PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

Daniel Banfai B.Env.Sc. / B.A. (Hons), PhD (Submitted)
 Environmental Scientist / Ecologist


Summary
Daniel Banfai has over five years research and consulting experience in vegetation and wildlife ecology, including involvement with mining and hydropower projects. Daniel has a broad range of applied skills with biological surveys, research design, GIS, and statistical analyses. He has experience in the conducting and writing of Environmental Assessments.

After completing his undergraduate degree with honors, Daniel worked as a research associate at Charles Darwin University, while completing his PhD on the ecology of rainforest in Kakadu National Park. He has presented his research at both national and international conferences, and is the author of several scientific journal papers. Since joining Earth Systems, Daniel has worked on a wide range of large infrastructure projects.

Education and Affiliations
PhD (Science). School for Environmental Research – Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia (Submitted) Thesis title: A multidisciplinary investigation of rainforest boundary dynamics in Kakadu National Park.

Honours (Science). Key Centre for Tropical Wildlife Management – Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia.

Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Arts (Environmental Science / Geography) – The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Countries of Work Experience
Australia , Lao PDR.

Professional History

  • 2007 to date, Environmental Scientist / Ecologist, Earth Systems.
  • 2005 – 2006, Research Associate, Institute for Advanced Studies, Charles Darwin University. 2004, Botanist, EcOz Environmental Consulting.

Fields of Special Competence
Flora and fauna assessments, EIA and management plans, survey techniques, research design, GIS mapping and modelling. Tropical vegetation specialist.

Representative Experience
Daniel's recent roles and projects include:

  • Sepon Operations, Lao PDR. Conducted Social Impact Assessment study for GPDA Gold Oxide Project. Co-author of report contributing to analysis of household surveys, impacts on village lands, water quality and other social impacts. Assessed impact of development of five gold oxide deposits, construction of new accommodation facilities as well as extension of road network.
  • Puthep Copper Project, Thailand. Assisted with Feasibility Study, coordinating biodiversity and conservation surveys describing existing fauna and flora of the survey area, and identifying high-value habitat or rare and endangered species.
  • Nam Tha 1 Hydropower Project, Lao PDR. Team leader of Terrestrial Biodiversity and Forest Resources Study. Contributed to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports. Also contributed to Social Development Plan and Environmental and Social Monitoring and Management Plan.
  • Trans-Territory Pipeline Project, Northern Territory, Australia. Worked as a Botanist for EcOz Consulting. Conducted plant surveys in Arnhem land contributing towards the Environmental Impact Statement for the project.