An EcoPlanet field worker in Rwanda
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Creating Jobs and Building Skills.

Local talent · Shared passion · Global impact

An EcoPlanet field worker

EcoPlanet puts local employment first, ensuring that people from the communities where we operate have priority access to job opportunities.

The EcoPlanet team at a project site

We foster an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and grow, and where health, safety and worker well-being are fundamental.

An EcoPlanet team gathered on site

Every employee receives training on EcoPlanet’s mission, values, policies and procedures, equipping them to work responsibly with shared purpose.

2,000+
Workers
99%
Hired locally
42%
Women in the workforce*
5
Countries

* Based on peak production periods for 2025.

Read more on how we empower our people.

Samantha Wilde

Samantha Wilde

Samantha joined EcoPlanet in 2012 as a project manager. A year later she moved to South Africa and worked her way up to become General Manager, overseeing the Kowie Bamboo Farm and a team of 60. Six years later, she moved to Rwanda to kick-start EcoPlanet’s East Africa operations before moving to a corporate position as Vice President of Forestry. Today she oversees all forestry operations globally.

John Bio

John Bio

John began his career with EcoPlanet in 2022 as a tricycle driver within our Ghana operations, transporting water and plants between project sites. His dedication, reliability and willingness to go the extra mile soon created opportunities for him to take on greater responsibilities. In 2024, EcoPlanet supported John in pursuing a Diploma in Tropical Agriculture on a part-time basis, which he is now completing. Alongside his studies, he gained valuable field experience by assisting our monitoring team and developing practical skills across a range of projects. In 2025, John was promoted to Team Leader within our Planning Department, helping support our monitoring program in Ghana.

Sergio Sanchez

Sergio Sanchez

Sergio began his career with EcoPlanet in 2013 as Farm Coordinator for our Nicaraguan operations. He was promoted to Operations Manager in 2015 and, through more than a decade of growing responsibility and dedicated service, he progressed to General Manager in 2025.

Desiree Makwente

Desiree Makwente

Desiree joined EcoPlanet in 2023 as a general worker at our spekboom restoration project in South Africa. Her passion, enthusiasm and willingness to support both field and office-based teams quickly distinguished her. Recognizing her potential, EcoPlanet supported Desiree in pursuing a certificate in occupational health and safety management in 2024. Through determination, practical experience and continued professional development, she has progressed to become our Safety Officer in South Africa.

In their own words.

Jean-Marie Habanabakize

Field Manager, Rwanda

Merasol Oyangoren

HR Manager, Philippines

Thobiso Selepe

Community Development Manager, South Africa

Philip Agyiri

Field Manager, Ghana

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