In conversation with LILY JAMES

She has shown off her acting chops with standout performances in films like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Cinderella, and most recently Pam & Tommy, which bagged her the first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress. Recently, James was nominated as the Global Ambassador for Natural Diamond Council. As part of the campaign, she travelled to Botswana, an experience that she defined as life-changing in many ways. During her trip she got a chance to learn about wildlife conservation, stories from the community of diamond workers and initiatives crafting a new future for tourism and development.

- Shradha Shahani

Tell us about your trip to Botswana.

I’ve had such a special time in Botswana. It was particularly remarkable to witness all the efforts put into sustainability and conservation and to see what Botswana was like and to meet the people behind the place. I learned so much and am grateful to have had this experience.

Botswana has some of the most spectacular wildlife in Africa. What was your favourite experience during your time there?

The wildlife in Botswana is out of this world—it truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was staying at Selinda Camp near the Linyanti swamps, which borders Namibia. The wilderness all around you makes you realise how precious and important it is to protect it. It was among the most incredible few days that I have had, feeling so at one with nature, its elements and that power. It was really striking and now I want to continue working on conservation projects and make that a focus in my life.

What do you make of the conservation efforts in Botswana?