About
Climate change and Environment Consultant
C4 EcoSolutions
dirk.snyman@c4es.co.za
Summary
I have considerable experience in designing and implementing climate change and development projects for inter alia UNDP, UNEP, IFAD and FAO in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific region. My areas of expertise include: i) ecosystem-based adaptation; ii) disaster risk management; iii) REDD+; iv) carbon sequestration; v) community development; and vi) global support programmes for capacity building. I have led teams of international consultants in designing innovative projects for building climate resilience in developing countries. My involvement in project implementation has provided valuable insights that I apply in the design of new projects tailored to local environmental and socio-economic conditions, taking into account lessons learned from previous experiences in project design and implementation. My day-to-day duties are designing, implementing and M&E of climate change and development projects in the public and private sectors.
Publications
Title: The impact of native large herbivores and fire on the vegetation dynamics in the Cape renosterveld shrublands of South Africa: insights from a six-yr field experiment Publisher: Applied Vegetation Science Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/avsc.12086/abstract
Title: Responses of succulent Karoo rangeland vegetation to rest from grazing (in: Frontiers of Vegetation Science – An evolutionary angle) Publisher: Keith Phillips Images Link: http://stbweb02.stb.sun.ac.za/iavs2008/docs/IAVS2008Abstracts.pdf
Title: Responses of succulent Karoo rangeland vegetation to rest from grazing (in: Frontiers of Vegetation Science – An evolutionary angle) Publisher: Keith Phillips Images Link: http://stbweb02.stb.sun.ac.za/iavs2008/docs/IAVS2008Abstracts.pdf
Qualifications
Degree: MSc Conservation Ecology Period: 2006-2010 Status: Completed Education institution: Stellenbosch University Country: South Africa
Degree: BSc Conservation Ecology Period: 2002-2005 Status: Completed Education institution: Stellenbosch University Country: South Africa
Training: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Period: September 2010 Status: Completed Education institution: European Union Network of Excellence Country: France
Training: Designing Forests to Provide Multiple Services Period: October 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: Stellenbosch University Country: South Africa
Training: Participatory GIS and Advanced Facilitation Period: March 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: BIOTA / Indigo Country: South Africa
Training: Promoting Conservation by Influencing Policy Period: March 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: BIOTA / Indigo Country: South Africa
Training: Remote Sensing Analysis and GIS Period: June 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: Scholar Ship Research Institute / World Association of Young Scientists Country: South Africa
Training: Resource Conservation and Rural Development Period: July 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the Witwatersrand Country: South Africa
Training: Knowledge Sharing with Resource Custodians Period: June 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: GMF / Indigo / DMP Country: South Africa
Training: Invasion Biology: Birds as Keys to Biodiversity Conservation Period: January 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: Department of Science and Technology / National Research Foundation Centres of Excellence Biodiversity Conservation Academy Country: South Africa
Training: Integrated Urban Catchment Management Period: June 2001 Status: Completed Education institution: City of Cape Town / Peninsula Technikon / University of the Western Cape Country: South Africa
Professional society: N/A Highest position held: N/A Period: N/A
Language: English Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Language: Afrikaans Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Language: French Reading: Good Speaking: Average Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Language: German Reading: Good Speaking: Average Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Degree: BSc Conservation Ecology Period: 2002-2005 Status: Completed Education institution: Stellenbosch University Country: South Africa
Training: Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Period: September 2010 Status: Completed Education institution: European Union Network of Excellence Country: France
Training: Designing Forests to Provide Multiple Services Period: October 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: Stellenbosch University Country: South Africa
Training: Participatory GIS and Advanced Facilitation Period: March 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: BIOTA / Indigo Country: South Africa
Training: Promoting Conservation by Influencing Policy Period: March 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: BIOTA / Indigo Country: South Africa
Training: Remote Sensing Analysis and GIS Period: June 2008 Status: Completed Education institution: Scholar Ship Research Institute / World Association of Young Scientists Country: South Africa
Training: Resource Conservation and Rural Development Period: July 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: University of the Witwatersrand Country: South Africa
Training: Knowledge Sharing with Resource Custodians Period: June 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: GMF / Indigo / DMP Country: South Africa
Training: Invasion Biology: Birds as Keys to Biodiversity Conservation Period: January 2006 Status: Completed Education institution: Department of Science and Technology / National Research Foundation Centres of Excellence Biodiversity Conservation Academy Country: South Africa
