Allan Savory Keynote Speaker

World-renowned environmentalist
Pioneer of holistic land management methodology
Biologist and campaigner

Allan Savory's Biography

Allan Savory is the pioneer of Holistic Management. Holistic Management is a process whereby desertification of the world’s grasslands is reversed by the proper management of livestock to ensure that grasslands can continue to thrive in tandem with current food production needs. Allan’s work began in 1955 and he has continued to influence decision makers on environmental policy ever since.

Born in Rhodesia (today Zimbabwe), Allan spent his early career as a farmer, game ranger and research biologist. Here, he witnessed first-hand the devastating effects that mismanaged livestock had on the ecosystem. After serving in the Zimbabwean government in the early 1970s, Allan was exiled for his opposition to the racist policies of the white-led Rhodesian Front Government. He consequently emigrated to the United States from where he continued his scientific research, and developed the holistic land management methodology.

Allan is now the president of the Savory Institute which advocates the methodology and researches the impact of properly managed livestock on the environment. As a well-respected environmentalist Allan speaks at numerous events on the issue of land degradation and regeneration.

Allan’s work now influences landowners, policymakers and investors. The Savory Institute was a semi-finalist in UN Convention to Combat Desertification Land for Life Award 2013 and in 2003 Allan was personally awarded the Banksia International Award which is given to the person doing the most for the environment on a global scale.

He pioneered Holistic Management, equipping landowners and policymakers with a practical method to reverse grassland desertification while sustaining food production.
He translates decades of field experience as a farmer, game ranger and research biologist into clear guidance on how livestock management can regenerate ecosystems.
He brings long-term credibility as President of the Savory Institute, helping decision-makers evaluate land health, risk and return through a regeneration lens.
His talks help leaders rethink land degradation as a solvable systems challenge, turning environmental urgency into actionable strategy for agriculture and investment.