The Story The Story presents: Planet Hope - Steve Boyes on resilience, recovery and Africa’s great rivers
Nov 8, 2025
Steve Boyes, a conservation biologist and National Geographic Explorer, joins to share his remarkable journey of resilience after personal challenges reshaped his outlook. He discusses the vital importance of protecting Africa's great rivers, emphasizing community-driven conservation that includes indigenous voices. Boyes reveals groundbreaking initiatives like the Great Spine of Africa project, highlights the Angolan Highlands' biodiversity, and stresses the urgency of water security for Africa's growing youth population. His vision for future generations is rooted in nature and community.
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Near-Death On Stage
- Steve Boyes described collapsing from fever at an Esri conference and later spending six days in ICU after unknowingly having severe malaria.
- He recalls a producer telling him to think of love before going on stage, which helped him deliver his talk despite feeling he was dying.
Rebuild By Removing The Nonessential
- Steve Boyes says he rebuilt his life by cutting out unhealthy habits, seeking therapy, and prioritizing family and rivers.
- He recommends removing nonessential commitments, exercising, stopping alcohol, and restructuring work to regain creativity.
Presence Is Nature's Superpower
- Time in remote wilderness trained Steve to be present and manage fear, which helped him through chemo and illness.
- He argues presence in nature is a human superpower for coping with acute danger and uncertainty.
