2021 WESSA Annual Review

‘GREENING THE SECURITY INDUSTRY’ TRAINING PROGRAMME Through extensive engagement with private landowners, reserve managers and stewardship role-players, WESSA developed the ‘Greening the Security Industry’ training programme. This came about because concerns have been raised that private security guards are expected to work on the front lines of dealing with wildlife crime and keeping natural areas safe but are severely lacking skills and knowledge to deal with a very complex and dangerous job. Not only are the guards having to protect wildlife against poachers and wildlife crime syndicates, but they also must work with local communities, rangers, law enforcement, intelligence networks, landowners, and the public. They also having to report on environmental issues.

UNIVERSITY ECOTOURISM FIELD TRIPS: We are currently developing an MOU with Venda University of Technology to develop a progressive Eco-tourism training curriculum for students, using the 4 WESSA Centre’s as outdoor classrooms.

WESSA and our partners believe that through effective training interventions and ongoing mentoring and support, the private security industry can play a lead role in our fight to secure and protect our pristine natural areas. It is written into our country’s legislation that we must protect the environment, and we should all be equipping our people to do this correctly.

Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) principles

Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques

A REVIVAL OF PARTNERSHIPS AND UMNGENI VALLEY’S INVOLVEMENT IN THE UEIP The Amanzi Ethu Nobuntu Project was launched in January 2021 as a project under the UEIP, which includes SANBI, DUCT, Department of Science and Innovation and The Water Research Commission. 300 youth were placed as Eco-Rangers along the uMngeni River catchment as Eco-Rangers to both assess water quality and to improve the local habitat. uMngeni Valley hosted 20 youth in the reserve and surrounds, and our expertise in training and capacity building has also benefitted the project. uMngeni Valley plays a strategic role both in the greater catchment, and the Biosphere Reserve Project. Following on from the initial project, there are several very exciting opportunities that have come from this partnership, including projects in the Karkloof, the Middle uMngeni, and Blue lagoon. LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE There is still much uncertainty about the future of outdoor education and the school camp industry in South Africa. While the pandemic continues to affect both the education and tourism sector globally, what is very clear is that nature and experiences in the natural world are becoming more important as people realise that our planet is being negatively affected by climate change and biodiversity loss. Our centres must remain relevant, not only to welcome people of all ages and backgrounds to learn about the environment, but also to protect the special habitats where each centre operates. As a team, we are constantly exploring and innovating to create new offerings and programmes that can continue the rich legacy our centres have had in both the education and environmental protection sectors of this country.

Practical examples of and solutions to many different environmental and biodiversity issues

Training Include both classroom theory, and in-situ practical sessions

Environmental legislation and the ordinances governing wildlife crime

Identification of animals and plants, tracking and anti-poaching techniques

Conservation practices and biodiversity stewardship principles

Through this WESSA Training Programme, security guards will exit with the following outcomes:

The pilot course was held June 2021, with 7 participants attending a 6-day course at uMngeni Valley. The feedback from landowners has been positive, and the ongoing support and M&E is now in place for the participants.

• Better ability to work collaboratively with local communities. • Better knowledge of specific legislation on environmental protection; wildlife crime; and reporting on environmental issues. • An experiential learning programme that improves knowledge of local habitats. • Deliver a set of resources for practical use ‘in the field’ • Create a support network to deal with environmental issues in-situ • Provide ongoing support, through both M&E, and communication channels to improve the service offered to landowners and local communities.

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Annual Review 2020-2021

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