Meet our passionate, committed, and dynamic global team

Bringing to the role years of hands-on operational management experience, and invaluable knowledge in the sector, Mike began his development career in 1995 as a US Peace Corps Business Volunteer in Mauritania.  He has spent 24 years managing complex, large-scale livelihoods, natural resource management, and agri-business programmes across Kenya, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.  In 1998, Mike joined the US based National Cooperative Business Association to assist with its main Zambian program. It was during this time that he redesigned the training and coaching regimens and manuals for CLUSA, while incorporating the Zambian Conservation Farming Unit’s (CFU) Conservation Farming practices into program activities. Mike founded and managed a small, but successful UK based agricultural consultancy business and left London in late 2011 to design and manage the Zambian Conservation Farming Unit’s four-country regional program. Up until 2021, Mike was the CFU Programme Manager for the CFU’s forty-three district wide Climate Smart Agriculture Zambia programme. Mike is very excited to bring his extensive experience and expertise in managing diverse teams and complex programmes to BCP, where he will be responsible for the operational execution of BCP’s REDD+ projects in Zambia, building upon the impressive work and progress that has been realized over the past decade.

Mike holds a MSc from the London School of Economics and a BA from New England College, and last year was awarded a certificate in handling and capturing dangerous snakes.

Outside of conservation, Mike’s next biggest passion is basketball, and for three seasons played point guard for the Zambian Basketball Association’s Premium Hawks basketball club.

Emmanuel Da Ponte is a data analyst and researcher with more than 10 years in the field of remote for nature conservation. Emmanuel is a graduated Forest Engineer from The National University of Asuncion – Paraguay. He obtained his MSc degree in European Forestry from the University of Eastern Finland and Lleida Spain where the focus of his studies comprised of wildfire detection and remote sensing. Emmanuel holds a PhD in Natural sciences conducted at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and University of Kiel – Germany. His research work has been published in several international scientific journals in the field of remote sensing and forest such as MDPI Remote Sensing, Applied Geography, Forest and Ecosystems Services. Emmanuel’s role at BCP is to lead the carbon division. When Emmanuel is not working on research is an avid jogger and nature hiker.

Marius holds a PhD in Botany from Nelson Mandela University. Prior to BCP, Marius was a post-doctoral research associate at Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, focused on restoration ecology and the quantification of biodiversity and ecosystem services (biomass and carbon in particular) in intact, degraded, and restored subtropical thicket vegetation in South Africa. Marius has over 12 years’ experience fine-tuning GIS/RS, mapping and surveying a range of ecosystems, assessing biomass and carbon as well as statistical analyses.

Lucy is a GIS and remote sensing specialist, with extensive REDD+ project feasibility assessment, project design, and monitoring, reporting, and validation (MRV) experience in Southern Africa. Lucy’s specialist skills include application development with Google Earth Engine for land cover and land-use change analysis, field-based forest carbon inventory design and management, and baseline emissions scenario estimation under VCS methodologies VM0009 and VM0015, and the VCS JNR Program. Lucy has worked with BCP on the verification of the LZRP, LCFP, and multiple feasibility studies.

Besa Kalinda is a Forest Carbon Geospatial Scientist, currently working for BCP as a Carbon and GIS analyst. Besa has over 5 years of demonstrated knowledge and experience in nature-based solution initiatives, specifically REDD+. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from Copperbelt University, a Graduate Certificate in Carbon Forestry from the University of Freiburg, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Environmental Management. As a Carbon & GIS Analysis, Besa contributes to new project pre-viability and feasibility studies, Project Documents & Monitoring Reports write-ups, and Preparations for third party audits. Besa also manages teams that conduct field-based carbon assessments and applies his Geospatial analysis skills in VCS Methodologies. Besa manages the Forest Monitoring Team responsible for gathering the necessary field data to achieve successful verifications.

Charles joined the BCP team as Carbon Specialist in mid-2021 and he is managing the biodiversity monitoring program. He holds a PhD in Bioengineering and Agronomical Sciences from Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech in Belgium. Following his passion for African wildlife, Charles-Albert started his career conducting research on great ape ecology in several Central African countries and whose work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. For over 10 years, Charles-Albert has contributed to the development and implementation of community-based natural resource management projects, thanks to which he has developed extensive experience in biomonitoring and ecological surveys. The time spent engaging communities in the protection of their environment provided Charles-Albert with a holistic and pragmatic approach to conservation which he is now implementing with BCP.

