We meet two women who are working in the conservation space and doing amazing work in South Africa through their non-profit organisations.
South Africa (19 September 2023) – Wildlife conservation and environmental preservation have a common goal – to preserve the environment on which humanity depends for its survival. There are millions of women and men around the world working as though their lives depend on it – because they do – to help rehabilitate our planet and help it thrive in the face of the myriad threats that our way of life, poses.
The ’MyPlanet’ arm of MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet – and millions of our Supporters’ swipes – support scores of conservation projects across Southern Africa, many of which were established by, headed up by or staffed predominantly by women.
Restoration & Stewardship
Greenpop is an award-winning registered non-profit organisation headquartered in Cape Town, working to restore ecosystems and empower environmental stewards through forest restoration, urban greening, food gardening and environmental awareness projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. Founded in 2010 by Lauren and Misha Teasdale, they have planted over 200,000 trees and inspired over 356,000 active citizens across South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, and Tanzania.
“Historically, like many other sectors, environmental organizations have been male-dominated. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in women’s leadership and representation in the environmental space. As the environmental movement becomes more inclusive and diverse, we are seeing more women taking on leadership roles and founding environmental NGOs,” says Zoë Gauld-Angelucci, Greenpop’s Head of Programmes.
“I’d like to emphasise that it is essential that both women and men are actively encouraged to pursue careers in the environmental space as they can equally contribute to meaningful and impactful initiatives in these areas and their collective efforts are vital in tackling environmental challenges”.
She was drawn to the environmental space by an enduring love for the natural world.
“I spent my childhood tending to my tomato plants (a skill I learned from my grandmother), taking long walks along the river watching leaves dance in the current, and swinging gleefully on a grand, old olive tree near my home. Fast forward two decades and I found myself in the majestic shadow of Table Mountain, attending the University of Cape Town. In the Sociology Department, I gained a broader perspective on the numerous, intersecting social and environmental challenges facing South Africa and decided to pursue a career tackling these issues,” she says.
“I recently became a mother and it has further solidified my resolve to dedicate my career to tackling environmental challenges. I want my daughters to enjoy a comfortable, healthy and thriving planet throughout their lives; to experience clean air and water, pristine wilderness and plastic-free oceans; to wake up to birds chirping and see elephants in the wild. I want them to be safe from wildfires, floods, and droughts. I want them to live in a green neighbourhood with parks and trees and community gardens; to have access to healthy and varied food; to be able to earn a living in a fulfilling career that doesn’t cost the earth. But I don’t only want this for my daughters. I want it for everyone’s daughters – and sons – around the world, for generations to come”.
Conservation & Preservation
Since 1973, the Endangered Wildlife Trust has been dedicated to conserving threatened species and ecosystems in southern and East Africa, to the benefit of all. Their strategy focuses on Saving Species, Conserving Habitats and Benefitting People.
Senior Carnivore Scientist & Manager of the African Lion Database at the Endangered Wildlife Trust, Samantha Nicholson, says it’s wonderful to see women playing such a significant role in conservation and wildlife efforts.
“Women have indeed made remarkable contributions to this field, and it’s crucial to recognise and celebrate their dedication. However, when we attribute women’s involvement to certain characteristics or motivations, we risk oversimplifying their diverse and multifaceted contributions. Just like men, women are drawn to conservation for a wide range of reasons, including a deep love for nature, a sense of responsibility toward the planet, and a desire to make a positive impact”.
She was drawn to the conservation space – as most of its members are – by a love of animals and nature.
“As I grew older, I became more aware of the threats that habitats and species face. I wanted a career where I could work every day to make a contribution to their preservation,” she says.
In her current role, Samantha engages with conservation organisations and researchers across Africa to obtain the latest information and data on lions across their range.
“Data that are shared with me is entered into the African Lion Database. The ALD is then used to generate up-to-date status assessments of the species across their range”.
She says that one of the most enjoyable things about her job is that she hears about all the incredible conservation work done across Africa.
“My tasks can differ daily but they generally include: mapping projects, data cleaning and standardization, reports on lion status, engagement with researchers and conservation organisations, writing scientific papers relevant to the data Endangered Wildlife Trust has on carnivore conservation, creating the African Lion Database.
Swipe to Save (the planet)
“At the beginning of 2020, Greenpop set an ambitious goal to plant 500,000 trees by 2025 and 1 million trees by 2030 in our projects across Sub-Saharan Africa. There has never been a more important time to invest in ecosystem restoration,” says Zoë.
“I would love to invite MSMVMP Supporters to consider getting involved and supporting us in reaching our goal and creating a greener South Africa for generations to come”.
Samantha says that the monthly funds raised from MySchool MyVillage MyPlanet swipes and pledged to the Endangered Wildlife Trust are extremely important to the organisation.
“These funds are used to keep our staff doing what they do best: Conservation In Action,” she says.
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