies in decades of experience, a refusal to play it safe and a belief that bold investigations can change the world. As a kid growing up in the rural Midwest, USA, Tim couldn’t have predicted that one day
How a South African banker traded boardrooms for bushveld and found her calling in conservation
What does it take to leave behind a high-flying corporate career and devote your life to protecting wildlife? For Erika van der Westhuizen, the answer lay in courage, community and a deep love for nature. After more than two decades in the world of banking and law, Erika made the bold decision to step away
Becoming an impactful researcher: Making a difference across science and policy
What does it take to bridge the worlds of science, policy and industry to tackle one of the planet’s most urgent environmental threats? Meet Ginevra Oertel, a PhD candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, whose research focuses on developing microplastic pollution prevention strategies in the maritime sector. Ginerva’s academic background spans an impressive
A day in the life of a conservation ranger: The journey, challenges and rewards of protecting nature
To learn the realities of life as a Conservation Ranger, Erich Goold takes us to the remote and windswept coastline of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, nestled along South Africa’s Southern Cape near the fishing town of Mossel Bay. This coastal conservancy, known for its rich marine biodiversity, dramatic rocky shores, and unique fynbos vegetation, is a
From wildlife vet to conservation leader: A journey of passion and purpose
In Mozambique’s Niassa Special Reserve, Dr Samuell Bilerio, a wildlife veterinarian and passionate advocate for human-wildlife coexistence, is making a profound impact. His approach to conservation goes beyond veterinary care; it integrates community involvement, innovative solutions, and long-term planning. His career highlights the crucial role that veterinary medicine plays in broader conservation efforts, particularly in
From alps to action: A wildlife biologist’s journey in alpine conservation
Alessandro Forti’s path to wildlife conservation was set at a young age. Alessandro’s parents would often take him to the Alps for long days hiking, climbing and spotting wildlife, and there he developed a profound connection with the natural world which left a lasting mark. Those early days in the mountains sparked his curiosity about
Conservation as a unifier – A vision for a sustainable, connected future
Scott Thomson’s journey from the fast-paced world of hospitality to the heart of conservation is nothing short of remarkable. Once a dedicated chef, Scott’s life took a dramatic turn following a life-altering injury that forced him to rethink his path. This unexpected twist led him to a newfound purpose, one where conservation and community are
Switching paths: From culinary arts to conservation leadership
Scott Thomson’s career path took an extraordinary turn, one that few could have predicted. Starting as a chef in South Africa’s hospitality industry, he spent years in the fast-paced world of professional kitchens, crafting dishes and perfecting his culinary skills. However, at the age of 23, an irreversible injury changed everything. Suddenly facing a future
From gears to greenery: Dr Gopalakrishna’s path from mechanics to conservation science
In a world grappling with environmental crises, the need for passionate and skilled conservation advocates has never been more crucial. Dr Trisha Gopalakrishna exemplifies this shift, moving from a background in mechanical engineering to becoming an impactful conservationist and researcher. Trisha works with leading organisations like The Nature Conservancy (TNC), focusing on vital environmental issues.
Seeds of change: Abubakar Ibrahim’s quest for youth empowerment, conservation and heritage preservation in Nigeria
The fight for youth empowerment, cultural heritage preservation, and environmental conservation is not always an easy one. It requires vision, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating positive change, and Abubakar Ibrahim, founder and president of Nigeria’s Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN), exemplifies all these qualities. The birth of the Katsina Youth Transformation Network (KYTN) In
From passion to action: Julius Kirumira’s journey to animal advocacy and conservation leadership in Uganda and beyond
In a world increasingly in need of champions for animal welfare and environmental sustainability, Julius Kirumira’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have. Uganda, located in East Africa, boasts a rich tapestry of biodiversity, from the vibrant wildlife of its savannas to the diverse aquatic ecosystems of its lakes.
Extreme conservation: Dr Sandra Lai’s mission to safeguard nature’s last frontiers
What drives someone to the most remote corners of the Earth in pursuit of wildlife conservation? For Dr Sandra Lai, it’s a profound dedication to understanding and protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species. In this article, we dive into Sandra’s remarkable career journey. Discover how Sandra’s unique experiences and insights can offer valuable lessons for
Unveiling the mysteries of the Ethiopian Wolf: An in-depth look at Dr. Sandra Lai’s expedition into the heart of conservation
In the rugged highlands of Ethiopia, where the landscape meets the sky, a quiet but vital conservation battle unfolds. Amidst this breathtaking backdrop, Dr. Sandra Lai is at the forefront of preserving a species on the brink of extinction: the Ethiopian Wolf. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Sandra’s remarkable journey, her role as