Dr Ntshotsho joined the CSIR in 2006 as an intern and is now a senior researcher. She has extensive research experience in the field of natural resources management, particularly focusing on how evidence generated in restoration practice can be used to support evidence-based policymaking. Her interest in evidence-based policy and practice drives her to seek opportunities to engage with policymakers, practitioners and communities to promote the application of research findings.

Phumza is a firm believer in collaborating across organisations, locally and internationally. This is evident in her publication record. She is one of only two women from Africa who were among the lead authors of the ground-breaking Land Degradation and Restoration Assessment (LRDA) Report of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services published in 2018. She was also actively involved in establishing the African Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, which was launched in 2020.

Dr Ntshotsho has recently extended her research interests in seeking to understand the interplay between ecosystem services, sustainable development and climate change, with a keen interest in ecosystem-based adaptation.

Expertise: Ecological restoration, ecosystem services, climate change adaptation