College receives Environment Educator Award

On 22 May 2007 the Southern African Wildlife College near Hoedspruit received a Kudu Award from South African National Parks (SANParks).

The Kudu Awards is an initiative by SANParks that aims to recognise external stakeholders for their contribution and efforts in making South African National Parks the custodian of choice for the national parks system of South Africa, and also plays a significant role in the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, thus protecting South Africa’s most valuable national assets.

Said SANParks Chief Executive Dr David Mabunda: “We are particularly delighted today because looking back at where we started three years ago; it shows a tremendous growth in terms of the number of participants and communities that are involved in the business of conservation.

“It is was our initial objective to make sure that we create some kind of SAMA Awards for conservation through this event and I think we achieving that through the support that we get from our stakeholders — particularly the private sector.”

The Southern African Wildlife College has been involved in training and equipping over 2000 previously disadvantaged individuals with the skills and knowledge to become natural heritage and protected areas managers.

Students from all over Southern Africa are emerging from the college and having a positive impact on conservation in their countries. “Our students learn how to cooperate with stakeholders, sustainably manage wilderness areas and wildlife populations in a culturally acceptable manner. We’re proud that the college has been able to make a positive impact by addressing conservation needs, as well as unemployment and other related issues in South Africa” said Theresa Sowry, Executive Manager: Training of the Southern African Wildlife College.