Maria Honig

Accomplished and driven leader seeks senior roles, leveraging expertise in environmental conservation, strategic thinking, and transformative change. Passion lies in spearheading impactful campaigns, cultivating sustainable policies, and securing funding for global causes. Committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a successful track record in nonprofit and international settings.

Beginning a conservation journey two decades ago, steering teams through remarkable growth and development. Taking pride in contributions to organizations, fostering thriving and diversification.

Collaborating with inspirational colleagues, forging resilient teams thriving in challenging environments, whether natural or operational. Guiding teams with unparalleled financial performance and robust strategic plans, playing a pivotal role in realizing visions of flourishing oceans. Successfully securing multi-year support for programs through innovation and strategic partnerships.

Passionate pragmatist never shy of tackling new challenges and venturing on new paths. Strong interpersonal skills, maintaining open communication to build trust and cooperation. Broad knowledge of environmental, social, and economic themes, exploring legislation, policies, and good practices governing environmental matters.

Researcher, program manager, strategic advisor, and fundraiser in biodiversity and development since 2004. Passion for people and the ocean, aiming to strengthen confidence, cooperation, and resilience of communities facing injustices of poverty and climate change.

World ocean sailor and mother of two boys.

• Evans, L., Buchan, P., Fortnam, Honig, MB., Heaps, L., (2023). Putting coastal communities at the centre of a Sustainable Blue Economy: a review of risks, opportunities and strategies. Frontiers in Political Science, section Comparative Governance

• Tigchelaar, M. Honig, MB., Laidha, GM, Octaviani, F., Setiawan, A., Landman, J., Grasso, T., Kelso, K., Thilsted, S.H., Leape, J., Llewellyn, G. 2022. Integrating blue foods into food system policy and practice. T20 Policy Brief. Task Force 4 Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture.

• Honig, MB., Petersen, SL, Herbstein, T, Roux, S, Nel, D, Shearing, C, 2015. A Conceptual Framework to Enable the Changes Required for a One-Planet Future. Environ. Values 24(5): 663-688.

• Honig, MB., Petersen, SL, Shearing, C, Pintér, L, Kotze, I, 2015. The conditions under which farmers are likely to adapt their behaviour: A case study of private land conservation in the Cape Winelands, South Africa. Land use policy 48, 389–400.

• Petersen SL, Honig MB, Ryan PG, Underhill LG 2009. Seabird bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery off southern Africa. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(2): 191-204.

• Petersen SL, Honig MB, Nel R, Ryan PG, Underhill LG 2009. Turtle bycatch in the pelagic longline fishery off southern Africa. African Journal of Marine Science. 31: 87-96.

• Petersen SL, Honig MB, Goren M, Ryan PG, Underhill LG 2009. Seabird bycatch in the demersal longline fishery off southern Africa. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(2):205-214.

• Petersen SL, Honig MB, Ryan PG, Underhill LG, Compagno LVJ 2009. Pelagic shark bycatch in the tuna- and swordfish-directed longline fishery off southern Africa. African Journal of Marine Science. 31(2): 215-225.