Conservation Manager, Endangered Wildlife Trust; Programme Manager, Conservation Breeding Specialist Group, SSC/IUCN Southern Africa; Chairperson, IUCN South African Members’ Committee
Yolan’s background includes a BA in English; veterinary nursing at Onderstepoort; and she is currently studying media communications.
The 90-odd projects run by 17 specialist working groups at the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) all report to Yolan, who must ensure they work towards achieving EWT’s goals. She also manages partnerships with other organisations, media liaison and fund-raising.
‘Our work focuses on broad conservation issues,” she says. ‘Our crane project works on wetlands and grassland conservation, education, etc. Other projects deal with raptors, marine life, carnivores, commerce, agriculture, and much more. We work closely with the government and other stakeholders. Industry partnerships include one with Eskom to minimise the impact of powerlines on birdlife. Our Eco-warrior programme nurtures the future champions of conservation.
‘To many people conservation is a remote issue and not something confronting them in their own homes and gardens. Everyone has an impact on the environment – we must all become environmental custodians.”