Rešoketšwe “Shoki” Mafogo is the Programme Manager for Pro-Nature Livelihoods at the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. Born and raised in this landscape, she brings a powerful, community-first approach to conservation - grounded in lived experience and a deep connection to place.

This episode was filmed overlooking Blyde River Canyon - the third largest canyon in the world - within the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere. It’s an ecologically rich and socially complex region, shaped by generations of relationships between people and the land. Deep respect to those working across this landscape to steward both biodiversity and community wellbeing.

In this conversation, we explore the realities of working in complex socio-ecological systems - what it takes to hold space for multiple perspectives, navigate competing priorities, and co-create solutions that last. We dive into the role of traditional knowledge, the importance of engaging women and youth, and the essential role of community-led approaches in building resilient landscapes.

Shoki shares grounded, hard-earned insights from her journey - challenging top-down conservation and pointing toward a more inclusive, regenerative way forward.