Training responsible natural resource managers and field rangers plays a pivotal role in conserving, rehabilitating, and sustaining wildlife areas. The Southern African Wildlife College’s Natural Resource Management Course graduates are responsible for some of the world’s most biologically important habitats. As a result of their training, they impact biodiversity, governance, wildlife crime, community interventions and local natural resources on which livelihoods and well-being depend thereby achieving lasting conservation results that address ecological and economic needs.
Conservation training is not well funded, and this has been further impacted by COVID-19 and the loss of tourism.
Conserv Earth is therefore, has funded the upskilling of one South African Nationals Parks employee from the Kruger National Park (SANParks) completing the National Occupational Certificate in Natural Resource Management (Terrestrial) NQF Level 5 course.
Amos Gizide is a permanent employee of SANParks. He is based in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and is stationed at Mopani Rest Camp as a Head Guide.
Amos has 20 years of experience in guiding as he started his career in KNP in 2001. Amos believes that “knowledge is power” and that this course will bridge onto further studies of a diploma in Nature Conservation. It is his dream to be a section ranger and play a larger role in conservation.
PROJECT GOALS:
- To upskill a SANParks employee through the completion of the course within the 2022 year.
- To impact nature and wildlife conservation across Africa according to latest best practice by supporting the applied education, training and skills development of men and women employed as field rangers and natural resource managers across the region.
- To play a pivotal role in rehabilitating and sustaining wildlife areas and protecting threatened species.
- Be of real relevance in a sector facing formidable challenges such wildlife crime including poaching, human wildlife conflict and climate change.
- Develop career opportunities for conservationists (rangers and protected area managers).
- Help transform the biodiversity economy of the region.
- Build the capacity to protect the rights of ordinary people in the buffer zones, the ultimate stewards of land and natural resources.
PROJECT OUTCOMES:
- The protection of biodiversity within the Greater Kruger National Park.
- Decrease poaching pressure having been equipped with the necessary skills gained through an applied learning process.
- Improved performance of a SANParks employee who in turn can also impact fellow employees via new found knowledge and skills.





