Introduction
The purpose of this annual lecture is to provide a forum for prominent and distinguished speakers who are leaders in the field of biodiversity conservation science and social science to address the general public on the subject of the environment, culture and social cohesion. It honours Magqubu Ntombela and Dr Ian Player – the profound relationship of these two men from different cultures played a significant role in the conservation of South Africa’s biodiversity, initiating amongst others the internationally famous capture and translocation of the white rhino thereby effectively bring this species back from the brink of extinction. This remains one of the most celebrated contributions to conservation in Africa.
This lecture captures the interdependence of man, the landscape and the wild life; and suggests that the healing powers of the wilderness have the power to transform a nation.