Angus Burns was appointed Lead for Area-Based Conservation at WWF South Africa in 2024, bringing more than two decades of experience in conservation and community-based environmental management. A lifelong naturalist, Angus’s passion for the natural world has guided him from hands-on catchment management work to leading large-scale conservation programmes that connect people and nature.

Before taking up his current role, Angus headed the WWF Grasslands Programme, where he was instrumental in landmark conservation achievements – including facilitating South Africa’s first Protected Environment declaration and helping prevent coal mining in ecologically sensitive areas. His approach is rooted in the belief that conservation must be inclusive and people-centred, working alongside the farmers and communities who are the primary stewards of the land.

In his current leadership role, Angus focuses on translating WWF’s ambitious strategies into tangible results, securing millions of hectares for conservation and improving the lives of the people who depend on them.

“Content, happy and well looked after people normally mean a happy environment,” says Angus. “My goal is to prove that humanity and nature can coexist – because this pale blue dot is the only home we have.”