CAREERS IN CONSERVATION – Mark van Niekerk
Mark van Niekerk has joined the EWT’s African Crane Conservation Programme (ACCP). Here is a little bit about Mark’s journey to a career in conservation.
Job title: Senior Project Manager, ACCP
Location: Currently, Lyon, France. Move to Africa anticipated later this year.
Where did you grow up? [MVN] Port Elizabeth. Moved to Cape Town for undergrad and never returned to Port Elizabeth, moving extensively across Southern Africa, which included working in Zambia & Botswana.
What are your hobbies/things you like to do in your spare time? [MVN] Running (Marathons & Trail); Mountain Biking; Hiking; Camping; Fly-Fishing.
Any pets? Until recently, a cat and two chickens. We think the chickens were killed by a weasel, and the cat died earlier this year due to kidney failure.
Favourite animal and why: Hyaena. They are often seen as the ‘underdog’ and despised by most people. Yet they are full of intrigue and very socially interesting. Hunting more than most people are aware of, besides scavenging. Though in saying this, I don’t particularly have a ‘favourite’ animal. Each has its own idiosyncrasies.
Favourite food? Braaied Fish or ‘ confit de canard’
Pet peeve? People who commit and don’t stick to what they’ve committed to doing, and those that speak/ act as authorities on subjects they know little about.
Why did you want to work for the EWT? I believe in what the EWT is doing, ‘boots on the ground’ conservation. I’ve been full circle in having begun my career in conservation, worked in industry as both Environmental control officer and renewable energy developer and have a better understanding of how business thinks. I want to play more of a part in reshaping a sustainable long-term conservation agenda.
What excites you about this new position? The diversity of working across Africa and providing input into several diverse projects with many ‘touch points’ across the range.
What are you passionate about? Making a lasting conservation impact.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received, and who did it come from? Just start! Jump, and the net will appear when the time is right. A mentor as well as a previous MSc supervisor.