WWF-SA expert to address Food Security Seminar

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The Food Security Seminar is part of the Sustainability Week which takes place from 17-19 June at the Convention Centre.

Kotze has eighteen years of experience in the field of biodiversity research, conservation planning and environmental management. Her impressive credentials as the senior manager of WWF-SA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme and winner of the International Green Personality of the Year in the UK Drinks Business Awards, speaks volumes about the calibre of experts confirmed to speak at the Food Security Seminar.

Three years ago, Kotze became the senior manager of WWF-SA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme, where Nedbank is the sponsor and key partner. The programme focuses on sustainable agriculture, with partnerships in the sugar, wine, fruit and livestock industries. This extensive programme is a new, national addition at WWF-SA and was developed by Kotze herself.

Agricultural best practices

As the threat of climate change grows and rainfall patterns are affected, the question of food security becomes a practical and real concern. Kotze spent ten years as an environmental researcher at the CSIR in the Biodiversity Research Group and eight years implementing research and conservation plans within key business sectors.

She will be sharing insights into enhancing food security through case studies in agricultural best practices insights at the seminar. Not only will she share her unique experience at the conference, but she will explain how to adapt and use the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and natural resource management to South Africa's benefit.

"As hosts of the Food Security Seminar, we are honoured to welcome experts such as Inge Kotze to speak and contribute thoughts to the formulation of the best course of action for South Africa when it comes to food security," Gordon Brown, director of alive2green, says.

Integrate sustainability

"At Nedbank we endeavour to integrate sustainability into every aspect of how we work and who we are. As the green bank, partnering with Sustainability Week was an opportunity for all South Africans - individuals, business, government, civil society and communities - to debate and discuss the issues that collectively affect us," says Masada Ratshikuni, head of Cause Marketing at Nedbank.

"This ranges from food security, water stewardship and conservation, renewable energy, waste management and more sustainable living. As a corporate citizen in South Africa we believe that companies who operate sustainably are not only able to reap significant rewards themselves, but also contribute toward a more sustainable planet," concludes Ratshikuni.