Meet the Team
Landscape Conservation Programme
Ernst Retief
Landscape Conservation Programme Manager
ernst.retief@birdlife.org.za
Ernst’s main responsibility is to support the staff within the Landscape Conservation Programme. The focus of the programme is the implementation of biodiversity stewardship projects in South Africa. Ernst is a keen birder and supporter of citizen science projects, such as the Southern African Bird Atlas Project. He has been working at BirdLife South Africa for more than 13 years. During this time, he co-authored the revised Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas Directory and supported the declaration of the new Key Biodiversity Areas network. He is passionate about Geographic Information Systems and using spatial tools to inform conservation planning. Ernst has a MSc in the social sciences.
Dr Giselle Murison
Western Cape Estuaries Conservation Project Manager
giselle.murison@birdlife.org.za
As the Project Manager for BirdLife South Africa’s Western Cape Estuaries Conservation Project, Giselle is responsible for facilitating improved protection and appropriate management of priority estuaries within IBAs in the Western Cape, in partnership with government organisations, other NPOs and local stakeholders. This includes relevant policy input and support, and the initiation, implementation and support of conservation initiatives to benefit estuarine ecosystem health, including habitat management and rehabilitation projects, such as alien clearing, saltmarsh restoration and fynbos management, environmental awareness and education, and scientific research and monitoring in key estuarine IBAs.
Philipp Grundlingh
West Coast Estuaries Conservation Officer
philipp.grundlingh@birdlife.org.za
As part of the Landscape Conservation Programme Team and the Western Cape Estuaries Conservation Project, Philipp is tasked with tackling conservation issues facing the Berg River and Verlorenvlei estuaries, with a specific focus on the restoration and safeguarding of sensitive estuarine habitats. He has a BSc (Hons) degree in Zoology from Nelson Mandela University and is currently completing his MSc in the ecology of the larval fishes of the Swartkops Estuary. Philipp is passionate about conservation and when he’s not working, likes to free dive, spearfish, garden, play chess and birdwatch.
Carina Pienaar
Ingula and Grasslands Conservation Project Manager
carina.pienaar@birdlife.org.za
Carina is primarily tasked with the conservation of South Africa’s birds and their habitats by contributing to the conservation success of the Ingula Nature Reserve and surrounding protected environments areas (Upper Wilge and Sneeuwberg Protected Environments, and other initiatives in progress). This includes coordinating and implementing avifaunal and ecological surveys in the Protected Areas (PA), scientific and conservation input into the management of the PA, and the implementation, updating and development of action plans for priority bird species which occur at Ingula and in the surrounding area. She is also working towards further PA expansion (e.g. the proposed Jadelo Nature Reserve and proposed Verkykerskop Protected Environment) in the Eastern Free State and providing post-declaration support to the existing PA network, assisting landowners with becoming active stewards of the land and managing it optimally for both biodiversity and agriculture.
Steve McKean
Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECM) Project Manager
Steve’s main responsibility is to facilitate and oversee the implementation of the OECM project in South Africa. He holds an MSc in Ecology and has a background in sustainable resource use, natural resource management, and incentive-driven approaches to conservation. Steve has over 30 years’ of experience in conservation and was one of the initiators of the KZN Biodiversity Stewardship Programme in 2005/6. More recently, Steve has facilitated the formal declaration of several new Protected Areas through the Biodiversity Stewardship mechanism.
Dr Kyle Lloyd
Wetland Conservation Project Manager/Rockjumper Fellow of White-winged Flufftail Conservation
Kyle oversees the research and conservation of the Critically Endangered White-winged Flufftail (WwF). The WwF serves as a flagship species for safeguarding South Africa’s peat-based wetlands that are inhabited by a diversity of unique animals and plants. Kyle’s responsibilities are broadly divided into (1) conducting research on WwF population dynamics, breeding biology and movement patterns; and (2) protecting WwF habitat by engaging with local landowners, improving habitat quality and identifying potential threats which can be mitigated through effective conservation measures.
Dr Marlize Muller
Steenkampsberg Conservation Officer
marlize.muller@birdlife.org.za
Marlize is the Steenkampsberg Conservation Officer under the Wetland Conservation Project within the Landscape Conservation Programme. Her primary role is to expand the protected area network in the Steenkampsberg mountains of northern Mpumalanga and provide landowners with post-declaration support. Marlize completed her PhD in Environmental Sciences from North-West University.”
Steven Segang
Ingula Conservation and Education Officer
steven.segang@birdlife.org.za
Steven is primarily tasked at conducting avifaunal surveys, guiding of visitors, and assisting with environmental awareness and education at the Ingula Nature Reserve. Steven is well qualified, holding various certificates such as a Tourist Guide Certificate from Unisa and a Community Based Natural Resource Management Certificate from the Southern African Wildlife College. Steven is passionate about bird watching.
Matthew Orolowitz
Birding Ecotours Fellow of Grassland Conservation
Matthew.Orolowitz@birdlife.org.za
Matthew is the Birding Ecotours Fellow of Grassland Conservation at BirdLife South Africa, based in Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga. In this role, he is dedicated to the long-term preservation of the Wakkerstroom region, with a particular emphasis on safeguarding endangered and endemic species, including Botha’s Lark and Rudd’s Lark. His responsibilities encompass conducting scientific research, implementing monitoring programs, and fostering community engagement through biodiversity stewardship initiatives. Matthew has an MSc in Conservation Biology from the University of Cape Town’s Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology. His MSc thesis delved into how larks adapt their behaviour to survive in hot and arid environments.”
Programme Intern
Valery Phakoago
Landscape Conservation Intern
valery.phakoago@birdlife.org.za
Valery Phakoago holds an MSc in Environmental Sciences from the University of Venda, where she studied geophagic practices (consumption of earthly materials) in Sekhukhune area. Currently, Valery is in her final stages of submitting her PhD in Wildlife Conservation Physiology, at the University of the Witwatersrand, working on the ecology of aardvarks and Temminck’s pangolins in the Kalahari. Valery joined BirdLife South Africa as the 2023-2024 Landscape Conservation Intern and is responsible for assisting the Landscape Conservation Programme Manager with administrative duties including report writing, taking minutes, social media and website updates. At some point during her internship, she will assist in fieldwork and also be involved in coordinating upcoming events such as the Learn About Birds (LAB) Conference.
