Our Team
Meet the passionate and dedicated individuals who are driving the future of bird conservation in Zambia! Our team is a diverse blend of experts, scientists, advocates, and fieldworkers, all united by one vision and a deep commitment to protecting and preserving Zambiaโs bird species. From hands-on conservation efforts to groundbreaking research, each team member brings unique skills and a shared vision for a world where birds thrive. Get to know the people behind the mission, and learn how weโre working together to create a safer, more sustainable future for birds in Zambia.
Meet our team
Mary Malasa
Program Manager
Spanning 4 years working in conservation, Mary Malasa is vibrant and passionate about working in wild spaces. She is experienced in project management and is a practising researcher with her current career being species focused. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the Copperbelt University. Mary joined BirdWatch Zambia as an ecologist intern in 2018. Since joining, Mary has participated in species/biodiversity surveys, habitat monitoring, engaging with young learners and establishing nature clubs in schools among other activities. From October 2020 to January 2021, Mary was assigned as a Project assistant on a habitat restoration project aimed at controlling an invasive weed- salvinia molesta in one of Zambiaโs important wetlands, the Lukanga Swamps. On this project, she supported the project team on various project activities. Currently, Mary works as a Species Conservation Officer and leads on BirdWatch Zambiaโs Vulture Conservation Program. She coordinates research, capacity building and manages partner relations among other activities under this program. Mary blends her project activities with community engagement and outreach to ensure people are part of conservation solutions. She is equipped in wildlife poisoning response (in practice and as a trainer) and she is a holder of two National Geographic short course certificates โ Prioritising Species and Spaces, and Conservation Project Planning. Spanning over 4 years of work experience. Mary wishes her contribution to conservation results in meaningful impact for BirdWatch Zambia, Zambia and beyond.
George Chanda
Finance Manager
George is a holder of the ZICA Licentiate, Certificate in Accounts & Business studies and Advanced Certificate in Computer Studies. He has over 15 years of work experience in the field of accounting. George joined BirdWatch Zambia in 2017. He assists with the budgeting of projects, organising procurements and he keeps the BirdWatch finances running smoothly. He is also responsible for payroll administration
Swithin Kashulwe
Habitat Conservation Officer
Swithin is a young passionate and practising conservationist. He holds a Bachelorโs Degree in Wildlife Management from the Copperbelt University. He joined BirdWatch Zambia in 2020 as an intern and was attached to the habitat restoration project on the Lukanga Swamps. Ever since, he has shown commitment to biodiversity conservation and has risen through different positions including that of the project assistant on the vulture conservation project and acting environmental education officer. Swithin is now responsible for developing projects and undertaking activities related to habitat and species protection in Zambia. He is currently leading the habitat conservation projects which involves leading on the implementation of in-situ biodiversity conservation activities in multiple landscapes including habitats of international importance. Swithin is also a product of the Tropical Biology Association (TBA), he holds certificates in ยนDesigning Conservation Projects and Measuring Impacts (online) and ยฒTropical Ecology and Conservation field course which he attended at Mpala Research Centre in Kenya.
Kelvin Mkandawire
Project Assistant
Kelvin joined BirdWatch Zambia in 2006 as a relief and backup driver under the Norwegian Ornithological Society-funded IBA project to provide logistics and backup services to BirdWatch Staff, Committee members and stakeholder research teams. Kelvin came to BirdWatch as a complete novice and has learned from expert birders within the organisation to become a bird nerd and undoubtedly one of the local experts on birds in Zambia. He has vast experience in Transport, logistics, purchasing and stores. Rising through the ranks within the organisation to become Site Support Groups Coordinator in 2013, Kelvin has been instrumental in the following a number of activities including; setting up and training Site Support Groups across the country, setting up Vulture Safe Zones in selected areas of the country, training Local community Members and ildlife (DNPW) Staff in Basic Bird Identification skills, and training Habitat Monitors in the IBAs across the country. Other responsibilities include Conducting Environmental education in schools, species monitoring of critically endangered bird species and Habitat restoration programs, and conducting Wildlife Poisoning Response training for stakeholders and DNPW Staff across the country. Kelvinโs dedication and passion for wild birds and conservation spans 16 years.
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Chinga Lufwino
Project Assistant
Chinga joined BirdWatch Zambia in 2005 as a driver under the Norwegian Ornithological Society-funded Important Bird Areas (IBAs) project to provide logistical support. Chinga came to BirdWatch with an interest in learning more about birds and their habitats. His passion for bird conservation has contributed to him becoming undoubtedly one of the local experts on birds in Zambia. During his time at BWZ, Chinga has been instrumental in many activities including setting up Site Support Groups (SSG) and the Schoolโs Nature Clubs across the country. He has also been involved in setting up Vulture Safe Zones (VSZ) in selected areas of the country, training local community members and DNPW staff in basic bird identification skills, and training habitat monitors across the country. He provides support in environmental education, species monitoring of critically endangered bird species and habitat restoration programs among others. He has also been involved in conducting Wildlife Poisoning Response training for stakeholders and ildlife (DNPW) staff across the country. Chingaโs dedication and passion for bird conservation and their habitats spans 17 years.
Godfrey Simumchiba
