SIMON HANGULA
Okahandja,Otjozondjupa Region
Summary
Experienced environmental and conservation professional with over 10 years of progressive experience in environmental management, biodiversity conservation, and regulatory compliance across government and industry settings. Demonstrated expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), environmental auditing, and environmental forensics, supported by advanced skills in remote sensing, GIS, and landscape and ecosystem analysis. Proven ability to interpret and implement environmental policy and legislation, including the Environmental Management Act, translating regulatory requirements into effective, on-the-ground environmental and biodiversity management practices. Extensive experience supporting biodiversity conservation and environmental monitoring programme, assessing cumulative and long-term impacts, and guiding mitigation and adaptive management measures. Highly skilled in multidisciplinary collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination, with a strong record of providing evidence-based technical advice to regulators, senior management, and operational teams. Adept at working within complex socio-ecological systems, balancing environmental protection, biodiversity objectives, and sustainable economic development—core competencies for a Specialist: Environment & Biodiversity Manager role.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Conservation Scientist
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (Namibia)
Windhoek Khomas Region Namibia
11.2014 - Current
- Lead the review, assessment, and quality assurance of Environmental Impact Assessments, Scoping Reports, Environmental Management Plans, and Strategic Environmental Assessments in accordance with the Environmental Management Act (2007).
- Support the development and implementation of annual departmental work plans and priority environmental programme.
- Conduct environmental monitoring, compliance inspections, and environmental forensic investigations to assess project impacts and regulatory adherence.
- Apply remote sensing and GIS techniques to monitor land use and land cover change, environmental disturbances, and ecosystem conditions.
- Provide technical advice on biodiversity conservation, landscape management, and sustainable land-use planning.
- Contribute to inter-agency coordination and stakeholder consultations related to environmental licensing and policy implementation.
- Developed and implemented conservation strategies to protect biodiversity in Namibia's ecosystems.
- Evaluated environmental regulations for compliance and effectiveness,
- Designed and delivered engaging scientific workshops, enhancing skill set of participants.
- Organized international scientific conferences, promoting knowledge exchange and networking.
- Conducted field research in challenging environments, expanding empirical base of study.
- Led environmental impact assessments to guide sustainable policy development.
Field Geologist
Dauremas Mineral Development (Pty) Ltd
Kunene/Erongo Region Namibia
02.2014 - 07.2014
- Conducted geochemical and bulk sampling for mining trials and mine design.
- Undertook detailed geological mapping and field data collection.
- Planned and coordinated fieldwork activities, including logistics, equipment identification, and sample dispatch.
- Supervised field technicians, ensuring compliance with safety, health, and environmental standards.
- Supervised 4 geology interns while completing site suitability studies over course of project.
- Conducted geological mapping, geochemical sampling, explorations with staff numbering 12 in mining setting locations for long-term planning purposes.
Student Geoscientist
Ministry of Mines and Energy (Namibia)
Windhoek Namibia
01.2005 - 01.2013
- Assessed and monitored geological activities associated with active mining and exploration licenses.
- Evaluated Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan reports for Mining Licenses (MLs) and Exclusive Prospecting Licenses (EPLs).
- Managed and validated mineral licensing data within the national Cadastre Transaction Management System (CTMS).
- Supported the promotion of mineral rights to local and international stakeholders.
- Assisted small-scale mining initiatives through technical guidance and regulatory support.
- Developed foundational expertise in GIS and remote sensing applications for environmental and geological assessment.
- Conducted geological mapping explorations with staff numbering three in mining setting locations for long-term planning purposes.
- Conducted geological surveys to assess mineral deposits and resources.
- Explored alternative energy sources through the identification of favorable locations for wind farms or solar panels using GIS-based tools.
- Compiled data, prepared reports, completed geological maps modeling and created maps with GIS
Education
Ph.D. - Asian And African Area Studies
Kyoto University
Kyoto, Japan03-2026
Master of Science - Environmental Science And Techology
Niigata University
Niigata Japan03.2022
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental Biology & Geology
University of Namibia
Namibia01.2013
International General Secondary Certificate (IGCSE) -
Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School
Ongwediva01.2002
Skills
- MS Word (Advanced)
- MS Excel (Intermediate)
- MS PowerPoint (Advanced)
- ArcGIS & Spatial Analysis
- Remote Sensing & Environmental Mapping
LANGUAGES
English – Fluent
Oshiwambo – Fluent
Afrikaans – Basic
Japanese – Basic
Otjiherero – Basic
Timeline
Senior Conservation Scientist
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (Namibia)
11.2014 - Current
Field Geologist
Dauremas Mineral Development (Pty) Ltd
02.2014 - 07.2014
Student Geoscientist
Ministry of Mines and Energy (Namibia)
01.2005 - 01.2013
Master of Science - Environmental Science And Techology
Niigata University
Ph.D. - Asian And African Area Studies
Kyoto University
Bachelor of Science (Honours) - Environmental Biology & Geology
University of Namibia
International General Secondary Certificate (IGCSE) -
Gabriel Taapopi Senior Secondary School
Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Effective communicator and report writer
- Team-oriented with proven leadership ability
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work under pressure
Technical And Computer Skills
- MS Word (Advanced)
- MS Excel (Intermediate)
- MS PowerPoint (Advanced)
- ArcGIS & Spatial Analysis
- Remote Sensing & Environmental Mapping
Personal Information
- Title: Specialist: Environment & Biodiversity Management
- Nationality: Namibian
- Driving License: Code B