Thakgatso Manamela is pursuing a PhD degree in Landscape Ecology with a strong focus on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services. She holds a background in environmental and conservation sciences and is currently conducting research on how agricultural landscapes interact with water resources, biodiversity patterns, and ecological functioning in South Africa. Her work integrates field-based observations with remote sensing, GIS, and ecological modelling to support sustainable land-use planning. Thakgatso is passionate about translating scientific research into practical tools for water-wise agriculture, conservation, and policy-making. She is especially interested in multifunctional landscapes that promote resilience and long-term ecosystem health.