BIPOC Environmentalists

Daniëlle completed her undergraduate and Honours degree in Geographic Information Systems & Environmental Management in 2017 at the University of the Western Cape. She then joined SANParks Garden Route Scientific Services as a conservation research intern in 2018. Daniëlle has a special interest in wetland ecology and Remote Sensing and is currently a Master’s candidate at Stellenbosch University in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. Her research entails testing Remote Sensing methods to efficiently map aquatic-terrestrial ecotones. She also enjoys participation in science communication outreach and environmental education as she believes these are key ways to engage with, and influence the public about conservation and sustainable living. Daniëlle Seymour                                                    ...

Grant van der Heever holds an MSc (Cum Laude) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of the Western Cape. He is currently employed as an Instrument Technician (“aspiring scientist”) at the South African Environmental Observation Networks (SAEON) Offshore node in Cape Town. Although his role at SAEON spans various disciplines, his main duties are the planning and execution of at-sea surveys, and the operation and maintenance of the sampling equipment used during those surveys. The sampling equipment he operates relies on innovative deep-sea technology to investigate long-term ecological change in the understudied deeper waters of South Africa. These offshore ecosystems are home to remarkable marine plants and animals that sustain a lucrative commercial fishery that has supported South Africans for over centuries. Grant’s future goal is to pursue a PhD which will focus on essential fish habitats, which to put simply, will use underwater camera technology to visually...

Inshaaf Layloo holds a Bsc degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, Bsc Hons in Biodiversity and Conservation, where she looked at the diet of Cape cobras. Her findings of her Hons degree was published as well. She is currently completing her Msc at the University of Stellenbosch where she looks at the environmental and economic impact of invasive wasps. If she’s not in the field she’s helping an animal in need. She’s really passionate about educating kids in her area (Manenberg, Cape Flats) about kindness to animals and how to care for them properly. Insahaaf Layloo                                                                            Inshaaf Layloo, MSc            ...

Randal is the Principal Scientist for waste management research at Sasol where he plays an important role in identifying and developing technologies to enhance Sasol’s ability to move waste generated at its facilities, higher up the waste hierarchy.  He is a registered Professional Natural Scientist, and holds a PhD in Zoology from Stellenbosch University, and has published research in scientific journals, presented at many local and international conferences and institutions, and collaborated with researchers from all over the world.  He is active in the wider research community and is the Treasurer for the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry SETAC) African geographic unit, and also represented Africa on the European SETAC geographic unit.  He is very passionate about being involved in the community and as Africa representative for ZipTieDomes, supported a project in Kharkams, Namaqualand, that provided eco-shelter geodesic domes for herders.  He enjoy...

Jordan Van Stavel holds a BTech in Oceanography from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. She has recently undertaken her MSc in Biological Oceanography with Nelson Mandela University, in collaboration with the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON).   Jordan’s research will focus on the functional roles of the benthic invertebrate epifauna (spineless critters living on the seafloor) inhabiting the offshore regions (> 200 m) of South Africa and the influence of environmental processes on their distribution across different ecosystem types. Globally, and in South Africa, offshore benthic ecosystems are challenging to access and remain poorly understood.   I hope that my research can play even the smallest role in advancing the knowledge and understanding of the importance of benthic biodiversity in sustaining healthy ocean systems.  Jordan Van Stavel  Jordan Van Stavel, MSc

I am a registered Professional Natural Scientist currently working as an Environmental Specialist at the National Petroleum Refiners of South Africa in Sasolburg. I graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with an MSc (Zoology). With my background in ecotoxicology I worked at the Rand Water Board as an analyst and later a Scientist in the Hydrobiology laboratory. I then took up a position as Assistant Director Toxicity Monitoring at the then Department of Water Affairs and Forestry before successfully establishing an environmental consulting company that provides technology-based solutions to enhance ecological services by drawing upon expertise in the fields of environmental stress ecology, biodiversity and risk. I enjoy photography and painting and share my birding passion with my husband, who is also a Scientist, and 5 year old; I have a growing interest in snakes, thanks to my 13 year old. Alétia Chapman Alétia Chapman,  Professional Natural Scientist currently working as ...

I obtained a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and then a PhD in Zoology from Nelson Mandela University. My research was focussed on invertebrate diversity and ecology (mostly crabs) in freshwater, estuarine and mangrove habitats. During my postdoc, I spent a year in Mozambique where I realised that our ideas of conservation completely excluded indigenous communities, many of which are great sources of traditional ecological knowledge and rely on the adjacent marine habitats for survival. My research is now focussed on understanding how we can merge scientific and traditional knowledge to have a better understanding of marine systems and how we can use science as a tool to address community-driven concerns. Currently I am a lecturer at Stellenbosch University and I've co-founded Argonaut Science (Pty) Ltd, a small business based on the idea that science and exploration belong to everyone. Aside from work, I enjoy spending my free time around the ocean ...

I received my Honours (Cum Laude) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape. My Masters in Biological Oceanography obtained from Nelson Mandela University, focused on utilizing coastal altimetry as a tool to determine the role of cyclonic eddies as a driver of enhanced chlorophyll concentrations along the east coast of South Africa. Currently enrolled as a PhD student, my research takes a modelled approach to better understand the importance of marshes as a source of nutrients to estuaries and the potential influences of future natural and anthropogenic pressures on coastal wetland-estuarine systems. Trying to live a sustainable lifestyle is something I am very passionate about. The idea of moving towards a more earthbound way of living, there is something very gratifying and spiritual about it. If I could be in the garden all day or traveling around taking photographs, that right there is pure bliss. Lisa Ziegler           ...

My name is Lindsay Lewis from Wellington in the Western Cape, I am currently in my final year for an Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation at UNISA studying the fire regime of Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve. I am a born nature lover and always wanted to live and learn in nature, I have been privileged to work as Conservation Services officer at Vrolijkheid Nature reserve, Section Ranger at Agulhas National Park and Marine Ranger at De Hoop Nature Reserve at. This helped me to gain diverse knowledge about theWestern Cape’s unique and magnificent biodiversity.  I currently work as a nature conservationist at Drakenstein Municipality focusing on management the Nature Reserve’s and natural landscapes. By enhancing the biodiversity value through projects like fire management and alien vegetation clearing projects. The Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve is my home and here I engage with local communities’ public schools, volunteers and environmental groups. Environmental education is key to ...

I’m a professional nature conservationist currently focussing on using GIS to inform decision-making processes. BSc. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology BSc. (Hons) Biodiversity and Conservation Biology MSc. Biodiversity and Conservation Biology. All obtained from the University of the Western Cape My green hobbies are hiking, gardening, volunteering in nurseries and nature reserves, and importantly BIRDing.                                                                                       Leatitia Carmen Piers 

Clement Cupido is a rangeland ecologist who is currently working as a researcher for the Agricultural Research Council and is based at the Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department at the University of the Western Cape. Most of his research is done in the arid and semi-arid environments of Southern Africa and he therefore works closely with rural communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock production. Most of his work is of a multidisciplinary nature with the main focus on rangeland (veld) ecology and management (e.g. veld assessments, grazing systems, fire, wetlands, veld restoration, impacts of climate change). He started off his career as a life science teacher in the early 90’s where he shared his passion for nature conservation with young children by establishing the school’s first environmental club. He thereafter completed Honours and Masters degrees cum laude in Nature Conservation. Over the past decade he has supervised, co-supervised and mentored several post gra...

Lynné Vigeland holds a BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of the Western Cape. She is currently completing her honours in Anthropology at the same institution. Her thesis focuses on the impact of livestock-keeping practices on human and animal well-being, research site Mamre, Western Cape.  Lynné is an avid gardener with a keen interest in plant adaptations and medicinal plant use. She also regularly volunteers at the Cape Flats Nature Reserve on campus.  Lynné Vigeland

My name is Etienne Basson. I hold and BSc degree in Ecology and studying a Honours in Environmental Monitoring & Modelling through UNISA. I am employed at Western Cape Government  DEA & DP and work on Green Economy projects with a specific focus on the Ecological Infrastructure Investment Framework. This year I started the Envirolove Project and have been involved with Matric Wild Nights Out since 2015.Both projects aims to mentor high school youth from under resourced communities and provide them access to educational experiences in natural spaces.                                                                                            Etienne Basson              ...

The urban ecological environment/s intrigue me to understand the elements that build ecosystems through relationships. I work through consumables as a means of understanding the world. Influenced by reclaiming culture, reviving tradition through progressive interpretation in a listening of the future and a steady present survivalism. I studied Landscape Design and Horticulture, focusing on green roof systems for biodiversity  and food security within the so-called spatial limitations of the city. I am completing my PhD: "From seed-as-object to seed-as-relation," in the Environmental Humanities South at the University of Cape Town, an interdisciplinary research cluster. I am also building the Seed Biblioteek, highlighting the story of seed. But then in terms of green hobbies: I work as an artist, consultant, food transformer, ceramicist, writer and researcher working from a socio-political platform to understand truer meanings of transformation and expressing solutions through...

I hold a MSc Degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology obtained at the University of the Western Cape, which promoted indigenous people's knowledge and  environmental management to climate change.   I have previously worked as an environmental educator to the CapeFlats communities. Later on in my career, I became an environmental management lecturer to entry and exit level BSc and Higher Certificate stidents at Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. Currently, I am enrolled as a PhD student, where I wish to focus on the resilience of indigenous communities to climate change in order to increase their sustainability and promote their "way of life" as a tool for environmental conservation within communities whose livelihoods depend on natural resources.                                                      ...

Nondumiso Myataza is passionate about people and the environment in which they live. She has completed her studies in Nature Conservation at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. To expand her knowledge of science and ecology, she was involved in various research projects in the Kruger National Park. Her passion, however, lies in Environmental Education where she is currently serving. Nondumiso believes that Environmental Education is an essential part of the sustainable use and conservation of the planet. She believes that people should be given opportunities of forming a personal relationship with nature as she believes that through those experiences, loving and protecting the environment will come easily. When she is not outdoors or interacting with the youth, Nondumiso enjoys writing and draws her inspiration from the lessons found in nature and her own life experiences.                           ...

Robert Andrews is a qualified scientist with an undergraduate degree in Biodiversity and Conservation biology from the University of the Western Cape and both a PgDip in aquaculture and a MSc in sustainable agriculture from Stellenbosch University. Robert as a student consultant from Stellenbosch University worked at the fizantakraal and Koo valley sites for Molapong aquaculture. In he’s MSc he focused on managing of waste water from anaerobic digestion with aquaponics. Robert is results-orientated and has used his skill set as a developer and project manager working for clients in the agricultural and renewable energy industries. His role in these sectors have been to review legislation, review EIA and other shareholder concerns, provide mitigation, sourcing of new technologies for end to end business solutions to extend value chains. Current projects are Bonnievale and Honingklip solar preparation for the REIPPP and Suurbraak aquaponics.             ...

Siyamthanda Gxokwe holds a BSc Environmental and water science,  BSc hon Environmental and water science, MSc Environmental and Water science (hydrogeology)\(Cum laude), PhD candidate Wetlands hydrology and remote sensing.  Environmental Hobby: going out to the field to monitoring environmental changes (work is play and play is work).                                                                                      Siyamthanda Gxokwe                                                                          Si...

Megan Simons holds a MSc (Cum Laude) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from the University of the Western Cape. Her research focused on understanding the ecosystem functioning, fire and plant ecology within climatically sensitive with high biodiversity arid and semi-arid Mountain Renosterveld shrublands. She has as previously worked for SANParks as the West Coast National Park Buffer Zone Coordinator under the UNDP/GEF 5 project entitled "Improving Management Effectiveness of the Protected Areas Network"  project which focused expanding the Protected Areas Network and land-use planning to ensure ecological sustainability within the buffer zone. Thus, she was responsible for the consultation and declaration process of a Protected Environment, south of the national park. She recently started working for CapeNature as the Land Use Scientist in which she will provide scientific input on development applications, engage with relevant policy and planning, and identify applic...

Simply put, my interest lies in the ocean and the life that thrives therein. Throughout the course of my short research career, I have worked on diverse aspects in marine science. From describing a new species of jellyfish to looking at environmental drivers related to patterns of zooplankton abundance, richness and diversity. My internship with the CSIR took me a bit out of research and exposed me to industry in terms of client liaison, stakeholder participation and conducting environmental assessments. In the last year I have been lecturing 1 st year biology at Elsenburg Agricultural Institute in Stellenbosch. Recently I was contracted to supervise an onshore environmental monitoring programme in Cabo del Gado, Mozambique led by Total SA. A liquefied natural gas project that has received invest up to 15 billion USD. But with Covid-19 it has been postponed to such a time we can resume as normal. Now I am busy finishing my MSc thesis. In my MSc thesis, I investigated the influence of t...

Lyle Vorsatz holds a BSc, BSc (hons) (Cum laude) and MSc (Cum laude) in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from The University of the Western Cape. He recently submitted an interdisciplinary PhD at Rhodes University while based at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity on the roles of mangrove microhabitats for ecologically and economically important invertebrate and fish larvae. Outside of academia he enjoys sports, running, hiking and being out in nature. Lyle Vorsatz, PhD                                                                                          Lyle Vorsatz (MSc Cum Laude) doing what he does best.

Denisha Anand holds a BSc degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology,  BSc Hons in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology, majoring in Biodiversity Information Management and Plant Ecophysiology. Currently completing a Masters degree in multispecies ethnography and plant knowledge systems at the University of the Western Cape, research site Kamiesberg, Northern Cape.  Denisha also manages a 109ha wetland system in Cape Town as a Biodiversity Manager. She's a progressive environmental educator and advocate for restoration and rehabilitation of neglected biodiversity areas associated with BIPOC. Photo credit: Jodi Windvogel                                                                        Phot cred: Amanda Norrlander