Nchimunya’s portfolio working in Eastern Province speaks for itself, with over 10 years of experience working in the health, water, and conservation sectors in the region, Nchimunya is the perfect candidate for this role.  Prior to joining BCP Nchimunya worked for Care International in a senior project management position which saw him implement school water and sanitation projects. During Nchimunya’s time with BCP, he has covered a range of positions, including; Community Engagement Manager, Livelihoods Manager, Site Operations Manager, and Mfuwe Sector Manager.

Nchimunya is equipped with a Diploma in Environmental Health Science from Evelyn Hone College, and Certificates from The University of Zambia in Water Supply and Sanitation, in Climate Change and Sustainable Local Development, and in Planning for Climate Change. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Global Environmental Management with the Technical University of Denmark.

Proud to be representing ‘woman in conservation’, Gloria joined BCP in 2021, where she fast became an integral part of the KZCFP feasibility study team. Gloria has a strong background in community and development and is equipped with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Natural Resources Management from The University of Zambia, and a Master of Science in Project Management from The University of Lusaka. She has undergone training across a number of different sectors, including WASH, child protection, monitoring and evaluation, and women’s health.

An avid conservationist, Marilet joined the BCP team as Conservation Manager in June 2021. With a deep love and passion for wildlife, conservation, and all things outdoors, Marilet always knew she was destined to join the conservation field, and beyond her passion for the sector, she brings to the role a wide range of experience and expertise.

Marilet graduated from Tshwane University of Technology in South Africa where she studied Game Ranch Management, before going on to work in the private sector. Where she has spent the last few years focusing on improving the local South African stock of sable, roan, rhino, buffalo, wild dog, and the restocking of Southern African sable and wild dog populations.

Apart from being a conservationist, Marilet is an enthusiastic equestrian.

Giyani Sakala is an Information Science and English Major from the University of Namibia plying his trade as a Researcher, Policy analyst, M&E & Knowledge Management Professional in a career that spans over 15 years in both public and private sectors.

Over the past 13 years, Giyani has represented the private sector on various Government appointed Boards and high-level Committees, most notably the Zambia Environmental Management Agency Board, and Ministerial Audit Committees. Before joining BCP as Policy Lead, he served as Deputy CEO and Head of Policy and Advocacy for the Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Beyond this, he holds a number of qualifications, which include: Policy Influencing and Engagement, Participatory M&E for Projects, Programmes and Policies, and Project Management from the University of Zambia and the Maastricht School of Management, respectively.

A proud husband, and father of four, when he’s not working Giyani enjoys spending quality time with his family.

Gina completed her Undergraduate and Honors degree in BCom Investment Management from the University of Pretoria. She spent 4.5 years working in the Private Banking sector for an international bank before moving to Zambia and joining BCP in 2019. Gina has spent the last two years supporting technical development within BCP as well as supporting the commercial side of the business leading the sales and marketing team. In her spare time, Gina is a passionate birder and loves drawing and wildlife photography.

Esau is an accomplished manager with over ten years of project management experience spanning across the WASH, conservation, and climate change sectors.

Beyond his hands-on experience, Esau has an impressive educational background in development; with a degree in development from the University of Zambia. To add to his accolades, Esau was recently awarded a Graduate Diploma in International Development Administration (IDA) from Andrews University’s International Development Program (IDP), Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA.

In addition to that, Esau has undertaken a number of short courses, most notably completing Columbia University’s The Age of Sustainable Development, a 14-week course focusing on the interdisciplinary field of sustainable development, the complex interactions between the world economy and the Earth’s physical environment (with an emphasis on REDD+).

When he’s not studying, Esau is an avid birder and member of Birdwatch Zambia.

