Cosmo Mapitsa

Cosmo Mapitsa is a researcher with an interdisciplinary academic and professional experience, spanning Geography, Historical Studies and Law. His research interests sit at the intersection of environmental law, governance and Indigenous knowledge systems.
 

His PhD research, African Indigenous values as a framework for developing the Principle of Trusteeship in South African Natural Resources Law, examines how Indigenous value systems can inform and reshape the legal principle of trusteeship, with a specific focus on biodiversity and protected areas. This project builds on his earlier work on traditional knowledge and environmental law, and situates itself within the comparative and Indigenous-knowledge dimensions of natural resources governance — bringing doctrinal legal analysis into conversation with Indigenous values of environmental care and stewardship. Annette Hübschle is his co-supervisor.