LCA Unlocking Nature

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Spark Talks and Unlocking Nature Igniting a Passion for Conservation Spark Talks sets the stage for conservation-centered dialogue with the aim of igniting a passion for nature conservation. We want people to talk about conservation. To stand up and tell their stories. Based on the TED Talks concept, Spark Talks invite a diverse and interesting set of speakers to share their love for nature and their conservation stories. 

In 2020, when the world went into lockdown, Spark Talks migrated online as Unlocking Nature. Hosted live over Zoom, Unlocking Nature allows conservationists and conservation companies to share their stories, research and adventures with audiences across the globe – from the comfort of their homes. Browse our library of speakers and be inspired to take action for nature!

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Dr Michelle Henley explore how elephant intelligence facilitates self-awareness and collective problem-solving abilities that aid them in avoiding human conflict during night-time crop-raiding activities.
Revealing Elephant Intelligence Part 2
Dr Lucy Bates will delve into the extraordinary knowledge and awareness displayed by savannah elephants, highlighting their understanding of their social structure and environment, as well as the crucial role played by elders in their society.
Revealing Elephant Intelligence Part 1
Join us for an insightful discussion as we debunk the myths and unveil the reality of being a wildlife ranger.  Our panel of diverse rangers will provide firsthand accounts of the challenges and rewards, from necessary administrative tasks to thrilling moments in wilderness conservation. Gain a deeper understanding of staff structures in game reserves and explore various career paths in conservation organizations.  Don't miss this opportunity to listen to and interact with seasoned game rangers and have your questions answered.
Guardians of the Wild:An Interactive Discussion with Seasoned Wildlife Rangers
Can Farming with Nature Improve Farming Economies? Prof James Blignaut and Andrew Ardington speaks about Conservation Agriculture
Can Farming with Nature Improve Farming Economies?
Atmospheric CO2 is increasing faster than it has in a hundred million years or more, and the world is warming out of an ice age that lasted 2.6 million years. Prof Guy Midgley discusses how this could affect biodiversity, what trends are emerging, and what the possible scenarios may be for impacts and adaptation, particularly so called Nature Based Solutions.
We are warming the global climate out of a cool stable state: What happens next?
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is a designated area of the ocean where human activity is regulated and managed to protect marine ecosystems, wildlife, and resources. MPAs can take various forms, including marine reserves, national parks, or wildlife sanctuaries. They serve as vital tools for conserving biodiversity, supporting sustainable fisheries management, and safeguarding habitats crucial for the health of our oceans. Join us for an exploration of the impact of MPA's on fish populations and the coastal communities depending on the ocean - presented by Dr Bruce Mann, Dr Kendyl Wright & Kholofelo Ramokone
Marine Protected Areas: How do we make them work?
This thought-provoking Unlocking Nature event featuring Dr. Marie Fausta Dutuze and Dr. Gilson Njunga explore the interconnectedness of human and wildlife diseases under the lens of One Health principles under the topic “Connecting Dots: Human and Wildlife Diseases”.
Connecting Dots: Human and Wildlife Diseases
Meet the hidden giants of the rainforests in the Congo Basin, who have helped engineered the Forests. Dr Paul Telfer shares more about forest elephants and rainforests.
Hidden giants of the rain forests in Africa
Over the past two decades, Boat-based whale-watching has become a significant and growing part of the tourist industry in South Africa. Boat-based whale watching (BBWW) tourism in Plettenberg Bay has an annual value of R371.2 million, creating 92 jobs and benefiting approximately 250 people. This data comes from the first-ever assessment of the socioeconomic and conservation impacts of the BBWW industry in South Africa, as part of the Sustainable Marine Tourism project conducted by the Nature’s Valley Trust and Nelson Mandela University. Dr Minke Witteveen will share the results of her PhD research which focused on the social and ecological factors of boat-based whale-watching tourism, using Plettenberg Bay as a case study. Specifically, she will share the results of questionnaires to both tourists and operators, the impacts of encounters on cetaceans (whales and dolphins), and operators' compliance with regulations. Wilfred Chivell, founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, will join Dr Witteveen. With many decades of hands-on marine conservation behind him, Wilfred is the closest thing to a fish you will find on land.  He is known for pioneering many conservation projects in the Gansbaai area and beyond, including the African Penguin housing project and the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. As one of the pioneers of the BBWW industry, he will share the policy and practical challenges, as well as success stories from the BBWW.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Boat-based Whale-watching in South Africa
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