University of Cape Town | South Africa
Ms. Julia Wood is an accomplished biodiversity and conservation specialist with extensive experience in managing sensitive ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. Her career spans leadership roles in municipal environmental management, applied ecological research, and conservation advocacy, reflecting a strong commitment to safeguarding South Africa’s unique natural heritage. With academic training including a BSc (Botany, Zoology), BSc Honours in terrestrial ecology, and an MSc in Botany focused on the natural vegetation of the Robertson Karoo, she is currently advancing her expertise through a PhD in Environmental and Geographical Studies. Her research examines critical factors that influence effective conservation action, addressing real-world implementation challenges in biodiversity planning and environmental governance. Throughout her tenure with the City of Cape Town—currently as Manager of Biodiversity Management—she has overseen 20 protected areas and coordinated the execution of strategic biodiversity initiatives, including the Local Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan and fine-scale conservation plans. Her work integrates ecological protection with vital societal goals such as job creation, skills development, and environmental education, ensuring conservation efforts deliver measurable community benefit. Julia’s contributions include numerous publications, project leadership roles at WWF-SA’s Table Mountain Fund, and significant involvement in watershed and ecosystem-based management across diverse natural landscapes. Her collaborations extend across governmental agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders, strengthening regional responses to climate change, ecological restoration, and urban development pressures. An award-winning professional, she is respected for advancing evidence-based conservation strategies that enhance resilience and protect biodiversity in one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions. This continued dedication demonstrates her capacity to motivate progress, build partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to global environmental sustainability.
Publications
Coordinating invasive alien species management in a biodiversity hotspot: The CAPE Invasive Alien Animals Working Group. Bothalia. 2020