From Antarctica, inspiring the next generation: Paul Gardiner’s eco documentary “Natural Born Runners”

Paul Gardiner is a renowned South African conservationist and avid long-distance runner. He has launched a new six-part documentary series, “Natural Born Runners,” exclusively on YouTube. The series is a project that blends his two passions, running and conservation, and aims to inspire a younger generation to connect with and protect the planet. Locations include the Eastern Cape, where his family has been involved in rewilding projects, Bahrain, Scotland and the USA. When BizNews caught up with him, Gardiner was in Antarctica, bracing -20°C, after completing a 21 km race with his brother, Murray. He discussed the challenges of filming and running in Antarctica due to the harsh terrain and extreme cold, highlighting global warming and avian flu as significant environmental concerns in the region. “If all the ice in Antarctica melts, sea levels will rise by 60 metres,” he told BizNews. Paul also recounted his experience visiting a recently discovered penguin colony that shows no fear of humans. The video material, shot by his filmmaker friend, Christian Antoine, is a must-see. – Linda van Tilburg