Guy Preston

Dr Guy Preston (South African) was appointed to his current position in August 2002. He holds a PhD in environmental Science and was head of research at the Environmental Evaluation Unit of the University of Cape Town prior to joining the public service in 1995.

Guy Preston served as special advisor to Minister Kader Asmal from 1995 to 1999 and to Minister Ronnie Kasrils from 19999 to 2001. He is a former executive board member and chairperson of the Global Invasive Species Programme. Under the banner of the National Water Conservation Campaign, Dr Preston initiated and leads many programmes, some of which have grown into the country’s biggest job-creation initiatives.

These include the Working for Water Programme, the Working for Wetlands Programme as well as the Working on Fire Programme. Other programmes he leads include the Working for Land Programme, the Working for Energy Programme and the Eco-Furniture Factories Programme.