01/05/2026
๐ฟ Keynote Speaker Spotlight: Prof Richard Fynn
Professor Richard Fynn is a leading rangeland ecologist and conservation scientist based at the University of Botswana Okavango Research Institute in Maun. His work sits at the intersection of ecology, livestock production, and sustainable land management in African savannas.
His research has advanced our understanding of fireโplantโherbivore interactions and the importance of functional habitat heterogeneity in supporting productive, resilient ecosystems. A key focus of his work is identifying optimal grazing strategies that maintain healthy rangelandsโparticularly through nonselective grazing and adequate recovery periods.
More recently, Prof. Fynn has explored how improved grazing management can enhance biodiversity conservation and carbon sequestration, with emerging evidence showing that well-managed rangelands can play a meaningful role in storing atmospheric COโ.
His work also highlights the value of indigenous African cattle breeds, which are naturally adapted to local conditions, require minimal intervention, and support ecosystem processes such as dung beetle activity. These breeds are central to his vision of high-density, nature-aligned grazing systems.
Beyond ecology, his research engages directly with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, demonstrating how sustainable livestock systems can support both livelihoods and wildlife coexistence. He is also a strong advocate for transitioning from feedlot systems to range-fed beef production that is healthier and more environmentally sustainable.
Join us to hear how science, practice, and community stewardship can come together to shape the future of Africaโs rangelands.
