Leader: Belinda Reyers

Contributed by Belinda Reyers

Name: Belinda Reyers

Job (title and organization):
I currently head up the Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Research Group at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa.

Where do you work (city and country):
I am based in Stellenbosch in the middle of South Africa’s Cape Floristic Region.

Degree(s):
I hold a PhD in conservation biology from the University of Pretoria, South Africa

Describe your research:
My research focuses on biodiversity (the variety of life): its condition, conservation and links to human wellbeing through ecosystem services. I specialize in conservation planning which involves the spatially explicit identification of priority areas for conservation action. This involves the integration of information on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity, as well as information on ecosystem service delivery, into conservation plans. My research builds on from my involvement in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a four year international effort to assess the consequences of ecosystem change for human wellbeing.

My current research is based in the Little Karoo, a meeting place of three global biodiversity hotspots (the Succulent Karoo, Cape Floristic Region and Maputoland-Pondoland-Albany). This area not only supports an extremely rich flora of 3000 spp. (20% endemics), but its economy depends entirely on ecosystem services associated with water supply, tourism and grazing on natural pastures. Together with a multi-institutional study group, my research focuses on comprehensive planning to safeguard biodiversity and the ecosystem services of the region.

What inspires you in your work?
I love the challenges – my job could never be called boring and my work will never be done. Our work as researchers trying to reconcile human needs with sound environmental management, in a country desperately in need of development and transformation, is certainly challenging. I take inspiration from these challenges, as well as the brilliant and passionate people with whom I work.

What are the highlights of your career accomplishments? 
Highlights of my research include: post graduate students in various stages of completeness, participation in workshops and conferences with scientists from around the world, witnessing the implementation of some of our work on the ground and being awarded South Africa’s Department of Science and Technology’s Best Emerging Young Woman Scientist in 2006

Why is the Global Mediterranean Action Network exciting to you?
It allows me to work with a group of great researchers who are interested in similar topics and questions in different parts of the world.

What are your favorite species and/or landscapes?
Having spent most of my life in the savannas and grasslands of Southern Africa, I would have to say my favourite species are the Lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudata), elephant shrews (Elephantulus spp.) and fever trees (Acacia xanthophloea). My favourite Fynbos bird species is the Orange-breasted Sunbird (Anthobaphes violacea).

Why are you passionate about conservation?
Having had the privileged of traveling widely I have seen some of the world’s most beautiful places, animals and plants (many of them right in my backyard) and I just can’t imagine living in a world that did not have this natural and cultural heritage.

What gives you hope?
I feel that South Africa's current social and environmental context offers many unique challenges and opportunities in all realms of science and that is why I love to work here.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?