Colette Terblanche

Project Manager over multiple projects in protected areas across southern Africa, with a focus on rhino protection support to state-owned protected areas; the development and implementation of technology solutions for conservation problems; and law enforcement support.

Experience includes: Project planning, implementation and close out of multi-million US dollar projects from:

• Building LoRaWAN and radio networks & maintenance of the networks
• Research, development, testing and fitting rhino trackers
• Establishing Operations Rooms & training staff
• Research applicable technology to find solutions to solve protected area concerns, and implementing solutions
• Management of the deployment of AI camera traps, animal and staff trackers, EarthRanger & multiple other solutions to create real-time awareness and improve decision making in protected areas
• Development and management of technical staff;
• Support the development and implementation of provincial rhino guardianship plans
• Management of a K9 unit at an international airport
• Support the deployment of counter poaching teams patrolling country borders
• Integrity management in protected areas

Skills:

• Writing of comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones and budgets
• Building of strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence to deliver results
• Excellent communication & presentation skills
• Risk management and mitigation strategies
• Detailed report writing on project status
• Budget management
• Negotiation & compilation of agreements between state, service providers and collaboration with organisations
• Completion of projects within tight deadlines, coordinating team efforts and prioritizing tasks
• Facilitating workshops to improve stakeholder knowledge and improve technology innovation
• Fostering innovative technology solutions leading to improved project outcomes

Specialised in conducting invasive species assessments and management plans for protected areas, municipalities, and forestry areas.

List of plans developed:

- Wildlife Conservation Society, 2020: Maputo National Park Invasive Species Assessment & Management Plan, including costing and clearing methods.

- iSimangaliso Wetland Authority, 2017: iSimangaliso Invasive Species Management Plan, World Heritage Site.

- Ugu & Ray Nkonyeni District & Local Muncipalities, 2015-16: Invasive Species Assessments and Management Plans.

- SANBI, 2015-16: Mentoring to IAS Management Staff, contract to clear Category 1a species around Pietermaritzburg.

- SANBI, 2014: National Parthenium hysterophorus Management Plan.

- Mawana Game Reserve, 2013: Elephant Management Plan.

- Mondi Forests, 2012 - 2018: Environmental Management Plans, IAS Assessments and IAS Budget Requirements - for Mondi SA, Training on clearing methods and IAS identification for foresters and workers.

- Ethekwini Municipality, 2010-11: Water hyacinth Management Plan & IAS clearing standards document.

The management of my own company, helped me to develop the following skills:

• Management of stakeholders, from conservationists, to municipality staff, private sector with landowners,foresters, and general workers.
• Marketing skills to market company.
• Public Speaking: Presentation at various conferences to present plans.
• Detailed report writing.
• Built extensive relationships with a wide network of stakeholders both in the private and public sector, specifically in KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique.
• Developing innovative strategies and plans with practical implementation methods & clear budgets.

I was head-hunted by Peace Parks Foundation in 2018 and continued consulting part time until 2020.

Management of the invasive alien species (IAS) planning, budgeting and implementation of 55 protected areas in KwaZulu-Natal. Staff management, report writing, stakeholder engagement, and lobbying for additional funding.

Compiled the following documents:

-Ezemvelo IAS Operations Manual

- Prioritization of IAS within Protected Areas

- Guidelines for compiling IAS Management Plans in Protected Areas

Started the following Forums and Working Groups:

• Started the KZN Invasive Alien Species Forum in 2008.
• Started and chaired the KZN IAS Communication Working Group and the KZN IAS Herbicide Working Group from 2008 – 2010.

Represented Ezemvelo at various conferences and workshops including the:

- International Weeds Conference (2008), Vancouver, Canada – Poster Presentation

- EMAPI (2009), Cape Town – Oral Presentation.

Achievements:

• Compiled long-term IAS clearing plans .
• Coordinated cross-functional teams in protected areas across KZN.
• Enhanced staff communication by implementing weekly coordination meetings, team building activities and project update emails.
• Developed comprehensive training materials for staff leading to improved productivity levels and quicker onboarding of new staff.

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) project planning and oversight of 10 protected areas in the Zululand district.

• Management of staff in remote locations.
• Budget development and management.
• Implementation and oversight of projects to quality standards before signing off.
• Procurement of materials and equipment.
• Building of infrastructure to support projects.
• Improved overall efficiency by identifying areas in need of improvement and implementing necessary changes.
• Led a team to achieve the IAS Programme goals and exceed targets, fostering a positive work environment.
• Continuously improved operational procedures through ongoing evaluation of existing practices, incorporating feedback from team members and adopting industry best practices.
• Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff and contractors to identify areas for improvement and develop innovative actions for growth.

Started and managed the successful Hluhluwe- iMfolozi Park’s (HiP) Chromolaena Clearing Project.

• Managed a staff compliment of 9 across various disciplines, with 500 – 900 workers in field per day.
• Successfully lobbied for additional funding which saw the project budget double in two years.
• Successfully implemented a management plan to reduce the IAS infestation levels from just over 50% of HiP covered with between 25 – 70% densities to just 10% dense infestations and 90% maintenance level (less than 5% infestation) within 5 years.
• Successfully established a project base with large-scale infrastructure and housing for project staff.
• Oversaw the planning, implementation, and budget and managed risks to successfully implement the project.
• Extensive community engagement and workshops.
• Stakeholder reporting and meetings.
• Established project standards and procedures.
• Implemented extensive training for staff, contractors and workers on health and safety standards, IAS identification and work methods.

Management of the Invasive Alien Species Programme across the Zululand district, including employment and management of staff, budget management, and stakeholder engagement.

• Project planning, writing, management and implementation.
• Stakeholder meetings and engagements.
• Extensive conflict resolution.
• Quality control of standards delivered.
• Monitoring of budget and project progress.
• Employed and managed staff in remote locations.
• Regular staff meetings to monitor project progress.
• Oversaw GIS and planning teams.