Duncan Macfayden

Duncan Macfadyen has worked for environmental sustainability for more than two decades. Through his efforts at Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation, he has helped ensure the preservation of African ecosystems. One of his legacies is the restoration of the Tswalu Kalahari Reserve. Duncan and his team have been rewilding the area and implementing breeding programmes for endangered species such as the brown hyena and pangolin. Tswalu also hosts the Kalahari Endangered Ecosystem Project, which examines the effects of climate change on the Kalahari. At the Telperion Nature Reserve and Wakefield Farm he works to preserve species and restore ecosystems. Telperion, on the border of Mpumalanga and Gauteng, is a vital site for the conservation of the endangered Bankenveld grassland, which is under threat from mining, agriculture and urban development. Duncan helps to protect the mist belt forest through his work at Wakefield’s Umgenipoort research centre. He has controlled the spread of invasive plant species and revitalised the mist belt forest by combining alien clearance, rehabilitation, and sound management practices. Duncan’s commitment to protecting indigenous forests is a shining example of environmental stewardship. His commitment to the future is further evidenced by his support for Future Ecosystems for Africa to amplify and deepen learning through science communication to steer development in Africa toward nature-supporting paths, using a transdisciplinary approach that recognises the value of indigenous and local knowledge.