WESSA is delighted to welcome Amber Konstant to the team as our new Coastal Operations Manager, bringing experience in project management, membership, stakeholder engagement and climate-focused programmes.
She joins us from SouthSouthNorth, where she led project management and membership for the Adaptation Research Alliance, a network of more than 260 organisations working on locally led climate adaptation.
Her experience includes managing programme budgets, coordinating stakeholders and supporting donor reporting across multiple partners and regions, experience that aligns closely with the collaborative and impact-driven nature of WESSA’s coastal programmes.
A lifelong connection to the coast
Amber grew up and studied in Cape Town, completing a BSc in Marine Biology and Environmental & Geographical Sciences at the University of Cape Town. Her professional journey has continued to bring together her interests in people, climate and the environment.
For Amber, joining WESSA is also a chance to contribute to protecting a place that
“The ocean has shaped much of my life. I studied marine sciences, and I spend as much time as I can in the water, free-diving and surfing. Under the surface, you see how much life our coast holds and just how quickly it can change.”
This personal connection is closely aligned with WESSA’s mission and vision.
“WESSA’s mission to educate, advocate and act reflects what I believe: people protect what they understand and feel connected to, and WESSA helps communities become custodians of the places they depend on, so that caring for the coast becomes something they own.”
Putting people and partnerships at the centre
Amber’s career has taken her through people-focused and climate-focused work, giving her experience in bringing different stakeholders together to work towards shared goals.
In her new role, Amber will help strengthen WESSA’s coastal programmes, including Blue Flag and Green Coast, while deepening partnerships with municipalities and local communities.
“I’ve seen the difference it makes when an organisation puts communities at the centre, and how bringing the right people to the table can drive meaningful impact. WESSA’s coastal programmes feel like the place to put all of that to work, on the coast I call home.”
What makes Amber get out of bed every morning?
For Amber, it is perhaps fitting that her answer brings us back to the coast.
“First a coffee handed to me in bed by my partner and then stepping out onto the beach near my house, which makes me feel like the luckiest person alive. Salty air and a cold morning swim are a daily reminder of why protecting our coastlines matters.”
We’re excited to welcome Amber to WESSA and look forward to the energy, insight and experience she will bring to our coastal programmes and partnerships.
Welcome to WESSA, Amber. We’re glad to have you with us as we continue working together as People Caring for the Earth.
