Conservation, biodiversity and ESG in Africa

In this episode we talk to zoologist-turned lawyer, Alexander Rhodes, about his work as Chair of Tusk conservation charity and Partner and Head of Mishcon Purpose at international law firm Mishcon de Reya. We start with Alexander’s personal journey, from a young zoologist working alongside indigenous communities in Kenya to a leading, purpose-driven lawyer with decades of experience in both the commercial and philanthropic domains. He talks about the relationship between business and nature; not just in terms of impact, but also the embeddedness and reliance of economies and societies on healthy, diverse and resilient ecosystems. This translates into Tusk’s unique approach to ‘conservation in human context’, where funds are directed to a portfolio of projects that best maximise both conservation and human outcomes. The approach is firmly grounded in community, and Alexander speaks passionately about the need for conservation to champion local knowledge, initiative and priorities. Tusk is about to hit a £100 million fundraising milestone, and is anticipating the third annual iteration of its Wildlife Ranger Challenge, which began as a vital lifeline for African communities during COVID-19 and has morphed into one of the largest conservation, sporting and fundraising events on the continent. Alexander is proud of Tusk’s long-standing success, but acknowledges much more must be done to expand conservation, livelihoods and human flourishing in a rapidly warming world.  Read more: Communities, conservation and livelihoods Biodiversity and ecosystem services in Africa The importance of indigenous knowledge for conservation Gender and climate change The Wildlife Ranger Challenge Credits Host and Executive Producer: Desné Masie  Co-producer: Peter Doerrie Researcher: Angus Chapman Digital Editor: Charles Dietz Design: Jason Venkatasamy Music: Corporate Uplifting Chill by MusicLFiles Licence: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  

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Hosted by our award-winning journalists, and featuring trailblazers and leading thinkers from across the continent, the African Business Podcast is an essential listen for anyone with an interest in Africa. If you are looking for serious thinking but with the twist of humour and humanity that makes Africa so endearing, you've come to the right place.