PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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


Summary
Daniel Banfai has over six 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 and Social Impact 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 and management 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:

  • Nam Ngiep II Hydropower Project, Lao PDR. Assisted with fieldwork and preparation of Environmental and Social Assessment Report. Team leader of terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity study.
  • SLACO Bauxite Project, Lao PDR. Co-author of Preliminary Feasibility Report: Environmental and Social Aspects. Conducted terrestrial biodiversity and forest resources study.
  • SMC Sabodala Project, Senegal. Conducted review of fauna, flora and aquatic biota baseline surveys. Conducted updates of Environmental and Social Management and Monitoring Plan (ESMMP). Prepared terms of reference for comprehensive biodiversity monitoring program.
  • Sepon Operations, Lao PDR. Contributed to 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.
  • Puthep Copper Project, Thailand. Assisted with Feasibility Study, coordinating biodiversity and conservation surveys.
  • Nam Tha 1 Hydropower Project, Lao PDR. Team leader of Terrestrial Biodiversity and Forest Resources Study. Contributed to Environmental and Social Impact Assessment reports.

Publications

  • Banfai DS, Bowman DJMS, Brook BW (2007) Multiscale modelling of the drivers of rainforest boundary dynamics in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia. Diversity and Distributions.
  • Banfai DS, Bowman DMJS (2006) Forty years of lowland monsoon rainforest expansion in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia. Biological Conservation.
  • Banfai DS, Bowman DJMS (2006) Drivers of rain-forest boundary dynamics in Kakadu National Park, northern Australia: a field assessment. Journal of Tropical Ecology.
  • Banfai DS, Bowman DJMS (2005) Dynamics of a savanna-forest mosaic in the Australian monsoon tropics inferred from stand structures and historical aerial photography. Australian Journal of Botany.