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 Zambia’s 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 we’re working together to create a safer, more sustainable future for birds in Zambia.
Meet our team
Mary Malasa
Program Manager
Mary Malasa is a dedicated conservationist with over six years of
experience in the conservation sector.
Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management from the
Copperbelt University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in
Environmental and Natural Resources Management at the University of
Zambia.
Mary began her journey with BirdWatch Zambia in 2018 as an Ecologist
Intern, where she was actively involved in species and biodiversity
surveys, habitat monitoring, environmental education, and the
establishment of nature clubs in schools. Between October 2020 and
January 2021, she served as a Project Assistant on a habitat restoration
project aimed at controlling the invasive weed Salvinia molesta in the
Lukanga Swamps, one of Zambia’s important wetlands.
In her current role as Programme Manager at BirdWatch Zambia, she
provides strategic oversight to project teams. Mary oversees program
implementation, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and
fundraising. She coordinates research, bird and habitat surveys,
environmental education and awareness, and capacity building programs.
Mary has consistently invested in her professional development, She has
completed specialized training in general leadership, stakeholder
engagement, grant writing for conservation, monitoring and evaluation
for conservation, conservation project planning and prioritizing species
and spaces through programs by the U.S. Embassy Zambia, WildHub, and the
National Geographic Society. These learning experiences have deepened
her technical expertise and enhanced her ability to apply herself in the
conservation field.
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
Mayaba Habeezu
Education and Awareness Officer
Mayaba Habeenzu is a dynamic environmentalist with experience in
conservation outreach, data management, and research. She has a keen
interest in local wildlife and its protection, with a focus on the
welfare of both the natural environment and the communities that depend
on it. Mayaba holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Education from
the University of Zambia and joined the BirdWatch Zambia team in 2025.
She leads the organization’s efforts to raise public awareness and
engagement around birds and their habitats through fun yet informative
campaigns and programs. Adept at fostering collaborations, coordinating
teams, and delivering impactful conservation initiatives, Mayaba is
passionate about creating sustainable solutions to environmental issues
and bridging the gap between communities and conservation efforts.
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. Kelvin’s 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 School’s 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. Chinga’s dedication and passion for bird conservation and their habitats spans 17 years.
Godfrey Simuchimba
Habitat Conservation Officer
Godfrey is a young, passionate conservationist deeply dedicated to preserving the natural
world. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Agroforestry from Copperbelt University, he has
been at the forefront of numerous conservation initiatives to safeguard endangered species
and their habitats. He joined BirdWatch Zambia in 2023 as an intern in environmental
education and has been involved in species monitoring, such as waterbird counts and vulture
surveys. He is also competent in Geographic Information Systems.
Godfrey regularly participates in local environmental education programs to inspire the next
generation of environmental stewards to develop a keen interest in bird and habitat
conservation. In every role, he brings a unique blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and a deep-
seated commitment to making the world a greener place.
