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.

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

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.

28 Annual Review 2020-2021