Our Team
Founder & CEO
Hassan Sachedina, Ph.D
Founder & CEO
Hassan Sachedina, Ph.D
Dr. Hassan Sachedina is the CEO and Founder of Sayari Earth. He is a senior leader with more than 25 years of experience in climate action, conservation, and sustainable development. Prior to Sayari, he founded and served as CEO of BCP (BioCarbon Partners), which became one of the world’s largest and most impactful REDD+ project developers.
Hassan has held executive roles in nature-based carbon development for over 15 years and has contributed to the design and implementation of 11 verified or in-process nature-based carbon projects spanning up to 18 million hectares. His career is driven by a commitment to advancing high-integrity climate solutions grounded in science, community partnership, and ecological resilience.
Co-Founder & COO
Joke Sachedina
Co-Founder & COO
Joke Sachedina
Joke Sachedina is the COO and Co-Founder of Sayari Earth, a distinguished senior executive with deep expertise in climate change mitigation, sustainability, and strategic operational leadership. She has led complex, mission-driven organisations through phases of growth, transformation, and impact, bringing a strong blend of operational discipline and values-driven leadership to the nature-based carbon sector.
Executive Assistant
Elmé Coetzer
Executive Assistant
Elmé Coetzer
Elmé Coetzer is the Executive Assistant at Sayari Earth, bringing a strong foundation in project coordination, documentation, and cross-functional operational support. With experience spanning research, compliance, and quality management systems, Elmé helps drive structure, efficiency, and disciplined execution across fast-paced initiatives. She combines analytical thinking with a deep passion for conservation, applying both field experience and organisational rigor to advance Sayari’s mission.
Verification Manager
Daniël Düring, Ph.D
Verification Manager
Daniël Düring, Ph.D
Daniel is a multidisciplinary climate and environmental specialist with over 10 years of experience across environmental law, environmental management systems, applied research, and academia. He holds a PhD in Environmental Sciences and an LLM in Environmental Law and Governance, bringing a strong cross-disciplinary foundation that integrates science, policy, and data-driven analysis.
As Verification Manager at Sayari Earth, Daniel leads the company’s verification and quality assurance function across its Nature-Based Solutions carbon removals portfolio. He ensures that projects are designed, monitored, reported, and verified to the highest standards, enabling credible carbon credit issuance while safeguarding environmental and social integrity.
Daniel’s expertise spans carbon project development, MRV systems, environmental modelling, and spatial analysis, supporting robust, registry-aligned project design and implementation.
Land Management Coordinator
Joe Erasmus
Land Management Coordinator
Joe Erasmus
Joe is a field-based coordinator responsible for implementing sustainable land management activities for Sayari Earth’s VM0032 Verra carbon removal project. Works directly with farmers and communities to coordinate rotational grazing, fire management, invasive species control/biomass removal, and supports monitoring, documentation, and reporting to meet Verra and project requirements.
GIS & Field Soils Intern
Siyanda Hlatshwayo
GIS & Field Soils Intern
Siyanda Hlatshwayo
Siyanda is a motivated graduate with a degree in Geography and Hydrology and a strong interest in geospatial technologies and sustainable environmental solutions. He is passionate about using GIS and spatial analysis to support nature-based climate initiatives and environmental monitoring.
At Sayari Earth, Siyanda supports the production of GIS outputs, spatial data management, and mapping for carbon removal projects. He also assists with field soil sampling campaigns and contributes to data collection and reporting processes. Siyanda is eager to continue developing his technical skills while supporting the delivery of high-quality environmental and carbon project outcomes.
Financial Manager
Nontando Khupe
Financial Manager
Nontando Khupe
Nontando is a Chartered Accountant (SA) with over a decade of experience in financial management, governance, and strategic leadership across audit, private equity, and investment holding environments. She has a strong background in financial oversight, compliance, and risk management, with a proven ability to optimise financial performance and strengthen internal controls.
Nontando has held senior leadership roles, where she led cross-functional teams and contributed to board and committee governance. She is passionate about ethical finance and mentoring the next generation of finance professionals, championing integrity, transparency, and principled leadership.
Partnership Building Officer
Hendrik Lombaard
Partnership Building Officer
Hendrik Lombaard
Hendrik is an environmental science professional with experience in project management, data analysis, and technical reporting. He has a strong interest in sustainability, conservation, and regenerative agriculture, and is committed to driving impactful environmental initiatives. Hendrik was also recognized for his excellence with a Group Executive Award at the CSIR.
As a Partnership Development Officer at Sayari Earth, Hendrik focuses on engaging landowners and building partnerships to support the company’s carbon removals projects. He works closely with farmers, landowners, and local stakeholders to promote sustainable land management practices and facilitate the enrollment of land into carbon projects. Through outreach, relationship building, and collaboration with technical teams, Hendrik helps expand Sayari Earth’s impact in addressing climate change and promoting responsible land stewardship.
