A new leaf

Here I am. The second day of 2016. My intention was to write my first post yesterday, because beginning a new project on New Year’s Day would satisfy some of my perfectionistic tendencies, but that wasn’t to be – I’m on holidays and got caught up doing other fun things. So here I am, one day late.

So, why a blog? I suppose the purpose of this blog is two-fold. First and foremost, it is a space for me to share with everyone my thoughts and knowledge on nature and conservation. On a more personal level, I hope that it will provide a creative complement to the methodological routines that are my 9-5. Although scientific inquiry is the basis of my professional life, I’ve always considered myself to be a creative soul. This might sound like a recipe for an identity crisis, but I revere both the science and art worlds equally. Both are necessary, and both have the power to create change. I hope this blog will bring a bit of both to the table.

Nature has always been central to my life. There really was no other path in life that excited me more than studying wildlife, ecology and conservation. Over the years, that has grown into a passion for engaging others in nature, be it through conversations, writing or photography. Most of the major problems facing the natural world today are human problems – thus, I’m on a mission to educate and inspire others to care more about nature and to take action where possible. By the same token, I’m also on a mission to learn as much as I can from as many people as possible. There is still so much I have to learn. It’s rather exciting.

A new adventure. Here goes.

Me with a herd of wildebeest in Swaziland.

Me with a herd of wildebeest in Swaziland.