Creating lasting conservation impact requires finding ways for people and nature to thrive together. For the Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC’s) Nature-based Economy thematic area, this means strengthening the knowledge, skills, partnerships and practical opportunities that enable communities and conservation landscapes to benefit from sustainable nature-based economies. Over recent months, this work has progressed across several fronts, from regional strategy and community capacity development to enterprise development.
Building capacity from the landscape up
Alongside regional engagement, the College is working with partners to strengthen the capacity of people working directly with communities and conservation landscapes.
On 1 June 2026, work began on the Capacity Building for Community Engagement Practitioners Project, funded by the Oak Foundation. The initiative brings together SAWC and Real Life Learning Africa partners working across the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) and Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
The programme focuses on developing the capacity of Community Engagement Practitioners working in areas such as landscape restoration and human–wildlife coexistence. This was followed by an inception workshop hosted at the SAWC from 2–3 July.
Sharing expertise and building connections
The Thematic Lead: Nature-based Economy and Community-led Conservation Practice, Dr Thabang Teffo, represented the SAWC at the Youth 4 Nature Conference in Arusha, Tanzania, from 13–15 June, where he presented on leadership, development and succession planning. He also participated in the Greater Kruger Eco-tourism and Enterprise Development Workshop, hosted by the Timbavati Foundation on 29 June.
From conservation resource to local enterprise
At the SAWC, the Nature-based Economy and Community-led Conservation Practice thematic areas are exploring how practical skills can support community enterprise development. Through the Community-led Leather Tanning and Enterprise Development Project in the Greater Kruger, funded through the Global Environment Facility (GEF) 8 – United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the College and its partners are developing a training programme in responsible leather tanning and enterprise development.
A stakeholder workshop held on 5 May 2026 brought partners from the Greater Kruger Biodiversity Economy Node together to help shape the leather-tanning training programme around the needs and opportunities within the landscape. Following the workshop, work began to transform an existing space on the SAWC campus into a leather tannery. Once complete, the facility will initially serve as a regional demonstration and practical training hub for organic and responsible leather tanning.
The initiative brings together skills development and enterprise thinking, creating a practical environment in which learning can move beyond theory and into application.
Strengthening the wildlife-based economy across SADC
From 26–31 July 2026, the SAWC convened a Southern African Development Community (SADC) Wildlife-based Economy Strategy workshop in Johannesburg. The workshop brought together government and non-governmental organisation focal points from SADC Member States to strengthen capacity to adopt and domesticate the regional strategy at national level.
The engagement forms part of the SADC Wildlife-Based Economy Capacity Building Project, funded by GIZ, and contributes to efforts to strengthen understanding and implementation of wildlife-based economy approaches across the region.
Herding skills supporting healthier landscapes
The SAWC Herding Academy continues to strengthen professional herding skills and contribute to the evidence base for livestock-management approaches across the region. During the reporting period, the Academy delivered professional herding training for Peace Parks Foundation in both Limpopo National Park and Maramani National Park.
The Academy also participated in planning for the Conservation Strategy Fund’s Regional Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Herding for Health Programme, in partnership with Peace Parks Foundation and Conservation International. The work will contribute to understanding the costs and benefits of the approach and inform its continued regional development.
A living classroom for international learning
The SAWC’s campus and the surrounding Greater Kruger landscape also provide a unique setting for international groups to experience conservation in practice. During the reporting period, the College welcomed several visiting groups through the Nature-based Economy thematic area. The Yuverta Working Dogs Group from the Netherlands took part in a programme focused on the SAWC’s K9 Unit, while the Katie Adamson Conservation Fund and Korrell family, in collaboration with the Global Conservation Corporation, visited in June. The experience has already prompted planning for a return visit in 2027.
The College also welcomed students from Michigan State University, continuing a longstanding relationship that has seen groups from the university visit the SAWC for many years. During their time at the College, the students immersed themselves in campus life and conservation activities. They also embraced opportunities beyond their formal programme, including participating in the College’s annual #RunningWild trail run, where Michigan State University student Tyler Perras won the 10 km race.
In July, a group from the Organisation for Tropical Studies and the University of Utah explored the connections between conservation, ecology and rural community health. Indiana University also visited the College, with the Conservation Science thematic area providing insight into the College’s Operations Room and the role of technology in conservation. Other experiences during the period included opportunities to learn about rhino conservation and wildlife management in the Greater Kruger landscape.
By connecting visitors directly with practitioners, conservation programmes and landscapes, these engagements extend learning beyond the classroom and strengthen the SAWC’s role as a hub for international conservation learning, exchange and collaboration.