I am co-founder of the social enterprise, Reseed Indico.

More than 25 years ago, while researching post-apartheid land reform and its effects on rural livelihoods in South Africa, I met many inspiring individuals from local communities working to protect and create healthy, safe, and productive environments. Their visions for the future were bold but also grounded in the complex insights gained from lived experiences of their localities and regions. I recognised that this kind of knowledge and practical experience could never be fully grasped from being in a classroom alone.

Together with my South African research collaborators, Laura Yeatman and the late Gerhard Strydom, we designed the Regional Sustainability field-study program that would bring community-based organisations, government agencies, NGOs and university students to exchange ideas, experiences, and views in ways that would shape longer term relationships for creating positive change in the region.

For nearly 15 years, I ran the field-study program on regional sustainability in South Africa’s lowveld region while lecturing in the School of Geography and Environmental Science at Monash University.  Australian university students on the 20-day field program learned directly from community-based organisations, local NGOs, and government agencies. They gained practical insights into long-term strategies for creating productive, healthy, and resilient communities. Many alumni have gone on to successful careers in international development, environmental management, climate policy, and urban and regional development.

With the enthusiasm and support of many alumni from the program, we founded Reseed Indico as a not-for-profit organisation. Our mission is to actively pursue ecological and climate resilience projects, working alongside local partners and communities in the Indian Ocean region.