Derek Berliner
ECO-LOGIC
Environmental consulting services in support of the
Convention on Biodiversity
1. About
4. Recently completed contracts
6. Appendices:
Education; Employment history; Personal details; Travel
7. Miscellaneous (recent favourite web sites, books, CD, places, quotes)
Shortcuts
to:
Education; Employment history; Personal details; Travel
This
is a hyper-linked e-brochure/CV, providing information on the experience and
consulting services offered by Derek
Berliner. Text is hyper-linked, providing the reader with different levels
of detail.
ECO-LOGIC
is the name used for the environmental consulting services offered by Derek Berliner. He provides specialist
information services in the field of biodiversity conservation, sustainable
development and environmental management.
Recently he has focused on building capacity to assist Government organizations
and NGO’s in implementing the objectives of the UNICED Convention on
Biodiversity.
Derek
Berliner has been successfully operating as a free-lance consultant,
(predominantly to IUCN South Africa), since1998. He has 15 years of work experience, (see employment
history),in
Southern and East Africa. University qualifications include a BSc (Agriculture)
livestock science, Honours in Wildlife management, and a MSc. (Botany).
See formal qualifications for further details.
He
has travelled in Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, and
abroad, obtaining experience of various indigenous cultures and their
relationships to their resources. He has worked in a number of capacities
including ecological research, environmental education, eco-tourism, and
agricultural extension.
2. Mission statement of ECO-LOGIC
Services in support
of:
3.1 Community Based Natural
Resource Management
Completed projects; Explanation of services;
Background
3.2 Integrated
Environmental Management
Completed projects; Explanation of services
;Background
3.3 State of Environment Reporting
Completed
projects; Explanation
of services; Background
3.3
Environmental Impact Assessment
Completed projects; Explanation of services;
Background
Completed
projects; Explanation
of service; Background
3.5 Environmental education
and training
Completed projects; Explanation of service; Background
3.6 Ecological modelling
for management decision support
Completed
projects; Explanation
of service; Background
3.7 Research: rangeland management & conservation biology
Publications; Explanation of service; Background
3.1 Community Based
Natural Resource Management.
The livelihoods of many rural communities are to
a large extent dependent on sustainable use of there natural resources. Land
reform programs, demographic changes, urbanization, global climate change (and
in some countries political turmoil, war and poverty), are currently resulting
in large-scale land use change in many parts of Africa. Environmental
Management is urgently needed to avoid further resource degradation, loss of
biodiversity and declining human livelihoods and health. The challenge lies in finding solutions to
poverty and resource degradation within the context of sustainable development.
Explanation of services
·
Assessment of sustainable use levels and
economic benefits from consumptive and non consumptive forms of resource use
·
Communal rangeland management and resource
condition assessment.
·
Communal forest/woodland resource use
assessment.
·
Biodiversity assessment and status.
·
Biosphere management planning.
·
Information support for conflict resolution
between people and parks (including wildlife damage and resource use of
conservation areas)
Back
to services menu
3.3 Integrated environmental management
Background
Development decision-making in many countries has
tended to separate economic, social and environmental factors at the policy,
planning and management levels.
Integrated Environmental management emphasizes the need for integration
of environmental and ecological concerns within the paradigm of sustainable
economic development and the social imperative of providing for basic human
needs and personal fulfillment.
Explanation of services
Integrated
Environmental Management studies involve working with multidisciplinary teams.
ECO-LOGIC specialises in integrating and interfacing the ecology/biodiversity
components of the study within the social, economic and political contexts.
Completed projects
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State
of the Environment reporting addresses the urgent need for improved
environmental information for decision making, called for during the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in
1992, and as set out in the document known as Agenda 21 (the international
programme for sustainable development). SoE reporting aims to:
Explanation of services
State of the environment reporting includes the biophysical,
social, economic and political environment. ECO-LOGIC has capacity and
experience in the field of biophysical assessment, specifically, assessment of
biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
Completed projects
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3.4 Environmental impact
assessment
According
to the South African National Environmental management act (no 107 of 1998),
land use change and development activities (outside of municipal areas) in
South Africa must be subject to an Environmental Impact Assessment study.
