It’s just their nature

For seven years, both brothers have been studying nature conservation at Tshwane University of Technology. Kailen’s focus is on mangrove and estuarine ecology, while Navelan’s is birds of prey ecology.

The brothers are extremely passionate about Africa, its cultures and natural environments. And their experience in environmental education and field research has resulted in a view that to be successful in biodiversity conservation, one cannot only have a passion for the natural environment but also for people.

During their undergraduate studies, Kailen and Navelan were awarded the opportunity to participate in the Walt Disney World Cultural Representative Programme, which saw them living in the United States for a year educating Disney World guests on all aspects of Africa’s culture and natural environments.

Through their international work, the brothers came to realise that most environmental experts on African wildlife and ecosystems seemed to come from outside Africa. This was the catalyst for the formation of the KaiNav Foundation which aims to promote environmental science as a lucrative and fulfilling career path to young generations throughout Africa whilst conserving the continent’s unique natural heritage.

The brothers believe that urban biodiversity is particularly important as it is a relatively new concept which is not yet well understood, particularly in the African context.

“Urban biodiversity conservation is not meant to stand in the way of development, but rather to mitigate the negative effects of urbanisation and work together with development to ensure sustainable utilisation of resources and ecosystems,” the Padayachee brothers said.

“By conserving biodiversity in urban areas, we ensure ecosystems are more resilient to change and may therefore recover better after negative impacts.”