Training: Integrated Urban Catchment Management Period: June 2001 Status: Completed Education institution: City of Cape Town / Peninsula Technikon / University of the Western Cape Country: South Africa
Professional society: N/A Highest position held: N/A Period: N/A
Language: English Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Language: Afrikaans Reading: Excellent Speaking: Excellent Writing: Excellent Understanding: Excellent
Language: French Reading: Good Speaking: Average Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Language: German Reading: Good Speaking: Average Writing: Average Understanding: Average
Work Experience
Area of expertise: M & E specialist Experience: 6
Area of expertise: Community development specialist Experience: 24
Area of expertise: Proposal writing/Report writing Experience: 30
Area of expertise: Disaster Relief/Management specialist Experience: 6
Employment date: Wed, 01/08/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: C4 EcoSolutions Position: Senior Consultant: Climate Change and Environment Location: South Africa
Employment date: Sun, 01/07/2012 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Department Of Biodiversity & Conservation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Position: Contract Lecturer Location: South Africa
Employment date: Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:00 - Wed, 01/08/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Stellenbosh University Position: Academic Writing Consultant Location: South Africa
Employment date: Sat, 01/07/2006 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Stellenbosch University Position: Contract Lecturer Location: South Africa
Project name: Economy-wide integration of Climate Change Adaptation and DRM/DRR to reduce climate vulnerability Client: UNDP Project period: Thu, 01/08/2013 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Samoa Deliverables A UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $12 million). The project will establish an economy-wide approach to climate change adaptation in Samoa to promote the efficient integration of adaptation and DRR/DRM into national development planning. This will enhance the resilience of local communities across Samoa to climate change and natural disasters.
Project name: Strengthening community resilience to climate-induced natural disasters in the DARDC Client: UNDP Project period: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 - Thu, 01/05/2014 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Timor-Leste Deliverables A UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $5 million). The project will revise policies, strengthen local disaster risk management institutions and invest in risk reduction interventions within the Dili to Ainaro Development Corridor. These interventions will protect important economic infrastructure from climate-induced natural hazards.
Project name: Building climate resilience through innovative financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation Client: UNEP Project period: Tue, 01/04/2014 - 12:00 - Wed, 01/04/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Antigua and Barbuda Deliverables A UNEP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $5 million). The project focuses on innovative financing mechanisms for implementing EbA interventions. These will strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities in Antigua and Barbuda. The project will entail building capacity of relevant institutions and communities to plan and implement the financing mechanisms and EbA interventions.
Project name: Assisting non-LDC developing countries with country-driven processes to advance NAPs Client: UNEP / UNDP Project period: Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Global Deliverables UNDP Project Document, UNEP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF SCCF project (total funding: $4.5 million). This project will build technical and institutional capacity in non-LDC developing countries to integrate climate change adaptation into medium- to long-term planning processes. The strengthened capacity will promote: i) the inclusion of adaptation and mitigation priorities across a range of sectors in non-LDC developing countries; and ii) policy-making based on the most up-to-date information available.
Project name: Assisting LDCs with country-driven processes to advance National Adaptation Plans Client: UNEP / UNDP Project period: Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/04/2013 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Global Deliverables UNEP Project Document, UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this medium-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $2 million). The project will build capacity in all LDCs for integrating climate change adaptation into medium- to long-term planning processes. The strengthened capacity will promote: i) the inclusion of adaptation and mitigation priorities across a range of sectors (e.g. water, agriculture) in planning activities; and ii) policy-making based on the most up-to-date information available.
Project name: Improvement of EWS and capacity building to integrate climate change into development plans Client: Government of Lesotho Project period: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 Position: Chief Technical Advisor Location: Lesotho Deliverables Technical oversight and specialist input into the implementation of this medium-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $1.7 million). The project is developing best practice guidelines for climate-resilient agriculture, and mainstreaming climate change interventions into relevant sectoral policies. The objectives of the project are to: i) build the capacity for monitoring and predicting climate change effects; ii) deliver early warning for extreme events; and iii) improve local and national planning for adaptation to climate change throughout the country.
