Leader: Richard M Cowling

Contributed by Shirley Cowling

Name: Richard M Cowling

Job (title and organization): Research Professor, Botany Department, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

Where do you work (city and country): Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Degree(s):  BSc (Hons), PhD University of Cape Town

Describe your work/research: These days, most of my research deals with identifying and implementing ways of securing the conservation and sustainable management of ecosystems, with particular emphasis on those that deliver services to humans. Since “research for implementation” is a social process, my interests are veering towards the social sciences. My other major interest is plant diversification, especially the role of climatic and geomorphic dynamics as drivers of lineage radiation.

What inspires you in your work?
A curiosity and love of nature; participating in the emotional and intellectual blossoming of my students; the rewards of being involved in projects that lead to improved relationships between humans and nature.

What are the highlights of your career accomplishments? 
Participating in processes that have led, or will lead to the conservation and sustainable management of several hundred thousand hectares; collaborating with inspiring people; mentoring dozens of students.

Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
This initiative provides great opportunities for learning, especially about how to get conservation done at the local scale, where implementation happens.

How did your early experiences in nature influence you?
My parents loved camping in the bush and both loved plants. Early experiences in nature – having fun - undoubtedly kindled my love of nature.

What are your favorite species and/or landscapes?
I am stimulated by almost everything, but my favorite haunts are all on the coastal parts of southern Africa, especially Namaqualand, the Cape region and subtropical thicket landscapes of the Eastern Cape.

What gives you hope?
The values, such as selflessness, compassion and patience, that increasing numbers of younger people hold. The fact that fears of the impacts of climate change may actually begin to influence the policies of global institutions and wealthy nations.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?
Surfing, being in nature, traveling slowly with my wife, reading, photography, white water kayaking and hiking.