Lauren Moos loves a strong cup of coffee and a good dose of laughter, but she also loves nature and wants to commit her life to protecting it. Hailing from Cape Town, Lauren completed her undergraduate degree in Law at the University of Pretoria before enrolling at the University of Cape Town for her Master’s degree in Environmental Law. She is interning with South African National Parks (SANParks) to provide legal support in park expansion, planning and development.

We asked Lauren a few questions to gain insight into what drives her and what her hopes for the future look like:

What are you passionate about?

From early childhood, I loved being surrounded by animals, swimming in streams and jumping off trees. At that early stage, all I wanted was to be a veterinarian, marine biologist or nature conservationist, despite having no real clue what those jobs entailed. During my teen years I was fortunate to have an international upbringing that included participating in various conservation awareness campaigns. My passion for environmental action and justice thus grew.

What inspired your choice of study?

As my passion for environmental justice grew, long gone was my dream of being a vet or marine biologist, and in its place came a drive to study environmental law. I completed an undergraduate degree in Law and then a postgraduate qualification specialising in Marine and Environmental Law. I chose my course of study so that I could be involved in climate and environmental litigation, hold wrongdoers accountable and seek justice for those who have suffered due to environmental abuses.

What excites you about your internship?

I am excited to learn from the dynamic staff at SANParks and be actively involved in sustainability within national parks. I also hope to work in partnership with other environmental organisations focused on conservation and biodiversity issues. Plus I feel honoured to meet other changemakers chosen for the internship programme.

What are your expectations of this internship?

I hope to learn invaluable skills from the legal staff and planning team at SANParks to be equipped to tackle nuanced legal issues about environmental matters. I plan to network with individuals from other organisations and gain insights into the work of environmental leaders in South Africa and abroad.

What contribution do you hope to make towards a future in which people and nature thrive?

In the legal field, I hope to one day be a part of any policy or regulatory reform related to affording rights to animals and nature.

Who inspires you most and why?

My parents inspire me with their strong work ethic. Their unyielding belief in me and support and lessons have moulded me into the individual I am today, and I certainly would not have achieved anything without them.