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Dr Deon Nel

Head of Environmental Programme

Dr Deon Nel rejoined WWF South Africa in April 2024 as Head of Environmental Programme, boasting a rich history with the organisation. He pioneered the Marine and Freshwater Programmes when he was initially hired in 2003, helping catalyse landmark achievements such as the establishment of WWF Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI), the Shark Spotters programme, and protecting South Africa’s Strategic Water Source Areas. His leadership was also pivotal to the establishment of the Prince Edward Islands Marine Protected Area, which was eventually proclaimed during his tenure as Head of the Biodiversity Unit.

In subsequent years, Deon assumed various regional and global leadership roles, including Conservation Director for WWF Regional Office of Africa, Global Conservation Director for WWF-International, and CEO of the Global Resilience Alliance. He spearheaded influential projects such as the Africa Ecological Futures scenarios and the groundbreaking Bending the Curve of Biodiversity Loss analysis, which was instrumental in shaping the new Global Biodiversity Framework.

“The future of our planet demands that we think globally but act locally,” says Deon. “I have gained very important perspective and experience in my regional and global roles, but I am very excited to be again working at the frontline where we can act in a meaningful way to improve nature and the well-being of all the people that depend on it.”

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