Phomelelo Malatji

SACNASP-registered Ecologist, Botanist and Environmental Practitioner with over five years of experience in biodiversity conservation, ecological monitoring, freshwater ecosystem management, environmental compliance support, stakeholder engagement, land management, and ecosystem restoration initiatives. Experienced in planning and implementing biodiversity management programmes within complex multi-stakeholder environments, including conservation landscapes, catchment systems, and community-based natural resource management projects. Demonstrated expertise in biodiversity conservation planning, wetland and freshwater ecosystem monitoring, ecological rehabilitation principles, invasive species management, environmental risk assessment, environmental compliance monitoring, biodiversity stewardship, and ecosystem-based adaptation.

Proven ability to coordinate contractors, multidisciplinary teams, government agencies, conservation authorities, NGOs, communities, and technical specialists to achieve environmental management objectives. Strong knowledge of environmental legislation including NEMA, NEMBA, TOPS Regulations, Alien and Invasive Species Regulations, Protected Areas legislation, environmental permitting processes, biodiversity management planning, and environmental reporting requirements. Experienced in technical reporting, environmental inspections, monitoring programmes, environmental governance support, and implementation of sustainable land management initiatives.

Socioecologist at Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) (2025-02 – Present)

• Lead implementation of biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management initiatives across Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.
• Coordinate biodiversity stewardship programmes aimed at protecting threatened species and ecologically sensitive landscapes.
• Conduct ecological assessments and monitoring of threatened and protected plant populations.
• Support habitat restoration and conservation interventions that improve ecosystem condition and biodiversity outcomes.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement processes involving government departments, conservation authorities, communities, traditional health practitioners and traders.
• Contribute to environmental risk identification, mitigation planning and adaptive management processes.
• Coordinate field teams, monitoring activities and project implementation schedules.
• Support environmental compliance requirements associated with conservation management activities.
• Produce technical reports, biodiversity assessments and monitoring reports to support environmental decision-making.
• Contribute to sustainable natural resource management, ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation planning.

Freshwater Monitoring Project Lead at Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (2023-01 – 2024-12)

Led the implementation of freshwater monitoring and catchment conservation initiatives under the UNESCO Be-Resilient Programme and associated biodiversity conservation projects.

• Led freshwater ecosystem monitoring programs and catchment conservation initiatives under the UNESCO Be-Resilient Program.
• Conducted wetland and freshwater ecosystem assessments using biological and physico-chemical indicators.
• Developed monitoring frameworks and environmental reporting systems for ecosystem management programs.
• Supported ecosystem restoration and rehabilitation initiatives within priority conservation landscapes.
• Conducted environmental compliance inspections and monitoring activities.
• Managed environmental datasets and biodiversity monitoring programs.
• Worked closely with municipalities, conservation agencies, NGOs, and communities to support sustainable land management.
• Contributed to climate resilience, catchment management, and ecosystem-based adaptation initiatives.
• Produced technical reports communicating environmental risks, ecological conditions, and management recommendations.
• Assisted with environmental governance and environmental management planning processes.

Research Laboratory Technician at Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria (2022-02 – 2023-01)

Supported plant health diagnostics, biodiversity research, and laboratory-based environmental investigations.

• Conducted laboratory analyses including PCR and DNA sequencing.
• Assisted with implementation of scientific research protocols and biological trials.
• Maintained scientific records and quality management documentation.
• Assisted with preparation of technical reports and research outputs.
• Supported scientific workshops, conferences and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Ensured compliance with laboratory quality assurance and safety requirements.

Master of Science (MSc) in Botany – University of Johannesburg (2021)

Bachelor of Science Honours (BSc Hons) in Botany – University of Johannesburg (2019)

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biochemistry and Botany – University of Johannesburg (2017)