There is something interesting and unique that originates in a person who is able to bring the two distinct worlds of the creative heart with the rigours of the scientific mind together into a single comprehensive problem-solving offering. And when this is in service of the environment and the wellbeing of mankind on this beautiful planet, we can be sure the messages and approach will be unique, and that succinctly describes the approach and innovative programmes originated by Noel.

 

Having been drawn to nature at an early age motivated by a keen interest in trying to understand the natural world, his path led him to studying Environmental & Geographical Science at the University of Cape Town, and becoming the chairperson or committee member of numerous natural history organisations.

 

Early on he also showed a keen interest in the arts, and throughout his life he has explored what it means to find one’s creative voice, and to then give it direction and purpose in communicating his concepts, ideas and teachings to a broader audience.

 

These two disciplines were brought together when he was awarded a scholarship to attend the UCT Graduate School of Business ‘Business Acumen for Artists’ programme, an acknowledgement of his clear dedication to forging a unique career and calling. This has borne fruit in many initiatives which are at their most effective when he is able to find a space to co-ordinate his creative-scientific thinking, leading to diverse programmes such as ‘Windows on the Oceans’, ‘Sacred Ocean Campaign’, and ‘Mapungubwe Revisited’.

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A central theme has been ocean habitats and the whales and dolphins of the world, a perfect place to hone his dualistic skills, for an early commission to create the first scientific illustration of the endangered Heaviside’s dolphin by the International Whaling Commission has turned into a lifelong quest to create highly accurate scientific illustrations of the world’s species (read more here). This has led to many research projects and the publication of five books, including a field guide published by Penguin Random House, with a foreword by whale specialist Mark Carwardine.

 

One of Noel’s challenges is how to share a message with as wide an audience as possible, and he has partnered with many prestigious organisations, including WWF South Africa, IFAW Southern Africa, the Two Oceans Aquarium, and De Beers Marine, among many others. These partnerships enabled the creation and launch of many of his programmes, including the Sacred Ocean Sculpture and Great Whaling Debate, which was supported and launched by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu; Mapungubwe Revisited and the rhino conservation story with WWF-SA; The Whale Show in Hermanus – an AV show focusing on whales and sponsored by IFAW; and then consulting for Warner Bros and ARD German Television.

 

There is another aspect to Noel’s life which is not immediately apparent but has formed a strong foundation for his offerings, and that is being born in Africa and close to the earth, which has instilled in him the abilities of the storyteller, a skill which he has used and refined with audiences throughout his life, ranging from large group talks at the IMAX theatre venue to intimate specialist events, whale-watching groups, teacher’s training workshops, television appearances, and public lectures.

 

Noel’s deep passion for protecting the environment, and sharing stories and insights that uplift people’s lives, are the underlying motivation behind all this work.