PASA is pleased to welcome Fhumulani Tshamano as a guest speaker at the PASA Expo 2026.
Fhumulani is a senior environmental and biodiversity management professional with more than 17 years of experience in nature conservation, environmental compliance, wildlife management, legislation and the implementation of international environmental agreements.
He currently serves as Control Biodiversity Officer: CITES Policy Development and Implementation at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE).
Extensive experience in CITES implementation
Fhumulani plays an important role in coordinating South Africa’s implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
His responsibilities include:
- Developing and reviewing CITES-related policies and legislation
- Coordinating the national implementation of CITES requirements
- Processing and overseeing import, export and re-export permits
- Managing CITES quotas, registers and reporting requirements
- Providing guidance to provincial authorities and enforcement agencies
- Coordinating stakeholder consultations
- Supporting South Africa’s participation at CITES meetings
- Advising Environmental Management Inspectors and ports of entry
- Monitoring South Africa’s compliance with its international obligations
Fhumulani also serves as a CITES focal point for South Africa and has participated in CITES Conferences of the Parties, Standing Committee meetings, and Animals and Plants Committee meetings.
Experience with CIPS
Of particular relevance to bird breeders, Fhumulani was involved in coordinating the development of the CITES electronic permitting system, commonly known as CIPS.
CIPS forms an important part of South Africa’s administration of CITES permits. Understanding how the system works—and what information is required—is essential for breeders, importers and exporters dealing with CITES-listed species.
His experience with electronic permitting, application assessments, species registers and provincial reporting places him in a strong position to explain the system and its practical application.
Academic and practical conservation background
Fhumulani holds an LLB degree from the University of South Africa, as well as a BTech and National Diploma in Nature Conservation from the Mangosuthu University of Technology.
He has also completed further training in:
- Environmental law
- The Promotion of Administrative Justice Act
- Environmental impact assessment
- Project management
- Wildlife DNA sampling
- Field ranging and wildlife management
Before joining the national department, he gained practical experience as a field ranger and nature conservator. His duties included anti-poaching operations, wildlife monitoring, ecological management, alien plant control and environmental education.
This combination of practical conservation experience and legal knowledge gives him a valuable understanding of both environmental policy and its implementation.
Why bird breeders should attend
Many parrots and other birds kept and bred in South Africa are listed under CITES. Breeders therefore need to understand the applicable permit requirements, recordkeeping responsibilities and legal processes.
Fhumulani’s presentation offers members of the avicultural community an opportunity to hear directly from someone involved in developing and implementing South Africa’s CITES framework.
Constructive communication between government and responsible aviculture is essential for improving compliance, resolving practical challenges and protecting the future of legal bird breeding and trade.
PASA looks forward to welcoming Fhumulani Tshamano and appreciates his willingness to share his knowledge with our members and the wider avicultural community.
Friday, 4 September 2026
Umfula Lodge, Parys