Mark joined CSF in 2023 as the Africa Director. He has focused his professional energy on determining methods to fund the expansion of conservation areas by using the unique value of African wildlife as a means to generate economic activity for rural areas, ensuring relevance of wildlife to the adjacent communities. Prior to joining CSF, he was the Managing Director of Wildlife ACT, a conservation organization that focuses on endangered species and community conservation. He sits as the Chair of the IUCN’s South African National Committee. Mark has experience in both conservation and nature-based tourism across the region and has worked in partnership with government and civil society, including state, private and community conservation management authorities. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Science and Agribusiness, and a MBA from the African Leadership University’s School of Business in Rwanda. Mark lives in Durban, South Africa where he enjoys any time outdoors with his wife and two young children, surfing, trail running, and travelling.