People & Partners

Dr Matthew Zylstra

Dr Matthew Zylstra is a systems ecologist focused on deepening the human-nature relationship for the health of people and planet. He has over 20 years of international experience in social-ecological research/practice and outdoor facilitation. Matthew completed his MSc at Wageningen University and a transdisciplinary PhD at Stellenbosch University through the departments if Conservation Ecology and Curriculum Studies. His research explored how meaningful nature experiences and nature connectedness motivate pro-environmental behaviour for action in sustainability education. Insights from this research have informed global initiatives and university curricula, such as the Planetary Health Alliance’s education framework.

He was a founding co-director for Living Lands (2007-2011), education associate with Sea Change Trust (2014-2019) and field lecturer for Wildlands Studies university programmes in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand (2009-2018). Matthew is currently Programme Coordinator for the Kwendalo Institute (Plettenberg Bay) and Scientific Advisor for NatureFix. He is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist with SACNASP.

• Human-nature relationship (nature connectedness
• Sustainability/planetary health education
• Coastal ecology