Sihle Jonas

Sihle Jonas holds a Baccalaureus Technologiae Degree in Nature Conservation and a Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration. She has over 10 years of experience in the management of Biodiversity areas across Cape Town (the City). Her work has largely focused on urban conservation, which has enabled her to work for and with a diverse range of communities and stakeholders to address conservation matters throughout the City.

Currently Jonas works as an Ecological Coordinator for the City’s Recreation and Parks Department (Rec and Parks). Focusing in advising and coordinating the department’s environmental policy, as well as creating and ensuring the implementation of Management Plans for conservation areas. She also works to promote and create awareness on biodiversity both with Rec and Parks and within the communities of Cape Town. She has also worked as a Conservation Manager for one of the City’s Nature Reserves, focusing in reserve management and community conservation, through working with different communities and stakeholders.

Her goal is to head the Rec and Parks Ecological Management Branch and work to improve the department’s policies with regard to conservation and community engagements. She recognises the importance and relevant issues surrounding the conservation of protected areas in Cape Town, especially within an urban context. Over the years, she has developed a better understanding and experience, which has enabled her to recognise the importance of relevant issues related to management of protected areas in urban areas and the importance of community involvement and collaboration.