Mark GERRARD

Mark Gerrard is the Africa Director at Conservation Strategy Fund (CSF), where he leads initiatives that integrate economic analysis and finance into conservation strategies across the continent. Appointed in 2023, Mark focuses on leveraging the unique value of African wildlife and ecosystems to achieve conservation objectives, while enabling sustainable development and generating economic opportunities for rural communities. Before joining CSF, Mark served as the Managing Director of Wildlife ACT, a conservation organisation dedicated to endangered species protection and community-based conservation. He currently sits as a non-executive director for Conservation Outcomes and is the outgoing chair for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) South African National Committee. 

Mark holds a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Science and Agribusiness, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning and an MBA from the African Leadership University School of Business in Rwanda. Based in Durban, South Africa, he is passionate about outdoor activities and travelling with his family.