Aaniyah brings over 20 years of experience in the conservation sector, with a strong focus on aligning environmental and social justice. Her work explores the space where ecological and human needs meet, often navigating complex, interconnected challenges. She is the founder of The Beach Co-op, a South African initiative that fosters community-driven care for the environment. Across Africa, Aaniyah is a founding fellow of the Women for the Environment in Africa leadership programme and has served on its delivery team since 2022. Internationally, she joined Homeward Bound in 2022 as a faculty member, contributing to its global leadership programme for women in STEMM, centred on planetary sustainability.
In 2024, Aaniyah earned her PhD from Rhodes University, where her research explored co-creating a pedagogy of care for South Africa’s hydrocommons. Her study examined the deep-rooted relationships Black and Brown communities have with water, focusing on both historical and present-day connections. Through her work, Aaniyah continues to advocate for inclusive conservation approaches that honour both people and the planet.
