Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management

NQF LEVEL NQF

This programme has been approved by the Council on Higher Education and is currently pending registration with SAQA and the Department : Higher Education and Training. Until registration has been finalized, we will be offering this course as a short course based program.
 

Level 6

The Southern African Wildlife College offers the Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation: Trans Frontier Conservation Management as a training intervention aimed at the development of Nature Conservation managers within the SADC region.

The nature of conservation within the context of the Southern African Development Countries (SADC) is evolving to enable the integration and opening up of artificial boundaries previously associated with conservation areas. Through the working relationships established through trans-frontier conservation initiatives it is becoming more and more important to enable a consistent shared approach to matters concerning conservation.

The sustainable utilisation, conservation and protection of the natural environment and resources require an integrated and holistic management approach. Effective management
within trans-frontier conservation areas promotes both natural environment issues and cooperation with stakeholders including local communities.

Natural resources conservation challenges and objectives in the SADC region is the joint responsibility of countries including:

• South Africa
• Mozambique
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Malawi
• Botswana
• Swaziland
• Namibia and
• Lesotho

The effective management of the dynamics of trans-frontier conservation areas has particular importance from the perspective of retaining our shared African heritage. The effective utilisation of this resource as a major and increasingly important tourism attraction contributes to and promotes economic sustainability across SADC.

The qualification addresses competencies required for managerial positions within the conservation environment, associated which positions such as:

• Reserve Managers
• Section Rangers
• Game Wardens
• Senior Field Ranger
• Senior Wildlife Officers
• Ranger – operations
• Ranger – extension

The Learning Programme is aimed at individuals with an established nature conservation background and experience; which have been identified and earmarked for personal development and career advancement into management positions, based on their technical expertise and leadership abilities in their country of origin.

Students qualifying against the learning programme will be able to:

• Determine the application of conservation practices in relation to trans-frontier conservation objectives
• Develop a management plan to support the effective operation of a Nature Conservation unit or area
• Manage a conservation implementation plan according to organisational requirements
• Report on the effectiveness of implementation

The Learning Programme is aimed and individuals already involved in operational positions within the nature conservation environment; which have been identified and earmarked for personal development and career advancement into management positions in Nature Conservation organisations within the SADC region.

Individuals earmarked for personal growth and job advancement opportunities relevant to this qualification, already have acquired a minimum of five years technical expertise in the broad focus areas associated with Nature Conservation principles and activities and have been exposed to entry-level supervisory and leadership positions within a conservation context.

It is envisaged that individuals interested in the qualification will mainly fit into the following demographic profile:

• Open age group with the average minimum age of the target group being between 25 and 30 years of age
• Male or female
• Employed in a nature conservation environment for at least five years
• Above average level of technical know – how of conservation issues
• Ability to work with a diverse range of individuals
• Ability to work outdoors sometimes in less than optimal weather conditions
• Good ability to build rapport
• Good communication skills
• Good leadership skills

It is assumed that students accessing this qualification are competent in:

• Communication at NQF Level 5
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
• Recognised conservation qualifications on NQF level 5 or equivalent

The Learning Programme is made up of the following modular components: