Seon Hamer

Responsibilities:

Teaching and Curriculum Delivery
Design and deliver engaging lectures, seminars, and practical sessions in Earth and Environmental Science topics.
Develop course materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and assessments.
Foster a dynamic learning environment that encourages student participation and critical thinking.

Research and Scholarly Activities
Conduct original research in Earth and Environmental Sciences, contributing to scientific knowledge in the field.
Publish research findings in academic journals and present at conferences.
Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students' research projects.

Student Support and Mentorship
Provide academic advising and mentorship to students, helping them navigate their studies and career paths.
Offer guidance on research projects, theses, and internships.
Provide constructive feedback on assignments, exams, and projects.

Curriculum Development and Program Improvement
Contribute to the development and updating of academic programs, ensuring they align with current scientific trends and industry needs.
Participate in departmental meetings, committees, and other academic governance activities.

Community Engagement and Outreach
Engage in community education and outreach, sharing knowledge on environmental sustainability and Earth sciences.
Collaborate with industry partners, government bodies, and NGOs on environmental research and policy development.

Administrative Duties
Participate in departmental and faculty meetings, contributing to the development of academic policies and strategies.
Assist with the organization of workshops, field trips, and conferences.

Project: Mangrove Restoration and Baseline Assessment

Objective:

To conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment and implement targeted mangrove restoration activities at the deforested FOC site, with the aim of restoring ecological integrity, enhancing coastal protection, and supporting biodiversity recovery.

Baseline Survey and Final Report Preparation
Conduct ecological and site-specific baseline assessments.
Analyze findings to establish reference conditions for mangrove restoration.
Prepare and submit a comprehensive final report summarizing baseline data, key insights, and recommendations.

Formulation of Mangrove Restoration and Management Plan
Develop a scientifically-informed, community-inclusive restoration and management strategy.
Include site selection criteria, species suitability analysis, restoration techniques, timelines, and adaptive management protocols.
Integrate climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use considerations.

Mangrove Propagule Acquisition
Identify appropriate mangrove species and sources of healthy propagules or seedlings.
Coordinate ethical and sustainable collection, transport, and nursery care.
Ensure genetic diversity and local adaptation of planting material.

Mangrove Reforestation, Data Collection, and Monitoring
Implement reforestation activities according to the restoration plan, ensuring ecological alignment and stakeholder participation.
Establish and maintain monitoring plots to collect data on survival rates, growth performance, and ecosystem recovery.
Periodically analyze data and update stakeholders through monitoring reports and recommendations.

Project: National Mangrove Management & Action Plan (NMMAP) 2030

Objective:
To develop a comprehensive and updated National Mangrove Management & Action Plan (NMMAP) 2030 to replace the previous framework, ensuring its alignment with current ecological, social, and policy contexts, and guiding mangrove conservation and sustainable management efforts nationwide.

Responsibilities:

Co-Authoring and Technical Contributions
Contributed to the drafting and review of multiple chapters of the NMMAP document, including sections on policy frameworks, ecological assessment, and implementation strategies.
Ensured scientific accuracy, coherence, and integration of current best practices in mangrove management.

Strategy and Project Design
Designed actionable strategies and projects to promote mangrove conservation, restoration, and sustainable use.
Integrated climate resilience, ecosystem services valuation, and community-based approaches into project design.

Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitated consultations and workshops with key stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Incorporated stakeholder inputs into the final plan to ensure inclusivity, ownership, and feasibility of implementation.

Project: BioDev 2030

Objective:
To support transformative change in Guyana by providing the government, working in collaboration with the private sector and civil society, with the tools and knowledge to identify and reform strategic economic sectors that significantly influence both national development and biodiversity conservation.

Responsibilities:

Sectoral Impact Analysis on Biodiversity
Conducted in-depth assessments of the ecological impacts of key economic sectors, with a focus on identifying biodiversity risks and opportunities.
Applied systems thinking to evaluate direct and indirect pressures on biodiversity from sectoral activities.

Data Collection and Analysis
Gathered and analyzed qualitative and quantitative data on environmental, economic, and institutional variables.
Supported the integration of spatial and policy data to inform sector prioritization and stakeholder targeting.

Assessment of Priority Sector Characteristics
Analyzed the structural, economic, and governance characteristics of priority sectors to identify leverage points for transformation.
Evaluated value chains, sectoral policies, and environmental performance indicators.

Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement Planning
Aided the development of a stakeholder map for priority sectors, assessing levels of interest, influence, power dynamics, and relationships.
Aided the design of a comprehensive stakeholder mobilization and engagement plan to foster collaboration and buy-in from key actors.

Incentives and Disincentives Assessment
Identified enabling incentives and potential disincentives to achieving a nature-positive economy within priority sectors.
Recommended voluntary commitments and policy measures to encourage sustainable practices and mitigate barriers to implementation.

Project: Third National Communication (TNC) to the UNFCCC – Guyana

Objective:
To compile and communicate Guyana’s progress in implementing the UNFCCC, including national greenhouse gas inventories, mitigation and adaptation actions, and related support needs and efforts.

Responsibilities:

Review and Synthesis
Reviewed and synthesized content from multiple chapters of the TNC, including sections on climate impacts, mitigation strategies, vulnerability assessments, and policy frameworks.

Stakeholder Presentation
Developed and delivered clear, accessible summaries of technical content to a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners.

Facilitation of Stakeholder Engagement
Supported knowledge sharing and feedback processes by presenting key findings and facilitating discussions aimed at strengthening stakeholder understanding and input into the national climate reporting process.