Zach completed his Master’s degree in Sustainable Development at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Originally born and raised in Boston, USA, Zac has spent over 13 years in Africa facilitating participatory community development initiatives in Mozambique as well as youth development and food security initiatives in South Africa. Zac has a love for languages and speaks English, Portuguese and Spanish. In his free time his hobbies are cooking, growing food, hiking and mountain climbing.

Caslyn holds a BA Hons. Psych. degree in Practical Psychometrics from the University of Johannesburg (South Africa) and is currently finalizing her PMP certification. Caslyn has over 10 years’ experience in various small to large projects in South Africa gaining valuable experience in management consultation, team building, professional development, strategic implementation, and company collaboration. Caslyn currently manages the development and implementation projects for BCP’s Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) and Livelihood Restoration Framework (LRF) incorporating critical international standards such as IFC Performance Standards and ISO14001.

Chloe has grown a successful communication, marketing, and public relations career as a result of her experience working in Scotland, Wales, Malawi, and Zambia in senior communications and marketing positions. Armed with an undergraduate degree in History/Politics from the University of Glasgow, combined with a 1st Class Masters Degree in Communications, Media Studies, and Public Relations from Swansea University, Chloe holds extensive experience in communications across a wide range of sectors, including carbon, private, public, NGO, and emergency services.  Joining BCP in September 2019, she came equipped with the essential training and overall disciplines to bring to this role. 

Tom currently serves as Chairman of the Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation (www.gkepf.org), an NGO focused on assisting with the combating of wildlife crime in the central area of the greater Kruger National Park and its buffer zones. GKEPF is headquartered at the Southern African Wildlife College. He is a founder member and serves on the Board of the Karkloof Nature Reserve, which is co-managed with the provincial wildlife authority, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Tom has recently been appointed to the board of Conservation Strategy Fund, a Washington DC- based NGO (www.conservation-strategy.org). Tom previously served on the Executive Committee of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (www.timbavati.co.za) for 12 years, 3 years of which he was the Chairman.

Tom is a Chartered Accountant by training, and he served his articles at Deloitte & Touche. After ventures into manufacturing and facilities management, Tom is currently the Managing Director and owner of Rockwood Leisure, a company with interest in hotels (http://www.royal-palm.co.za), eco-tourism lodges (http://www.rockwood.co.za) and distribution of luxury products (www.biggreenegg.co.za). He is the Managing Director of a property development company, Avoca Developments, a company which focuses on providing affordable “GAP” housing in South Africa. (www.avocadevelopments.co.za).

Tom was born, raised and still lives in Durban, South Africa. He is married to Kerry, and they have twin daughters. In his spare time Tom is an average helicopter pilot and an enthusiastic mountain biker.

Hassan is one of BCP’s Founders and up until 2021 served as BCP’s CEO for 10 years.

Born and raised in Kenya, Hassan is a career conservationist with 20 years plus experience. His career started in rhino conservation, and it was at this early point in his career that he realized that there was a need to incentivize people to protect ecosystems as the way forward for conservation. His goal is to benefit millions of hectares of biodiversity strongholds and people, through high-impact, carbon-financed conservation. Having lived in Laikipia, Selous, Tarangire, and Luangwa, he is learning to live lower impact on an off-grid micro-farm in Zambia. Prior to founding BCP, Hassan was Vice President of Wildlife Works Carbon. Hassan’s PhD thesis from Oxford University earned the Audrey Richards Prize for the best Africanist thesis over two years in the UK. He holds an MSc degree from Oxford University and a BA from Middlebury College. He has undergone short management courses through Oxford University, the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, and Harvard Business School, from which Hassan has a Certificate in Management Excellence. His scientific work has been published in various journals, including; Ecosystem Services, Oryx, Conservation Biology, and Current Conservation. Hassan holds a commercial pilot’s license.

Murray was born and raised in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He attended Michaelhouse School in Kwazulu-Natal and, after completing his H-Dip IMM at Durban Technikon, he spent a number of years abroad gaining work experience.

Murray started in the property business in 1995 as a fourth-generation Collins to be associated with construction and property development. He was joined by his brother, Kenneth, and together they ran a private property holding concern specialising in the development of commercial and industrial property and which grew into one of the largest private property-owning companies in South Africa.

