The Team

Prof. Hendri Coetzee

Executive Director

Prof. Hendri Coetzee is an environmental scientist whose work focuses on conservation, community engagement, and the relationship between people and nature.

hendri.coetzee@nvt.org.za

Dr. Alejandra Vargas-Fonseca

Marine Programme Manager

Dr. Alejandra Vargas-Fonseca is a veterinarian and marine scientist specialising in coastal dolphin ecology and marine conservation along the Garden Route.

alejandra.vargas@nvt.org.za

Lauren Moriarty

Rivers and Estuaries Programme Manager

Lauren Moriarty is a conservation scientist specialising in river and estuary research, with a strong focus on applied science and environmental education.

lauren.moriarty@nvt.org.za

Dr. Rudi Swart

Forest Programme Manager

Dr. Rudi Swart is a forest ecologist specialising in forest–insect interactions and indigenous forest conservation in the Garden Route.

rudi.swart@nvt.org.za

Giorgio Lombardi

Urban Conservancy Manager

Giorgio Lombardi is a botanist with over two decades of experience managing nature reserves and advancing collaborative conservation initiatives.

giorgio.lombardi@nvt.org.za

Roland Damons

NVT Horticulturist, Urban Programme

Roland Damons manages and maintains indigenous gardens and green spaces that support urban biodiversity and conservation awareness.

Dr. Sandra du Plessis

Behavioural Change Programme Manager

Dr. Sandra du Plessis is an environmental sociologist with extensive experience in community-based conservation and environmental governance.

sandra@nvt.org.za

Colene Jonkers

KuCoNa Create and Connect Centre Coordinator, Behavioural Change Programme

Colene Jonkers leads community engagement and behaviour change initiatives through creative, inclusive environmental programmes.

colenejonkers@nvt.org.za