Explanation of service
·
Assessment of land use change and development
impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning and process.
·
Identification of environmentally sensitive
areas, and zonation criteria.
·
Assessment and management of red data plant and
animal species.
Completed projects
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Biodiversity is currently being lost globally at an unprecedented
rate. As a signatory to the Convention on Biological
Diversity contracting parties are
committed to develop national strategies, plans and programs for the
conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity. Countries can no
longer afford to make decision concerning developmental issues, without
considering impacts on biodiversity and the environment.
Completed projects
Back to services menu
3.6 Environmental
education and training
There
is increased national and international pressure for environmental issues to be
considered at all levels of governance and decisions making. Changes in environmental legislation,
international agreements and land reform programs require that policy makers
(and all interested and effected parties) are conversant with environmental
issues. There is an urgent need for environmental awareness and eco-literacy
programmes to be implemented at all levels of society.
Explanation of service
Completed
projects
Back
to services menu
3.7 Ecological
modelling for management decision support
Resource management involves making decisions that require
knowledge of the interactions of multiple components, the dynamics of which may
be difficult to predict.
Modelling provides a useful methodology for exploring and
improving understanding of complex systems.
Simulation and ‘what-if” scenario modelling can provide valuable
insights for resource mangers. Recent advances in computer technology and
geographical information systems are proving to be essential tools for resource
management
Explanation of
service
Completed projects
·
MSc dissertation: An
Expert System Approach to Decision Modelling for Savannah Management.
University of Witwatersrand. Advisor: Prof. Mike Mentis. June 1990
·
Ecosystem
Analysis and Modelling. Progress Report. Forestek-CSIR. Scholes, R.J., Berliner, D.D.
Everared, D.A., Geldenhuys, C.J., van Wyk, G.F., von Maltitsz, G.P. 1994
(FOR-1 442)
·
BURNEFFECT a
decision support system to evaluate the effects of burns in grassland mountain
catchments areas. Unpublished CSIR, Forestek report. 1993.
·
A flow chart DSS for
hiking trail carrying capacities. Part of a report commissioned by Tourmark.
1994. CSIR report
·
Building expert system
models for biodiversity impact assessment.: Preliminary report. CSIR report, 1994.
·
Modelling impact of Jackal population on game
numbers, commissioned by Hopcraft ranch (Game ranching Limited), Athi-river,
Kenya. Unpublished report.1996.
·
Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), population
dynamics and rainfall. Commissioned by Hopcraft Ranch (Game Ranching Limited)
Athi -River, Kenya. Unpublished report, 1996.
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3.8 Research:
rangeland management and conservation biology
Resource management for long-term sustainability requires an
understanding of fundamental ecosystem processes and interrelationships between
components of the system. Scientific research is essential to improve our
understanding and management of complex systems.
Explanation of
service
Berliner, D.D. (In pres.) African Journal of range and forage
science. The effect of long -term ungulate exclusion and mowing on grass
species composition and soil nutrient status on the Athi-kapiti, plains,
Central Kenya.
Berliner, D.D. 1986. The use of strychnine poison by farmers in
North Western Transvaal and their attitudes towards vultures. Vulture news. 12:
7-8.
Berliner,
D.D. 1990. Creativity and Science with special reference to ecology. SAIE
bulletin vol 9 (2).
Berliner, D.D. 1994. Paradigm shifts in
science and ecology. SAIE bulletin vol 21 (1).
Berliner,
D.D. (in prep). African Journal of range and forage science. The synergistic
effects of termites and grazing on grass species composition and soil nutrient
status on the Athi-kapiti, plains , Kenya.
Research
reports conducted with students in Kenya, School For filed studies communal
wildlife mangement programme 1994-1996:
-
Avian community changes
with season, and resource use from dry into wet season.
