meet the team
The BirdLife South Africa Avitourism Division consists of a vibrant and enthusiastic team who, through their initiative, passion and experience, aim to develop South Africa into the world's leading birding destination for the benefit of birds, their habitats and communities. With a focus on responsible avitourism development, the Division have created a network of Birding Routes through South Africa to showcase the country's rich diversity to the birding world and to promote bird and bird habitat conservation, as well as sustainable community development.
Meet the team
Martin Taylor
Avitouism Division Manager
Martin Taylor joined the BirdLife South Africa team as project manager for the Kruger to Canyons Bird Route project as of the 1st of February 2007. He has a strong ecological background having recently completed researching the colonisation of rehabilitating coastal dune forest by birds as part of his Masters thesis. In addition, Martin has five years experience in the field of project and environmental management having being involved in a number of projects across a variety of sectors in African countries such as Mozambique, Egypt, Kenya, Central African Republic and Malawi.
- Cel: 072 2777 254
- E-mail: k2c@birdlife.org.za
Brenden Pienaar
Project Manager
Kruger to Canyons Birding Route
Brenden was born in the Western Cape and subsequently spent time living and schooling in Stellenbosch. With a serious interest in nature and natural systems he further explored the field and completed his Btech: Nature Conservation at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology. Soon afterwards, Brenden exchanged the Cape winelands for wildlife and large natural spaces in the Lowveld. He excitedly got involved in eco tourism shortly after his arrival in the Lowveld. He spent more than five years conducting guided walks and other activities in potentially dangerous game areas and added FGASA (Field Guides Association of Southern Africa) level 3 and Trails Guide to his qualifications. As eco tourism had such a major influence on Brenden and his Fiancé, they established an inbound tour operating business in January 2006. The tailored expeditions focus on sharing all the natural wonders of this fascinating Lowveld region with international visitors on a personal level. Brenden has been with BirdLife South Africa since April 2009 and is currently the Project Manager of the Kruger to Canyons Birding Route.
- Cel: +27 (0)72 243 6263
- E-mail: taita@birdlife.org.za
Nikki McCartney
Project Manager
Mpumalanga Birding Route
A life-long passion for wildlife and the environment, with a special interest in birding, led Nikki McCartney to grab with both hands an opportunity to work on the development of the Mpumalanga Birding Route. Training originally as a Personal Assistant, Nikki has a Diploma in Tourism & Hospitality and a Certificate in Environmental Law. She worked for Sappi for 5 years as an Environmental Systems Administrator:ISO14001 and has been involved for many years in Events Co-ordination. Nikki has been working as the Project
- Cel: +27 (0)83 636 1060
- E-mail: mbr@birdlife.org.za