Project name: Niger Delta Climate Resilience Initiative Client: Carbon Plus Capital Project period: Wed, 01/10/2014 - 12:00 Position: Forest Carbon Advisor Location: Nigeria Deliverables A Pre-feasibility Assessment and a Project Identification Note for a REDD+ project in the Niger Delta. The project will focus on directing private sector investment to the restoration and conservation of mangroves and swamp forests to generate carbon credits. Restoration interventions will be complemented by alternative livelihood strategies to produce certified commodities that increase household income and/or food security. Lastly, the project will promote governance and additional donor investments in non-forest sectors to improve access to public services.
Project name: Ghana Rural Growth Programme Client: IFAD Project period: Fri, 01/02/2013 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 Position: Agro-Ecologist/Climate Change Specialist Location: Ghana Deliverables A Working Paper, Annex to the Programme Design Report and costed interventions for climate change adaptation under the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme for the Ghana Rural Growth Programme (total funding: $100 million) for this IFAD-funded project. This programme will strengthen value chains to promote upscaling and innovation within Ghana's agricultural sector. Specific activities include: i) climate change awareness; ii) infrastructure investment; iii) agro-ecological adaptation; and iv) policy dialogue and capacity building.
Project name: Enhanced Management and Enforcement of Ethiopia's Protected Areas Estate Client: UNDP Project period: Mon, 01/12/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Ethiopia Deliverables A Project Identification Form for this GEF Trust Fund full-sized project (total funding: $7.3 million). The project will: i) improve protected area management in at least two selected protected areas; ii) improve institutional and technical capacities to plan and implement biodiversity conservation; iii) improved conservation of forestry and agro-biodiversity resources through a landscape approach to community-based natural resource management; and iv) strengthen conservation of endangered fauna and flora through implementation of anti-trafficking and anti-poaching measures.
Project name: Climate Change Resource Mobilization for GEF-6 Client: FAO Project period: Mon, 01/09/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Afghanistan Deliverables Three Project Identification Forms for full-sized GEF Trust Fund and SCCF projects on climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management. In addition, a Country Position Paper for FAO Afghanistan to guide resource mobilisation for climate change adaptation.
Area of expertise: Community development specialist Experience: 24
Area of expertise: Proposal writing/Report writing Experience: 30
Area of expertise: Disaster Relief/Management specialist Experience: 6
Employment date: Wed, 01/08/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: C4 EcoSolutions Position: Senior Consultant: Climate Change and Environment Location: South Africa
Employment date: Sun, 01/07/2012 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Department Of Biodiversity & Conservation, Cape Peninsula University of Technology Position: Contract Lecturer Location: South Africa
Employment date: Fri, 01/01/2010 - 12:00 - Wed, 01/08/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Stellenbosh University Position: Academic Writing Consultant Location: South Africa
Employment date: Sat, 01/07/2006 - 12:00 - Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 Current: No Company: Stellenbosch University Position: Contract Lecturer Location: South Africa
Project name: Economy-wide integration of Climate Change Adaptation and DRM/DRR to reduce climate vulnerability Client: UNDP Project period: Thu, 01/08/2013 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Samoa Deliverables A UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $12 million). The project will establish an economy-wide approach to climate change adaptation in Samoa to promote the efficient integration of adaptation and DRR/DRM into national development planning. This will enhance the resilience of local communities across Samoa to climate change and natural disasters.
Project name: Strengthening community resilience to climate-induced natural disasters in the DARDC Client: UNDP Project period: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 - Thu, 01/05/2014 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Timor-Leste Deliverables A UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $5 million). The project will revise policies, strengthen local disaster risk management institutions and invest in risk reduction interventions within the Dili to Ainaro Development Corridor. These interventions will protect important economic infrastructure from climate-induced natural hazards.
Project name: Building climate resilience through innovative financing mechanisms for climate change adaptation Client: UNEP Project period: Tue, 01/04/2014 - 12:00 - Wed, 01/04/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Antigua and Barbuda Deliverables A UNEP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $5 million). The project focuses on innovative financing mechanisms for implementing EbA interventions. These will strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities in Antigua and Barbuda. The project will entail building capacity of relevant institutions and communities to plan and implement the financing mechanisms and EbA interventions.
