Johan Bester obtained a B. Sc. Forestry degree from the University of Stellenbosch, B. Sc Honours in Agrarian Extension form University of Pretoria and M. Sc. Forestry from University of Wolverhampton. His professional career involved various positions in National Government that encompassed commercial forestry management, forestry extension and community forestry as well as forestry policy and strategy development. His current position is Deputy Director: Forestry Scientific Services in the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, where his varied duties include aspects related to the interface between climate change and forestry science, forest conservation planning and technical support in forestry regulation.