People & Partners

Jurgen V Wolfenden

Born in a small Zimbabwean town on the edge of both a wildlife reserve and coal mining operation, Jurgen V Wolfenden developed a deep passion for nature-based conservation. Witnessing the detrimental environmental impact of mining and power generation, he pursued an education that would inform his understanding of the problems and potential solutions to the social-ecological crisis facing the world today. Pursing a Bachelor of Arts and an Honours degree in Philosophy at the University of Pretoria, Jurgen explored African ethical systems, and delved into the concept of “personhood”. A diploma in Vedic theology broadened his understanding of indigenous ethical worldviews. Undertaking an MPhil in Applied (Environmental) Ethics, he critically assessed the role of spiritual and religious traditions in addressing global environmental issues. Jurgen participated in the Future 17 Sustainable Development Challenge through Stellenbosch University, where he engaged in interdisciplinary research based on real-world sustainability challenges. The experience incorporated design thinking and collaboration with globally based students thinking through cross-cultural social-ecological issues.

Jurgen’s PhD research aims to analyse the socio-environmental values of existing projects within the Seeds of a Good Anthropocene initiative, emphasising indigenous, cultural, and religious values. His transdisciplinary research seeks to inform southern African stakeholders about potential sustainability values for positive societal transformation. Jurgen’s journey reflects a commitment to holistic understanding and practical solutions for the complex challenges facing our world.

• Environmental ethics, sustainability perspectives and decarbonisation strategies
• Social-Ecological perspectives and complex adaptive systems
• Anticipation, futures thinking, scenario planning
• Seeds of Good Anthropocene
• African ethics, identity, and personhood
• Vedic culture, philosophy, and theology