Education Centre Director
Originally from Scotland, Clova has been in love with the ocean since she was a toddler and has fond memories of windswept beaches and frigid water! A conservation expedition to the warmer waters of Madagascar and subsequently working as a diving aquarist in a Scottish aquarium cemented her passion for all things marine. She came to South Africa in 2005 to work as a dive master with tiger sharks and joined the White Shark Trust as a research assistant. During this time, she became involved in the wildlife film industry, developing her science communication and project management skills. Keen to further her education, Clova went on to complete an MSc in conservation biology and a PhD focusing on the status and management options for marine species that have invaded South African shores. This applied research made her realise how remote most science is from the general public and how such inaccessibility contributes to the many conservation issues we face today.
Clova loves to travel, but when in South Africa, she spends her free time outdoors, either underwater or in the mountains. She is a certified PADI dive master and scientific, commercial diver. As a mother and a volunteer for several organisations that focus on environmental education, she enjoys teaching children about ecology and sustainable lifestyle choices. She is passionate about sharing her love and knowledge of the marine environment; she believes this is the best way to shape our future.
Facilities Administrator
For as long as Karen can remember, she has felt happiest when connecting with the natural world and sharing that excitement with those around her. Born and raised in Cape Town – and still living there – she was privileged to spend time exploring a diverse range of habitats, from mountain peaks to the world below the ocean’s surface and everything in between.
Her interest in environmental education was ignited while studying nature conservation and gaining work experience as a student at Blaauwberg Nature Reserve. During this time, she discovered how the simple act of sharing her knowledge and excitement was infectious to those around her. After eight years of working across Cape Town in this field, it is safe to say the flame is still burning brightly. Karen continues to be inspired by witnessing over and over again the power of providing safe spaces in which people can develop and strengthen their own relationships with the natural world.
Although Karen has always found the marine environment fascinating and full of wonder, it was only as an adult that she took the plunge to expand her exploration beyond the rocky and sandy shores. Taking up snorkelling as a hobby enabled her to view the treasure trove of life beneath the surface through her own lens and solidify her relationship with the underwater realm.
Educator
Justine grew up in the greater Cape Flats area and always loved adventuring with her mom and younger brother, walking from central Cape Town to the beach at Camps Bay to swim. She particularly enjoyed walking past Table Mountain and admiring the excellent rock massif and the beauty of nature around it. In her final year at school, she began volunteering at an organisation where she was involved with environmental camps and dragon-boat racing, which proved to be the start of a fantastic journey into nature conservation. Looking back on it today, that journey has taken her from terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems to marine conservation. Justine believes in educating young minds, as they are the ones that will bring about change. Above all, she loves people and is passionate about conserving the natural environment.
Trainee educator
Logan grew up in the Cape Flats, just outside Cape Town. Growing up, Logan didn’t have many opportunities to explore the coastline. When the December holidays came around, she couldn’t wait to go to the beach! She participated in selection camps and was finally chosen to participate in a conservation leadership programme that lasted for seven years. Logan is highly passionate about the natural world, which she learned through reading books.
Through the programme, Logan learned about South Africa’s diverse natural beauty. She also had the opportunity to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium and observe how marine biologists were studying different marine species. From that point forward, she decided to educate others about the same creatures that captured her imagination.
Logan believes that it is essential that we create opportunities for young people by teaching and influencing them and showing them what the natural world is about. By doing that, we create a better environment for everyone, whether educating them about marine life or simply about easy ways to discard waste responsibly.