Murray is currently Director of numerous companies within the Collins Group which carry out business across residential property development as well as the hospitality and agricultural sectors (both locally and internationally).

Murray has always held the Wild and all things Conservation close to his heart. He worked closely with the late Dr Ian Player and served as a Trustee of the Wilderness Leadership School. What began with the purchase of a property in 2006 in the, then, “Zululand Rhino Reserve”, has resulted in a position on the Board of Manyoni Private Game Reserve affording Murray many opportunities to develop the Reserve and preserve our Wildlife, while simultaneously uplifting the local community.

Murray’s desire to care for our planet has also seen him extend his “Conservation Footprint” globally. As a director of Machaba Safaris, he is involved in operating luxury eco-friendly bush lodges in Botswana and Zimbabwe. He’s an Honorary Trustee of the Island Conservation Society and the Alphonse Foundation who work relentlessly to promote, rehabilitate and enhance conservation in the outer islands of Seychelles. Murray is also a director of Blue Safari Seychelles and Alphonse Island Lodge offering guests distinctive accommodation and experiential travel while actively conserving the pristine Seychelles region.

Joining the BCP team has made it possible for Murray to play an active role in combating climate change through protecting the forests in Zambia … a role which Murray counts as a great privilege!

Josep has been an Africa-based investor since 2006. After working in corporate and investment law, he worked in venture capital in the USA (Aurora) and Europe (Banco Santander). He later became CEO of Weathernews Inc, Spain, part of the world’s leading climate and weather technology company (TokyoSE: WNI). After moving to Kenya, Josep became a partner at Conservation Capital, an advisory firm focused on conservation enterprise which has led over U$200m of investments in four continents.

Until 2016 Josep was a principal and co-owner at Kibo Capital Partners, an Africa SME private equity firm with over U$100m under management. He now leads Okavango Capital, a sustainability and conservation investment firm. Josep is a Trustee at Fundacion Naturaleza y Hombre (Spain), Lion Landscapes (Kenya, Zambia, and Tanzania), and Conservation Strategy Fund (USA). His board experience in Africa includes banking, insurance, hospitality, and logistics. Josep has an LLB (Law) from UIC, a BA in Political Science and International Relations (UAB), and an MBA from Duke University. In 2012, Josep was elected one of forty EU-Africa leaders by the BMW Foundation and subsequently invited to its Global Leaders Table.

Mr. Bradford Machila is the appointed Principal Private Secretary to President Hakainde Hichilema following his appointment in September 2021. Bradford Machila was the former Minister of Lands and Former Minister of Livestock and Fisheries in Zambia and is currently an Advocate by profession, having achieved both his Bachelor and Master of Laws (LLB) through the University of London.

Bradford is a member of both the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and the International Bar Association (IBA). Bradford has close to 30 years of diverse experience which has made him an asset to a number of institutions that have requested his presence on their Board of Directors, including BCP. Today, Bradford practices law privately and is a Board member for the following institutions: Centre of Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ); Savannah Communications Limited; Nemerit Enterprises Limited; Medeem Zambia Limited.

Jon matriculated at Michaelhouse School in Kwa-Zulu Natal and continued his tertiary education at the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in Pietermaritzburg. He completed his articles with Ernst & Young in Umhlanga in 2006. Jon spent the next five years in the USA and UK working in the Financial Services sector.

Jon returned to South Africa in 2011 and joined Wonderbag, a start-up company within the Collins Group, aimed at bringing about sustainable social change with a link to carbon credits.

During his four years at Wonderbag, Jon was promoted to Managing Director, and during this time the company listed its product on Amazon in the USA and the UK and sold its first batch of carbon credits. This experience was invaluable in developing his skills in analyzing and steering the strategic direction of an operation. Since 2016, Jon has run the Collins Family office in Durban, which, together with strategically selected partners, focuses on niche investment opportunities across a diverse array of sectors including Residential Property development, Agriculture, Private Equity and Tourism. A significant portion of his responsibility involves analyzing the controls and operational effectiveness of the entities into which the group invests; as well as providing strategic guidance as an executive or non-executive director. Jon is married and has 3 children and spends his spare time outdoors enjoying the benefits of living in Durban close to the beach and the bush.