Deputy Project Manager
Zombuso Mbatha
Deputy Project Manager
Zombuso Mbatha
Zombuso is an experienced environmental science and training professional with a strong background in public sector programmes, community development, and skills development initiatives. Her work has focused on supporting national development objectives through effective programme implementation, compliance monitoring, and capacity-building.
As Deputy Project Manager at Sayari Earth, Zombuso supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of nature-based carbon removal projects in KwaZulu-Natal. She works closely with the Project Manager to help coordinate stakeholders, support community engagement, and ensure projects are implemented effectively and in alignment with regulatory requirements and recognised carbon standards.
Zombuso is passionate about translating environmental policy and strategy into practical, on-the-ground solutions that create meaningful and lasting impact for communities and ecosystems.
Impact & Safeguards Lead
Kozette Myburgh
Impact & Safeguards Lead
Kozette Myburgh
Kozette Myburgh is the Impact & Safeguards Lead at Sayari Earth, specializing in environmental and social safeguards, ESIA, compliance auditing, and stakeholder engagement. She brings extensive experience in managing regulatory processes, assessing socio-environmental risks, and ensuring that projects deliver positive, equitable outcomes for people and nature. Kozette is known for her collaborative and detail-driven approach, safeguarding community well-being, biodiversity, and environmental integrity across complex project landscapes.
Program Coordinator
Bredette Nienaber
Program Coordinator
Bredette Nienaber
Bredette is a proactive and dedicated professional who brings strong organisational and coordination skills to her role as Program Coordinator. She is known for her reliability, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple responsibilities while consistently delivering high-quality results.
With experience in communication, reporting, financial administration, and business operations, Bredette plays an important role in supporting the smooth implementation of programmes and ensuring effective coordination across teams. She works well both independently and collaboratively, and thrives in fast-paced environments where problem-solving and adaptability are essential.
Bredette is passionate about continuous learning and is committed to excellence, integrity, and delivering work that exceeds expectations.
Associate Geo-Spatial Officer
Thandeka Skosana
Associate Geo-Spatial Officer
Thandeka Skosana
Thandeka is an environmental scientist with technical expertise in GIS and remote sensing, and a strong foundation in ecological research and project delivery. Her work focuses on mapping and monitoring invasive alien plant species, supporting data-driven environmental management and restoration efforts.
She has experience in planning and conducting fieldwork, analysing spatial data, and engaging with stakeholders to ensure that projects deliver practical, science-based outcomes. Thandeka is passionate about using geospatial tools to support effective environmental decision-making and sustainable land management.
Partnership Building Officer
Marcel Van Der Merwe II
Partnership Building Officer
Marcel Van Der Merwe II
Marcel van der Merwe II is the Partnership Building Officer at Sayari Earth, a career conservationist with over 10 years of experience in conservation management, community engagement, and sustainable development. He brings deep expertise in landscape-scale connectivity and restoration ecology, informed by his intimate knowledge of South Africa’s Cape region. Marcel is also the Founder of the Gora Wilderness Foundation and the author of Rewilding the Lost Wilderness: Green Heritage of the Forgotten Cape.
Rangeland Ecologist
Elsa Van Ginkel
Rangeland Ecologist
Elsa Van Ginkel
Elsa van Ginkel is a Rangeland Ecologist at Sayari Earth, with strong experience in vegetation surveys, ecological monitoring, and environmental data collection across remote and challenging landscapes. She is skilled in plant and invertebrate identification, botanical research, and coordinating field logistics. Elsa brings a science-driven, detail-oriented approach to generating high-quality ecological data and supporting restoration and sustainable land management efforts.
Customer Success Officer
Martin Van Staden
Customer Success Officer
Martin Van Staden
Martin van Staden is the Customer Success Officer at Sayari Earth, bringing over 21 years of multi-sector experience across business development, sales, marketing, and strategic operations. He is passionate about driving growth, cultivating strong partnerships, and delivering meaningful value to clients and teams. With a solid foundation in leadership, communication, and community engagement, Martin is committed to contributing to sustainable, purpose-driven organisations.
Financial Operations Coordinator
Ashleigh Van Wyk
Financial Operations Coordinator
Ashleigh Van Wyk
Ashleigh van Wyk is the Financial Operations Coordinator at Sayari Earth, bringing a strong foundation in executive support, strategic administration, and project coordination. She is experienced in budgeting, financial tracking, and operational reporting, enabling effective decision-making across the organisation. Ashleigh is known for her structured communication, strong stakeholder management, and ability to deliver high-quality outputs in fast-paced environments.
CDR Officer
Wayne Roland Van Wyk
CDR Officer
Wayne Roland Van Wyk
Wayne Roland van Wyk is a Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Officer at Sayari Earth, bringing strong organisational, coordination, and project administration skills to support the delivery of high-integrity carbon removal initiatives. He is experienced in managing complex administrative processes, maintaining accurate project documentation, and facilitating effective communication across teams and stakeholders. Wayne is dedicated to supporting environmental programs through structured execution and reliable operational support.
