The Southern African Wildlife College’s (SAWC) champions participatory models that bridge ecological objectives with social needs. This includes enhancing environmental literacy, supporting nature-positive livelihoods, and building trust between conservation agencies and communities. Key to this work is the Rural Initiative for a Sustainable Environment (RISE) Unit, which facilitates dialogue, skills development, and long-term partnerships.
Moving with Coaching Conservation: Empowering Youth Ambassadors
From 4–12 April 2025, the SAWC’s RISE Unit delivered a dynamic nine-day “Train the Trainer” programme in partnership with Coaching Conservation (CC). Twelve (12) enthusiastic youth trainees from Botswana, Mpumalanga, and the Eastern Cape took part in this immersive learning experience, with support from CC Director and Founder Lesley McNutt, who shared the initiative’s origin story and core philosophy.
Trainees gained hands-on experience delivering CC’s animal-themed lessons – on elephants, wild dogs, and vultures – to local primary schools using the model of “learning from wildlife.” This play-based method integrates physical activity, storytelling, and conservation messaging in a format accessible to children. The programme fostered confidence, facilitation skills, and a renewed sense of purpose among participants, many of whom are now taking these lessons into their own communities.
An exciting outcome of the training was the formation of a new partnership between the SAWC, Coaching Conservation, and Abundant Villages, one of the organisations that nominated participants. This collaboration is expected to catalyse new community engagements across southern Africa.
In June, the SAWC and Coaching Conservation joined Botswana’s Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education on an eight-day field visit. The delegation explored how CC’s play-based learning methods could inform Botswana’s evolving national curriculum — a promising step toward institutionalising conservation education at scale.
Working with WildnFree: Conservation, Football and Livelihoods in Mozambique
From 14–16 April, the College’s RISE and Protected Area Integrity (PAI) Units joined forces with WildnFree and the Kruger to Canyons Biosphere Region (K2C) on a field visit to the Corumane community in western Mozambique. Bordering Sabie Game Park and close to Kruger National Park, Corumane is a community deeply affected by the economic and social impacts of wildlife crime.
The delegation’s purpose was to assess community needs, strengthen outreach efforts, and co-develop livelihood alternatives. Led by Jeremy Hancock (PAI), Sboniso Phakathi (RISE), Vincent Barkas and Rohan Nel (WildnFree), and Vusi Tshabalala (K2C), the team facilitated community workshops addressing the drivers of poaching, with an emphasis on dialogue and dignity.
The workshop revealed deep vulnerabilities: poverty, youth unemployment, and a lack of education remain key factors fuelling poaching. Yet, the community’s openness to engagement and the success of local initiatives like the Rhino Cup football league offered hope. This youth-focused programme uses football to build social cohesion and deliver conservation messaging in a non-confrontational format. Kits, transport support, and incentives have turned the league into a vital platform for positive influence.
Discussions during the visit also explored the potential for regenerative rangeland management in Corumane. Community leaders and livestock owners expressed strong interest, and a feasibility study led by the SAWC’s Nature-Based Economy team is now underway. This initiative could open new avenues for sustainable grazing, soil health restoration, and conservation-aligned livelihoods.
Recommendations from the visit included:
- Expanding nature-positive livelihoods such as poultry farming, permaculture, and eco-tourism;
- Formalising conservation messaging within youth sports programmes;
- Launching youth mentorship and school-based conservation camps.
A Model for Lasting Change
Whether through sport, schools or soil restoration, the SAWC’s work demonstrates that community-led conservation is not about prescribing solutions – it’s about co-creating futures. The Corumane visit and Coaching Conservation programme offer replicable models for working with communities across southern Africa. As the SAWC Strategy 2030 makes clear, investing in people is investing in nature.