Nelson Mhlanga
Description
As a passionate Conservation & Sustainability Specialist, Rotary Peace Fellow, and a recognized Top 100 Young African Conservation Leader, I am thrilled at the opportunity to serve as a Rewilding Africa Ambassador for Zimbabwe. With a diverse background spanning multiple continents and over a decade of experience in conservation and community development, I bring a unique blend of expertise, passion, and commitment to rewilding initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa.
I am a multi-talented and driven environmental polyglot, with a proven track record of excellence in sustainability, ESG, biodiversity & wildlife conservation, and climate action. My journey in conservation started at a young age and has since taken me across East, West, and Southern Africa, as well as Asia, Australia, and the United Kingdom. Holding a B.Sc. Hons in Environmental Science with Distinction from Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe, and an advanced M.Sc. in Biodiversity, Conservation & Management from the University of Oxford, England, I have honed my skills in program design, strategy, project management, partnerships, fundraising, and stakeholder relationship management.
With extensive experience in countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, China and Australia, I have spearheaded impact-oriented environmental and development programs focused on biodiversity conservation and community-based natural resources management. My expertise also extends to environmental and social safeguarding, grants/funding management, policy development, monitoring and evaluation, and capacity building for program teams and grassroots community groups.
As a U.S. Department of State IVLP alum and Oxford-Lloyd Scholar, I have been recognized for my innovative approaches and commitment to creating sustainable change. My strategic mindset, coupled with exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to detail, has consistently delivered outstanding results, earning me a reputation as a thought leader and environmental entrepreneur.
My passion for creating a sustainable and lasting impact in Sub-Saharan Africa is unparalleled. I am committed to leveraging my skills and experience to support rewilding initiatives in Zimbabwe and across the continent. By fostering partnerships, engaging local communities, and advocating for biodiversity conservation, I aim to contribute to the restoration of ecosystems, the protection of wildlife, and the empowerment of communities.