Project Manager
Sue Viljoen
Project Manager
Sue Viljoen
Sue is an experienced environmental professional with strong expertise in stakeholder engagement, sustainable agriculture, and conservation partnerships. She is known for her ability to translate complex scientific and environmental concepts into practical, accessible insights for landowners, communities, and partners.
As Project Manager for Sayari Earth’s KZN Sustainable Landscapes Program, Sue leads the end-to-end delivery of the company’s nature-based carbon removals pilot in KwaZulu-Natal. She oversees project planning, partner coordination, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with international carbon standards, ensuring projects are implemented effectively and deliver meaningful environmental and community impact.
Sue brings excellent communication skills, strong relationship-building abilities, and a passion for environmental stewardship, making her a trusted ambassador for sustainable landscape management.
Chairperson of the Executive Advisory Board
Prof. Piers Cumberlege
Chairperson of the Executive Advisory Board
Prof. Piers Cumberlege
Prof. Piers Cumberlege is the Chairperson of the Executive Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, an experienced global leader whose career spans multinational corporations, private equity, governments, and civil society across multiple continents. He has served on numerous public and private boards, including the South Pole Group, and currently advises on climate finance and fund structuring. A former Head of Partnership at the World Economic Forum, Piers holds advanced degrees from Oxford University and Coventry University and is a certified corporate director.
Member of the Executive Advisory Board
Prof. Daniel Halbheer
Member of the Executive Advisory Board
Prof. Daniel Halbheer
Prof. Daniel Halbheer is a Member of the Executive Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, an Associate Professor of Marketing and the Academic Director of the Climate and Earth Center at HEC Paris. He specializes in circular business models, supply chain decarbonization, and corporate social responsibility. Prof. Halbheer leads influential research on sustainable business practices and holds the FII Institute Research Chair on “Business Models for the Circular Economy.”
Member of the Executive Advisory Board
Nahale Ståhl Hallengren
Member of the Executive Advisory Board
Nahale Ståhl Hallengren
Nahale Ståhl Hallengren is a Member of the Executive Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, a seasoned legal executive and the General Counsel at Nordea Bank. Recognised as a leading voice in legal services and financial crime prevention, she brings deep expertise in governance, compliance, and strategic risk management. Nahale holds a JD from Columbia Law School and an Executive MBA from HEC Paris (‘24). She has been named to the Legal500 GC Powerlist Denmark in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting her leadership within the Nordic legal and financial sectors.
Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Board
Prof. Gerry Bodeker
Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Board
Prof. Gerry Bodeker
Prof. Gerry Bodeker is the Chairperson of the Technical Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, a public health researcher and academic with more than three decades of experience in traditional medicine, wellness, and integrative healthcare. Harvard-educated, he has held academic positions at Oxford University and Columbia University and has worked extensively with global organisations including WHO, the World Bank, and UNEP. He also chairs the Mental Wellness Initiative of the Global Wellness Institute and is recognised for his expertise in sustainable and integrative wellness practices.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Prof. Dan Brockington
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Prof. Dan Brockington
Prof. Dan Brockington is a Member of the Technical Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, an internationally recognised expert in community livelihoods and social impact. He is an ICREA Research Professor at the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology (ICTA) at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB). Dan brings extensive experience at the intersection of conservation, development, and social equity.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Franziska Elmer, Ph.D.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Franziska Elmer, Ph.D.
Dr. Franziska Elmer is a Member of the Technical Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, the Head of Science at Seafields Solutions Limited and a Research Fellow at The School for Field Studies. A marine scientist specialising in coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, she focuses on applying scientific knowledge to demonstrate both the ecological value of coastal ecosystems and their role in addressing the climate crisis. She brings extensive experience in research, conservation, and teaching across a range of marine environments.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Blessing Kavhu, Ph.D.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Blessing Kavhu, Ph.D.
Dr. Blessing Kavhu is a Member of the Technical Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, an expert in remote sensing, geospatial science, and climate science with extensive experience in wildlife conservation. He is a researcher at Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung, where he leads the FURNACES project on global fire modeling. A former GIS and Remote Sensing Expert at the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority, Blessing brings deep expertise in conservation data analytics and landscape monitoring.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Romain Pirard, Ph.D.
Member of the Technical Advisory Board
Romain Pirard, Ph.D.
Dr. Romain Pirard is a Member of the Technical Advisory Board at Sayari Earth, an environmental economist with 20 years of global experience spanning international organisations, academia, NGOs, and research institutions. His expertise covers deforestation dynamics, sustainable commodities, REDD+ and PES financing schemes, nature-based solutions, and market-based approaches to conservation. Having worked extensively across Southeast Asia, Africa, and South America, Romain leads teams developing decision-support tools for integrated landscape management. He is known for connecting technical insights with effective collaboration to deliver sound, innovative solutions for complex environmental challenges.
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