Nicky McLeod co-founded Environmental and Rural Solutions (ERS) in 2002 alongside her friend Sissie Matela in Matatiele, where she resides. With over 30 years of practical experience, Nicky has dedicated her career to fostering collaborative natural resource management in rural areas. She graduated with Honours as an Environmental Scientist from the University of Cape Town in 1991 and has since designed and managed numerous initiatives focused on livelihood and landscape security, including communal land stewardship.

Nicky’s expertise and passion for environmental conservation have made her a sought-after speaker, including delivering a TED talk. She was instrumental in founding the Umzimvubu Catchment Partnership (UCP) in 2013, which continues to promote collaboration among 40 diverse partners. Nicky is a proud alumna of the Maliasili African Conservation Leadership Network (ACLN) and a longstanding member of the South Africa Mountain Club.

Beyond her professional achievements, Nicky is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and a dedicated organic vegetable gardener. She enjoys spending time in nature, camping, and exploring Lesotho and neighboring countries with her husband, family, and friends, drawing inspiration from wild places. Nicky and her husband Mark McLeod have backpacked across the Himalayas, Rockies, Africa, and the Andes, where they got engaged on Illimani at 6400m.

Nicky is committed to building the capacity and agency of young rural people, empowering them to positively influence the future of their communities in a rapidly changing world. In recognition of their efforts to harmonize human and natural environments in communal landscapes, Nicky and Sissie received the WWF Living Planet Award in 2019.