-
Rock-climbing and raptors:
Resolving conflict by determining risk of nest disturbance based on time of use
and location of climbing route. Mt. Lukenia, Kenya.
-
Preliminary assessment of
the population stability of an African Whitebacked vulture (Gyps africana) roosting colony on
the Hopcraft Game ranch in Kenya.
-
The effect of grazing
pressure on grass species composition along a water point grazing gradient
Masai tribal lands, Athi-Kapitie plains.
-
The effect of cattle on
pond biodiversity and an investigation into the 'pond spitting phenomena.
-
Whitebacked vulture (Gyps africana) population stability
assessment on a Kenyan game ranch.
-
Comparisons of impala (Aepyceros melampus) sex ratios
between a Kenyan game ranch and a wild population in Nairobi National Park.
-
Rangeland use in Masai
tribal areas: Grazing gradients and grass species diversity from Masai bomas
around the Masai-Mara National Park area, Kenya.
-
A study relating
biodiversity and rangeland condition of the Euclea bushlands of Ol
Choro-Oiroua, Masai group ranch,
Masai-mara area, Kenya.
-
Preliminary conservation
management plan for the Lukenia hill , Athi kapiti plains, Kenya. Including an
assessment of environmental impacts on the biodiversity, archaeology, and
aesthetic qualities of the area. Report submitted to Kenya wildlife services,
and Nairobi Museum 1996.
-
An assessment of the
population dynamics and demographic structure of four antelope species on a
Kenyan game ranch, and the use of computer modelling to determine optimal
yielding population structures.
-
An investigation into
causes of population decline in Thompsons Gazelle (Gazelle thomsoni), a
population dynamics approach.
-
An investigation into
Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelis)
predation and ungulate migration as potential causes of declining Thompson's
Gazelle (Gazelle thomsoni) populations.
-
long term effects of
selective defoliation (grazing) vs. non-selective defoliation (mowing) on grass
species composition and soil fertility , Athi –kapitie plains, Kenya.
-
Demographic structure of
the Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus),
on GRL; sex ratio, age structure and recruitment rates.
-
Investigation into long
term effects of large herbivores exclusion on grass species composition,
Athi-kapitie rangelands, Kenya.
-
Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), population
dynamics and rainfall.
-
The effects of herbivory
and termite activity on soils and grass species composition.
-
The effect of seasonal
rainfall on wildebeest, (Connochaetes
taurinus), population recruitment, pregnancy rates and mortality on a
game ranch in Kenya.
-
The breeding biology of a
pair of Martial eagles in Kenya.
-
Seasonal changes in
population structure and habitat use in a herd of Oryx (Oryx gazella beisa), on a Kenyan game ranch.
4. Recently completed
contracts
|
START DATE |
PROJECT TITLE |
CONTRACTOR |
CLIENT |
Download Document |
|
21 February 2000 |
Invited speaker at Regional Biodiversity
Forum, Mombasa Kenya: Communal Rangelands, an ecosystems approach to
sustainability monitoring |
IUCN, ELCI, GEF, UNEP,
ACTS |
Signatories to CBD |
Click for
RBFrangelands.html (size: 430kb) |
|
July 1999 |
Land reform program: Community rangelands
management and sustainability (a series of four lectures) |
IUCN, South Africa |
South African Department
of Land Affairs/DANSED |
|
|
July 1999 |
State of the Environment report for Midrand,
South Africa: Biodiversity, open spaces and tourism. |
IUCN/DANSED |
Midrand town council,
local government |
|
|
May 1999 |
The ecology /biodiversity section for the
integrated environmental management plan for the Sterkfontein Cradle of Humankind
World Heritage Site |
IUCN, South African
Office |
Department of
Agriculture, conservation and environment |
|
|
Dec 1998 |
Curriculum design for a
wildlife management education program |
Science on Safari CC |
Science on Safari CC |
|
|
Oct 1998 |
Assessing
ecological sensitivity of major river systems in South Africa for estimation
of ecological reserve |
Walmsley Environmental
Consultants |
Department of Water
Affairs |
|
Derek Berliner
E-mail: eco-logic@mweb.co.za
Tel/Fax (+27) 12
362 2221
Cell: 0827060938
Postal: Derek
Berliner, ECO-LOGIC, 80 Brook street, Brooklyn, Pretoria 0181. South Africa.
