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Nelsiwe Mpapane

Nelsiwe Mpapane is a junior scientist with SANParks in the Garden Route section. She holds a B-Tech qualification in Nature Conservation from the Nelson Mandela University, George Campus. 

Nelsiwe has a strong interest in human-nature interactions, environmental education and indigenous knowledge that flows within communities. She has been actively involved in spaces that educate about climate change, encourage science careers within the youth and brings awareness about ethical environmental relationships.     

Nelsiwe is also currently enrolled in her second year MSc degree, where her study is focused on exploring cultural ecosystem services that flow in Mountain Zebra National Park. Her interest are grounded in qualitative research techniques that allow for self-expression and promote learning and personal development. Her future research aspirations are embedded in broadening the thinking and scope about indigenous people’s relations with nature, she believes that some of the greatest environmental solutions are linked with acknowledging that people and nature are interlinked and should never be seen as mutually exclusive.  

Beyond work and studies, she also enjoys socializing, site seeing, photography and great meals! 

Nelsiwe Mpapane, MSc


Nelsiwe is currently enrolled in her second year MSc degree, where her study is focused on exploring cultural ecosystem services that flow in Mountain Zebra National Park.

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