Where Purposeful Philanthropy And Passion Meet

“This is purely private philanthropy, which allows us to act swiftly and make direct investments in local communities.” 

The constant pursuit of uncharted territories has helped map mythical networks, document new species, and trace the origins of Africa’s mightiest rivers–and Dr Steve Boyes has had a direct impact on this.   

“We’ve been studying the highest part of the Kalahari sand basin for the last decade, which is the Okavango’s source, and the true source of the Zambezi, the Cuando, the Congo, the Kwawnza , and the Kunene… the sources are visible from each other,” Boyes explains to FORBES AFRICA. 

In 2009, the National Geographic explorer founded the Wild Bird Trust, within which the Cape Parrot Project—a still-active, large-scale reforestation and species conservation program in South Africa—was formed. Six years later, the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) was established. 

Stretching across Angola, Namibia and Botswana, the Okavango is home to a significant population of elephants and thousands of plants, animals, and birds. However, mounting threats, including plummeting fish populations, traces of inorganic compounds, and growth rates in all of the invasive species, have destabilized its delicate ecosystem. 

Through months-long expeditions navigating rapids, crocodiles, and hippos on a traditional wooden boat (mokoro), the NGOWP has discovered 275 new species for science and 73 species newly described to academic science, while leveraging its data to establish the permanent protection of the greater Okavango Basin.  

Partnerships with National Geographic, Rolex, and De Beers, via Okavango Eternal, have helped raise tens of millions of dollars.  

“This is purely private philanthropy, which allows us to act swiftly and make direct investments in local communities,” Boyes says. 

Reinforcing this point is the fact that an expedition he led became the first group in 42 years to interact with the Luchazi people, a remote community based around the upper Zambezi and Cuando River basins. They now work directly with the Luchazi king.  

“Traditional leaders are our primary mechanism for protection and indigenous knowledge,” he adds. 

Boyes’ quest is a story of love and respect between man and nature; and a willingness to enter the unknown for the greater good of the biomes, animals, and people that depend on it.   

**This article was updated with additional information on November 24, 2025.