Project: Lethem Aerodrome Expansion Project

Objective:
To support the environmental assessment process for the expansion of the Lethem Aerodrome by conducting key ecological and environmental baseline studies to inform sustainable project planning and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities:

Air Quality Analysis and Reporting
Conducted ambient air quality assessments using standard sampling and analytical protocols.
Prepared technical reports detailing findings and compliance with national and international air quality standards.

Floral Survey and Reporting
Carried out botanical field surveys to document species composition, abundance, and habitat conditions.
Identified ecologically sensitive or rare plant species and compiled a comprehensive floral assessment report.

Water Quality Analysis and Reporting
Collected and analyzed water samples from relevant surface and groundwater sources.
Assessed physicochemical parameters and potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems, with results summarized in a detailed report.

Faunal (Animal) Survey and Reporting
Conducted field surveys to identify terrestrial and aquatic fauna within the project area.
Assessed species diversity, conservation status, and habitat use, and compiled results into an environmental impact report.

Project: New McKenzie Bridge Project

Objective:
To support the environmental impact assessment for the construction of the New McKenzie Bridge by conducting baseline environmental studies that inform sustainable infrastructure development.

Responsibilities:

Air Quality Analysis and Reporting
Performed ambient air quality monitoring to establish baseline conditions prior to construction.
Analyzed data and prepared a comprehensive report detailing air quality status and potential environmental implications.

Floral Survey and Reporting
Conducted field-based botanical assessments to document plant species diversity, abundance, and habitat characteristics.
Identified ecologically significant or protected species and compiled findings into a technical report to inform mitigation planning.

Project: Parika Shorebase Project

Objective:
To support the environmental assessment process for the development of the Parika Shorebase by conducting a botanical baseline study to guide environmentally responsible planning and decision-making.

Responsibilities:

Floral Survey
Carried out field surveys to identify and document plant species present within the project footprint.
Assessed vegetation types, species composition, and ecological significance.

Preparation of Floral Survey Report
Analyzed survey findings and prepared a detailed report outlining species diversity, habitat characteristics, and potential environmental sensitivities.
Provided recommendations to inform impact mitigation and conservation planning.

Project: Hospitality Institute Design Project

Objective:
To support the design of a sustainable and climate-resilient hospitality institute by conducting assessments and integrating eco-friendly concepts into the architectural planning process.

Responsibilities:

Climatic Vulnerability Assessment
Conducted a thorough analysis of local climate risks and vulnerabilities to inform building design.
Assessed temperature, rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events to identify potential impacts on the facility's sustainability and long-term durability.

Integration of Green Concepts into Building Design
Worked closely with architects and engineers to incorporate sustainable design principles, such as energy-efficient systems, renewable energy sources, and climate-resilient materials.
Ensured the building design aligned with best practices in green architecture and environmental sustainability.

Project: Berbice Sea & River Defense Rehabilitation Baseline Assessment

Objective:
To conduct a comprehensive baseline assessment to inform the rehabilitation of sea defenses, focusing on environmental conditions and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities:

Soil and Water Analysis
Conducted soil and water quality analyses to assess current conditions and identify potential contaminants or threats to project success.
Provided recommendations for soil remediation and water quality improvements as part of the rehabilitation plan.

Floral Identification
Performed botanical surveys to identify plant species present in the project area, including any rare or ecologically significant species.
Contributed to the assessment of vegetation cover and potential impacts of sea defense changes on local plant life.

Stakeholder Consultations
Facilitated consultations with local communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders to gather input on the rehabilitation plan.
Ensured stakeholder concerns and recommendations were incorporated into the final assessment and project recommendations.

Responsibilities:

Rapid Biodiversity Assessments
Conducted quick and effective biodiversity surveys to identify key species, assess ecosystem health, and determine ecological impacts of planned or ongoing projects.
Compiled and analyzed findings to support decision-making and conservation planning.

Environmental Planning
Developed environmental management and mitigation plans for projects, ensuring that sustainability and biodiversity conservation were prioritized in line with IFC Performances Standards & World Bank Environmental and Social Framework.
Integrated environmental considerations into project design to minimize impacts on ecosystems and local communities.

Environmental Monitoring
Implemented long-term environmental monitoring programs to track changes in ecosystems over time.
Collected and analyzed data on environmental variables such as water quality, air quality, and habitat conditions to ensure regulatory compliance and inform adaptive management strategies.

Responsibilities:

Environmental Inspections & Monitoring
Conducted regular environmental inspections to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and standards (IFC Performances Standards & World Bank Environmental and Social Framework).
Monitored ecological conditions and assessed impacts of project activities on surrounding ecosystems.

Floral Surveys
Performed detailed botanical surveys to assess plant species composition, diversity, and health in project areas.
Identified and reported on key plant species, including those of ecological or conservation importance.

Coordination of Forest Team
Led and coordinated a team of forest specialists and field technicians to ensure efficient data collection and timely reporting.
Managed team activities related to forest conservation, restoration, and monitoring across various project sites.

Key Projects:

Amelia Falls Hydro Dam Project
Led environmental monitoring and floral surveys to assess impacts on local biodiversity and forest ecosystems.

Sandspring Industries Mining Project
Coordinated environmental inspections and floral surveys to assess and mitigate impacts of mining activities on surrounding habitats.

Sulfer Rose Mining Project
Conducted environmental assessments, including flora surveys, to support sustainable mining practices and biodiversity conservation in the project area.

Aurora Mining Project
Supervised and coordinated the forest team in monitoring forest health and conducting floral surveys to support the management of biodiversity in the mining area.