Dr Abel Ramoelo is a regional ecologist at the Scientific Services at SANParks. Hailing from South Africa’s Limpopo Province, Abel completed his first and second degrees on Environmental Science, Ecology and Resource Management at the University of Venda in 2003 and 2004, respectively. He then pursued and completed MSc in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation for Environmental Management and Modelling at four European Universities: University of Southampton (UK), Lund University (Sweden), Warsaw University (Poland) and Faculty of Geoinformation Science and Earth Observation (ITC), University of Twente (The Netherlands). As a remote sensing specialist by profession, he has a PhD degree in remote sensing from the University of Twente.
He is the NRF rated scientist with core expertise on mapping vegetation health assessment, species mapping, biochemistry, and productivity using earth observation data at various scales. He coordinates and implements a variety of monitoring and research programs and works collaboratively with scientists from other disciplines to interpret research, monitor findings, evaluate practical implications, and facilitate the implementation of adaptive management in support of park management plans and budget planning/control. His role also includes supervising interns, biotechnicians, and MSc and PhD candidates at various Universities. Abel is affiliated with several South African Universities to continue human capital development in EO for the environment.
He has successfully supervised over 15 MScs and PhDs. He is registered as a Professional Natural Scientist in the field of Geospatial Science with SACNASP. He published over 50 peer-reviewed scientific and conference papers and is a member of the Editorial Board of the ISPRS International Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. He is an Associate Editor for the International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation Science and was recently appointed as an Editor for SANParks’ KOEDOE: African Protected Area Conservation and Science journal.