Maxime Gadeyne

Maxime has always held an intense passion for the natural world, having immersed himself in many wild places around the world in situ and through literature, whether it is through natural history books, documentaries or scientific journals. However, with this passion and drive to explore and expand his knowledge of the natural world, he has become very sensitive to the ever-increasing impact of humans on the environment and biodiversity, cultivating an unapologetic ambition to safeguard it.

Maxime believes that exposure to a diverse range of disciplines fosters the development of skills necessary for a synthetic and holistic approach to problem-solving, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving world. Reflecting this philosophy, he earned a BSc in Environmental Management from the University of South Africa, where his undergraduate dissertation explored the diurnal activity patterns of Greater Flamingos in the West Coast National Park. He further pursued a BSc Honours in Environmental and Geographical Sciences at the University of Cape Town, focusing his dissertation on using remote sensing to identify, assess, and map sites of degradation to guide rehabilitation efforts in the Olifants River Estuary.

Beyond academics, Maxime actively participates in conservation initiatives, such as alien plant eradication initiatives and bird counts. His hobbies are centred on nature, exposing him to the wonder of the natural world. These experiences have reinforced his desire to continue his education with the FitzPartick Institute and develop the expertise needed to address the pressing environmental issues we face today.