Referral for IUCN projects
Saliem Fakir, South
African Country Programme Coordinator, IUCN, World Conservation Union
P.O.Box 11536,
Hatfield, Pretoria, 0028. South Africa. E-mail:
Tel 27-12 4204115
General referral
Dr. David Grossman
Environmental consultant. Board member South African
Institute of Ecologists.
Po Box 29038, Sandringham, 2131 Johannesburg
Tel 27 011 6402496
Mailto: dog@mweb.co.za
Referral for teaching in
Kenya:
Ms Jane Dickson. Programme Co-ordinator
School For Field Studies, 16 Broadway, Beverly, MA,
01915-4499, USA
Tel (508) 927 7777
Fax (508) 927 5127
Mailto: sfshome@igc.apc.org
Web site: http://fieldstudies.org
……………………………………………………………………..
Date of birth: 6 December 1960
Language fluency: English (home),
Afrikaans, basic Swahili
A2 Employment history
Current (1998/99- )
Position: Freelance environmental consultant,
working under name ECO-LOGIC. (Click for recent list of projects)
1997-1998
Position: Sabbatical: study tour of the culture,
ecology, conservation and eco-tourism of Australia and South East Asia, (see travel experience).
1994-1997
Position: Faculty member for School for Field Studies,
Centre for Wildlife Management , Kenya (affiliated and accredited by Boston
University, USA). A study abroad program for American undergraduate environmental
science majors. Located on the Hopcraft ranch, Central Kenya. (See web site
http:\\ www.fieldstudies.org)
1992-1994
Position: Research scientist with CSIR- FORESTEK
(Council for Industrial and Scientific Research, Forestry research and technology)
1987- 1992
Position:
Research and extension
officer with the former South African Department of
Agriculture and
Development, Game ranching research group.
1984-1986
Position: Officer (Lieutenant.) In South African Air
force (obligatory national service). Nature Conservation services section.
MSc dissertation
Title: An Expert System Approach to Decision
Modelling for Savannah Management. June 1990.
Institute: University of Witwatersrand,
South Africa.
Advisor: Prof. Mike Mentis.
Description: The study aims were: to explore
the use of Expert Systems to integrate ecological information into
user-friendly decision models; to illustrate the process of knowledge
engineering for development of ecological models; and to develop prototype
models useful for savanna management. These models were targeted at game and
cattle rangeland managers, and included: a stocking rate policy model; a
stocking rate estimation model (GRASTOCK); a bush clearing simulation and
cost/benefit model; and a herbicide application decision model.
The thesis was recommended as a distinction
by the advisor.
BSc (livestock science)
A four-year fulltime BSc at University of Pretoria. A wide range
of subjects including majors in animal breeding, genetics, animal nutrition,
husbandry, rangeland mangement, agronomy, soil science, microbiology etc.
BSc (hons)
A one-year full time postgraduate course Pretoria University.
Specialist courses in wildlife mangement techniques, theory and field work
applications. Including a mini thesis (predators and wildlife mangement).
Matriculation
Pretoria Boys high, 1978.
A4 Travel Experience
Travel has always been an essential part of a biologist education
(the discoveries of Darwin and Wallace were only made because they travelled
extensively). Considerable personal expense, effort and time has been invested
in the pursuit of knowledge and experience that can only be gained by ‘being
there’. For most countries, emphasis
was placed on visiting national parks, conservation areas and indigenous
cultures.
Countries visited include:
Southern Africa: Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Swaziland
Lesotho. (Repeated visits)
1997: South East Asia: Thailand, Malaysia. (Two months)
1997 Indonesia: Bali, Java, and Borneo. (Three months)
1997 Australia: New South Wales, Victoria, and Queens land (Three
months travel).
