Judy Mann-Lang is passionate about nature, particularly marine conservation. She has spent her career helping people to care for the environment. After 30 years at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), she has joined the Two Oceans Aquarium Education Foundation as executive for strategic projects. Here, she will be building the research and training capacity.
While working at SAAMBR, Mann-Lang developed the largest and most diverse marine education team and offerings in Africa. She was the first woman to serve as an aquarium director in Africa in her position at uShaka Sea World. In addition, Mann-Lang was the first woman to be CEO of the South African Association for Marine Biological Research. After two years in that role, she returned to her passion for conservation, guiding the conservation and communication work for SAAMBR.
“The amazing biodiversity and resilience of the ocean inspires me,” Lang said. “And I am inspired by the incredible people who work tirelessly to care for the ocean – in so many different ways. When I started in marine education and research in 1992, people working on ocean conservation were thought to be a little strange. It was a ‘nice’ thing to do, but certainly not essential work. Now we know better.”
“I would also like people to know that it’s not all gloom and doom – we do exciting work in an amazing environment and we are making a positive difference. And together we can achieve so much more,” she added.
Over the years, Mann-Lang has served on several boards. She is currently the president-elect of the International Zoo Educators board and on the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums Council. She has also won awards including the 2016 WESSA 90 Lifetime Conservation Achiever Award, the 2016 PAAZA Conservation Award, and the 1999 Marine and Coastal Communicator of the Year Award.