Meet our Passionate, Committed, and Dynamic Global Carbon Offsetting Team in Africa.

Heyns is a results-driven Chartered Accountant with finance and management expertise developed over a 14-year career after completing his Articles as an audit manager. Heyns has been appointed as the Finance Controller for BCP through which he is determined to deliver shareholder returns through innovative and up-to-date financial and information technology strategies. He has held various finance executive positions throughout his career. He is proficient in strategies, consolidations, budget analysis, financial trends, and forecasts, managing debt, cash flow, taxation, equity policies, leadership, and managing stakeholder expectations. Skilled at re-organizing and managing systems, records, and accounts. Heyns Has a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting and an Honors degree in accounting science. He is also a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.

Malin holds a BSocSci in International Relations and a PGDip Specialization in International Environmental Law from the University of Cape Town. Malin has spent 9 years working in Mozambique and across Sub-Saharan Africa within project management and country director roles for both the private and nonprofit sectors focusing on strategic partnerships, access to global financing, local development, and complex project solutions in high-risk operational environments. She has played key roles in coordinating Exim financed contracts for SADC governments; facilitated the establishment of the first locally managed marine protected areas in Mozambique; and successfully launched international start-ups in the region. Malin joined BCP as the Mozambique Country Manager in October 2023 to lead the REDD+ project development across 4 provinces in the country’s central region. Malin is passionate about horse riding in her spare time and spends her weekends at the equestrian center.

Besa is an accomplished Forest Carbon Geospatial Scientist with more than 7 years of proven expertise in Natural Resources Management and Forest Conservation. Besa holds a Master of Science degree in Environmental Management from the University of Lusaka, a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from The Copperbelt University, a Graduate Diploma in GHG MRV (Greenhouse Gas Measurement, Reporting, and Verification) from the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, and a Graduate Certificate in Carbon Forestry from the University of Freiburg. Besa possesses proficiencies in various areas including IPCC-GHG Accounting for Forestry and Other Land Uses, project-level GHG Accounting, GHG Accounting for Forest Inventories, GHG Accounting for Forest and Other Land Uses, as well as GHG Verifications for Projects and Inventories. Furthermore, Besa is skilled in Geographic Information Systems(GIS) and conducting Land Use Land Cover Change Analysis.

In his current position as a Principal Carbon Specialist – LCFP/LZ at BCP, Besa actively contributes to the pre-viability and feasibility studies of new carbon projects, Deforestation Analysis, Carbon Accounting, and the design and implementation of field-based carbon stock assessments and Drafting of Monitoring Reports/Project Documents. Besa also applies his geospatial analysis skills in VCS Methodologies. His role is integral to delivering independent third-party project validation and verifications for BCP.

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. 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.

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.

Bringing close to 10 years of professional experience within the international banking and carbon market sectors, Gina has built a career centered around exceptional client service delivery, supported by a strong technical focus on carbon markets, both in the project delivery and management segment within Southern Africa as well as all international/ commercial aspects of global carbon markets.

Gina completed her undergraduate and honors degree in BCom Investment Management at the University of Pretoria in South Africa. She spent 4.5 years working in the Private Banking sector for an international bank before moving to Zambia and joining BCP in 2019. As BCP’s Business Development Manager, her role is to research, network, and engage in meaningful collaborations with partners to layer community and conservation impacts onto BCP’s REDD+ projects. The role investigates new project potential as well as potential initiatives, audits, and memberships that will support bolstering project integrity. Her role further endorses the sale of BCP’s verified carbon offsets, offering excellent client service to all buyers, partners, and investors. Her role focuses on commercial aspects of carbon markets and strongly supports an understanding of global carbon market developments.

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. Before heading up BCP’s third project in Zambia, the Kafue-Zambezi Community Forests Project.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Solomon has proven a true asset to the BCP team, having joined the Mfuwe team in 2020, Solomon has transitioned across a range of different roles in the LCFP, from Chiefdom Lead to Site Operations Manager, to Mfuwe Sector Manager, until his most recent appointment as Project Coordinator LZRP and LCFP Lusaka. Solomon brings to the role over 17 years of experience across a wide range of sectors and comes equipped with a Master of Arts Degree in Development Studies and Economics. He is also a certified QMS Auditor, and holder of a Six Sigma Yellow Belt with added training in Frontline Supervisory Competencies Development, Health, and Safety –FMCGs, Cyber Security, Fair Competition, Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Internal Control Standards & Policy Landscape, and Net Promoter Score.

Additionally, Solomon is also an affiliate member of the Zambia Institute of Marketing (ZIM) and the Zambia Institute of human resources (ZIHRM).

Born in Chingola, Zambia, Shadreck Ngoma is a dedicated, dynamic, and highly motivated conservationist with a wide range of skills, knowledge, and experience in various fields. Shadreck has over 10 years of working experience in community mobilization and engagement strategies, community-based natural resources management, and climate-smart agriculture. He has managed and coordinated various projects with over four organizations; establishing formidable and competent teams. Shadreck possesses a rich knowledge of working with government departments at all levels, traditional authorities, and communities. Shadreck holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Land and Environmental Management degree and a Bachelor of Science with Education degree from the University of Zambia.

In January 2017 Shadreck was the recipient of BCP’s most prestigious award, ‘The Carey Eaton Award’. He was recognized for securing 500,000 hectares of community forest for protection at the Nyimba and Rufunsa expansion sites, which at the time brought BCP solidly above our project target.

Chloé has grown a successful marketing, communications, 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, combined with a Postgraduate 1st Class Masters Degree in Communications, Media, and Public Relations Chloé has proven a true asset to the BCP team, and has helped build BCP’s portfolio.  Producing and designing BCP’s award-winning Impact Reports is only just one example of her strength in this field. She has extensive experience in communications/PR, across a wide range of sectors, including carbon, private, public, NGO, and emergency services, but finds the climate space the most interesting and endearing industry to work in so far!

Born and raised in Kabwe, in Zambia’s Central Province, Christopher has over 12 years of experience in managing community development programs across various sectors, including; public health, agriculture, water and sanitation, human rights, environment, social, gender, and education. Christopher holds a Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree and a Diploma in Project Planning and Management from Mulungushi University and is currently pursuing a Masters in Project Management from Lusaka University. Christopher recently took on the role of LCFP and LZRP Technical Advisor after serving a pivotal role in LZRP, where he will contribute his knowledge and technical expertise to both of BCP’s projects to achieve both project goals under VCS, CCB, IFC, and the UN SDGs.

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 an 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 that 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 avid helicopter pilot and an enthusiastic mountain biker.

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.