4 days ago
Zanne Brink's mission to save the drylands
Zanne Brink works in the most arid parts of the country.
Image: Supplied.
ZANNE Brink works in the remote, sun-scorched corners of South Africa, where rainfall is scarce and wildlife fight to survive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
Brink is the manager of the EWT's Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape. Her office spans more than 11,000 km² of unforgiving terrain. Her mission? To protect some of the most fragile, and forgotten, species on the planet.
Brink's team focuses on the conservation and promotion of South Africa's semi-arid regions, which make up approximately 60% of the country.
She says the Drylands are among the country's most expansive and ecologically important landscapes, and that despite extreme heat, low rainfall, and water scarcity, these arid ecosystems are home to remarkable and often endangered species.
Zanne Brink is the manager of the EWTs Drylands Strategic Conservation Landscape.
Image: Supplied.
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'Unfortunately, due to the system being semi-arid, there are numerous threats impacting on land and communities. Our work is focused on mitigating these impacts through a number of efforts to include advocating sustainable practices and raising awareness of species and the need for long-term conservation efforts.'
Her work involves collaborating with farmers and local communities on issues ranging from mining and prospecting to conservation and the illegal trade in succulents, reptiles, and other small animals. She also focuses on preventing desertification through habitat restoration.
'We also focus on species often not known due to their small size (insects or Golden moles for example), or due to their habits (nocturnal species such as the Riverine Rabbit), and we advocate for their habitat protection to ensure the survival of the species within their delicate habitats. Our approach is inclusive, pragmatic, innovative and science based,' says Brink.
She recently played a key role in securing the EWT's first wholly initiated conservation servitude, the Lokenburg Conservation Servitude in the Northern Cape, to protect one of South Africa's most threatened tortoise species.
Brink says her path began on a farm, where she developed an early curiosity about insects, moles, birds, and small mammals she found in the veld.
'In my career pursuit, I took on various roles to ensure I built up experience, and exposure to various aspects I would never have chosen to do for myself. I soon realised that conservation, business, and agriculture all work in similar settings, but often talk past each other, due to 'wording' and as they say – 'sector lingo'.'
Understanding these gaps, she focused on developing skills to bring sectors together and help ease tensions between landowners and government.
'I enjoy my work, and I love showing people the beauty we have around us, in some cases on a scientific level, and others in just appreciating the small things we often take for granted. Working in isolated areas is not for everyone. But once you immerse yourself into your environment, you see how reliant we are on each other.'
She's spent years working in South Africa's Drylands and says it's not an easy space — challenges like lack of infrastructure and poor communication are constant. But with the help of strong networks, she's helped implement conservation agriculture, promote long-term conservation of land, and upskill those around her.
Currently, one of the biggest threats to the Drylands is the wave of land-use applications; from mining to green energy developments, threatening fragile habitats.
"Currently my team, along with numerous landowners, stakeholders and other NGOs are commenting on applications to ensure our critical biodiversity areas receive the needed support when addressing such applications. This means supporting interested and affected parties within public participation processes and advising on legislative requirements where requested and ensuring our species concerns are raised.'
Brink says women often underestimate their place in conservation, and don't always support each other enough through mentoring or encouragement.
'We often feel the need to push boundaries to prove our worth within the field. There will always be space to be a ground breaker, but at the end of the day, as a woman, you have stepped into the role that you have, based on your abilities. That is something we need to celebrate.'
And her message to women keen to follow her path?
'Be yourself. Never stand back for a challenge, that is how you will learn. Your weaknesses do not define you, but how you handle it, does. Always use the opportunities to learn from others that have forged the path, and upskill yourself, ensuring you can be the best you are.'