Project name: Assisting non-LDC developing countries with country-driven processes to advance NAPs Client: UNEP / UNDP Project period: Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Global Deliverables UNDP Project Document, UNEP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this full-sized GEF SCCF project (total funding: $4.5 million). This project will build technical and institutional capacity in non-LDC developing countries to integrate climate change adaptation into medium- to long-term planning processes. The strengthened capacity will promote: i) the inclusion of adaptation and mitigation priorities across a range of sectors in non-LDC developing countries; and ii) policy-making based on the most up-to-date information available.
Project name: Assisting LDCs with country-driven processes to advance National Adaptation Plans Client: UNEP / UNDP Project period: Sat, 01/12/2012 - 12:00 - Mon, 01/04/2013 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Global Deliverables UNEP Project Document, UNDP Project Document and CEO Endorsement Request for this medium-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $2 million). The project will build capacity in all LDCs for integrating climate change adaptation into medium- to long-term planning processes. The strengthened capacity will promote: i) the inclusion of adaptation and mitigation priorities across a range of sectors (e.g. water, agriculture) in planning activities; and ii) policy-making based on the most up-to-date information available.
Project name: Improvement of EWS and capacity building to integrate climate change into development plans Client: Government of Lesotho Project period: Sun, 01/09/2013 - 12:00 Position: Chief Technical Advisor Location: Lesotho Deliverables Technical oversight and specialist input into the implementation of this medium-sized GEF LDCF project (total funding: $1.7 million). The project is developing best practice guidelines for climate-resilient agriculture, and mainstreaming climate change interventions into relevant sectoral policies. The objectives of the project are to: i) build the capacity for monitoring and predicting climate change effects; ii) deliver early warning for extreme events; and iii) improve local and national planning for adaptation to climate change throughout the country.
Project name: Niger Delta Climate Resilience Initiative Client: Carbon Plus Capital Project period: Wed, 01/10/2014 - 12:00 Position: Forest Carbon Advisor Location: Nigeria Deliverables A Pre-feasibility Assessment and a Project Identification Note for a REDD+ project in the Niger Delta. The project will focus on directing private sector investment to the restoration and conservation of mangroves and swamp forests to generate carbon credits. Restoration interventions will be complemented by alternative livelihood strategies to produce certified commodities that increase household income and/or food security. Lastly, the project will promote governance and additional donor investments in non-forest sectors to improve access to public services.
Project name: Ghana Rural Growth Programme Client: IFAD Project period: Fri, 01/02/2013 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/06/2014 - 12:00 Position: Agro-Ecologist/Climate Change Specialist Location: Ghana Deliverables A Working Paper, Annex to the Programme Design Report and costed interventions for climate change adaptation under the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme for the Ghana Rural Growth Programme (total funding: $100 million) for this IFAD-funded project. This programme will strengthen value chains to promote upscaling and innovation within Ghana's agricultural sector. Specific activities include: i) climate change awareness; ii) infrastructure investment; iii) agro-ecological adaptation; and iv) policy dialogue and capacity building.
Project name: Enhanced Management and Enforcement of Ethiopia's Protected Areas Estate Client: UNDP Project period: Mon, 01/12/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Ethiopia Deliverables A Project Identification Form for this GEF Trust Fund full-sized project (total funding: $7.3 million). The project will: i) improve protected area management in at least two selected protected areas; ii) improve institutional and technical capacities to plan and implement biodiversity conservation; iii) improved conservation of forestry and agro-biodiversity resources through a landscape approach to community-based natural resource management; and iv) strengthen conservation of endangered fauna and flora through implementation of anti-trafficking and anti-poaching measures.
Project name: Climate Change Resource Mobilization for GEF-6 Client: FAO Project period: Mon, 01/09/2014 - 12:00 - Sun, 01/03/2015 - 12:00 Position: Lead Project Developer Location: Afghanistan Deliverables Three Project Identification Forms for full-sized GEF Trust Fund and SCCF projects on climate change adaptation, sustainable land management, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and sustainable forest management. In addition, a Country Position Paper for FAO Afghanistan to guide resource mobilisation for climate change adaptation.