We are delighted to welcome Dr. Matthew Zylstra as Conservation Scientist / Programme Developer to bolster our scientific, education and outreach efforts.  Dr. Zylstra’s primarily role will be to serve as Principal Scientist / Programme Coordinator for the Kwendalo Institute, a new and exciting  partnership that is exploring how to find greater harmony in nature-inspired education and wellbeing for human and planetary health.

Dr. Zylstra is an integral ecologist, researcher and outdoor facilitator passionate about deepening the human-nature relationship for the health of people and planet. He has over 20 years of international experience in nature-centred research and education. Matthew completed his MSc (Wageningen University, 2005) in Environmental Science and a PhD in Conservation Ecology and Sustainability Education (Stellenbosch University, 2014). The latter explored how meaningful nature experiences and nature connectedness motivate pro-environmental behaviour. His work has informed several global initiatives, such as #NatureForAll and the Planetary Health Alliance’s education framework. Matthew also serves as Scientific Director for NatureFix (Australia) and is a Research Fellow with the Centre for Sustainability Transitions at Stellenbosch University.

He is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions.

We wish Dr. Zylstra all the best in working with ONE and growing our endeavours locally and internationally.