East Africa: Kenya,
Tanzania. Residing from 1994-1995.
1989 USA: California, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts,
Texas, and Louisiana. (Three and a half months travel)
1989: Mexico. (Two weeks)
1995: USA: New York,
Virginia. (Three weeks)
1994 Europe: Britain, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, France, Germany,
Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. (Six months travel)
Appendices to Mission Statement
As party to the 1992 International Convention on Biological
Diversity, Most African countries are committed to the objectives of the
convention:
Conservation of biodiversity
is a key element in ecologically sustainable development. The convention calls
for the contracting parties to develop national strategies, plans and programs
for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity (Article 6,
UNEP 1992). Accordingly countries can no longer afford to make decision
concerning developmental issues, with out first taking the environment into
account.
For detailed information
see: http:// www.biodiv.org/
Back to Mission statement
Agenda
21 is a comprehensive plan of action to be taken globally, nationally and
locally by organizations of the United Nations System, Governments, and Major
Groups in every area in which humans impacts on the environment.
Agenda
21, also known as the Rio Declaration on Environment and Development was
adopted by more than 178 Governments (including South Africa) at the United
Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) held in Rio de
Janeiro, Brazil, 3 to 14 June 1992.
Agenda 21 specifically
addresses the concern that development decision-making in many countries has
tended to separate economic, social and environmental factors at the policy,
planning and management levels. Agenda 21 sets out objectives and guidelines
for achieving sustainable development while balancing the need for conserving
natural resources and biodiversity. Agenda 21 emphasizes the need for
integration of environmental and ecological concerns within the paradigm of
sustainable economic development and the social imperative of providing for
basic human needs and personal fulfillment.
Agenda 21 stresses the need to collect,
assess and make available, relevant and reliable information in a timely manner
and in a form suitable for decision-making at all levels, with the full support
and participation of local and indigenous people and their communities.
For detailed information
see http://www.un.org/esa/sustdev/agenda21.htm
Back to Mission statement
7. Miscellaneous
http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/peopleplants An ethnobotany web site hosted by Kew gardens, some excellent
review papers on biopropecting/Intelectual property rights debate. Also see the
World Resources Institute site at: http://www.igc.org/wri
For a kick back site, go see http://www.calmcentre.com/
Informative:1) People’s plants:
guide to useful plants of South Africa Ben-Erick
van Wyke & Nigel Gerick.2) In the dust of Kilamanjaro, by
David Western
Inspirational: The Pilgrimage by Paulo Coelho
Most influential book: The Turning Point, by Fritjof Capra
Recent: Oysein Sevag: Visual
Perennial: Vangelis 1492
conquest of Paradise
·
Recent
favourite place visited in last six months
Coral reefs of Kenya coast, off Tiwi beach
·
Quotes
‘The spirit of man is nomad, his blood Bedouin,
and love is the aboriginal tracker on the faded spoor of his lost self; and so
I came to live my life not by conscious plan or prearranged design but as
someone following the flight of a bird.’
Laurens Van Der Post
‘Rather
see the wonders of the world abroad than living dully sluggardized at home, wear out thy youth with shapeless
idleness’.
William Shakespeare
‘In our family, there was no clear line between religion and
fly fishing….’
Norman MacLean (from a River Runs Through)
‘If you nurse a sick dog back to health, he wont bite you
later. That is the chief difference between men and animals’
Mark Twain
Journeys bring power and love back into you.
Rumi
‘I found the blank spots on the maps irresistible’
Eric Hansen
‘More than 98 percent of human genes are shared with two species
of chimpanzee. The ‘third’ chimpanzee is man’
Jared Diamond
‘The rain forest still hold many secrets-including undiscovered
species of plants and animals-but the chain saws may get there before we
uncover them’
Maryann Bird, Time magazine
‘After
nearly 40 years we are still waiting to hear from intelligent life elsewhere in
the universe’
Anon.