As we close out the second quarter of 2024, it is my pleasure to present to you the latest edition of the Bateleur Newsletter. The second quarter has been marked by significant developments, insightful discussions, and innovative strides across various departments that impact our community and beyond. As we reflect on the past few months, we are filled with a sense of pride and optimism for the progress we’ve made.Â
In this issue, you’ll read all about the changes made by the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Department that might go unnoticed. We also provide recaps of conferences and workshops attended by our team, as well as stories from the field, such as the tale of two of our staff being detained in a forest in Angola while chasing butterflies.Â
We have also highlighted our engagement in various initiatives and projects aimed at enhancing sustainable practices and conservation efforts in the region. Please do take a look at some of the pioneering projects highlighted.
Additionally, we have been kept on our toes with the recently issued gazette by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation on June 3, 2024. The Gazette outlines several important directives regarding the implementation and transitional arrangements for qualifications issued prior to 2009, as governed under the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Act of 1995.
Finally, our team is yet again participating in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge organised by Tusk Trust. Speaking of Tusk Trust, we had the honour of having the SAWC and our CEO featured in this year’s annual Tusk Talk Magazine. During the CEO, Theresa Sowry and my annual European Marketing and Fundraising trip, we met with Tusk Trust, as well as with a number of other funders and partners whilst also once again attending the fabulous annual Friends of African Wildlife event in Zürich.Â
Our visits saw us travelling from Stockholm to Malmő and then onto Zurich (via Copehagen) and Geneva. Before travelling to London, we also managed a whirlwind trip over the Alps to Milan where our associate, Michele Sofisti introduced us to Seeds and Chips and the Regenerative Society Foundation where future collaboration looks very promising. During our trip it was wonderful to be able to engage with PPF Sweden, various Swedish Universities via the Swedish Defence University’s Henrik Häggström, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), SEB Group, Aimpoint, Charly Gräff, Friends of African Wildlife, Fondation Hans Wilsdorf, Fondation Audemars-Watkins, Fondation Segré, Tusk Trust, PPF UK, Jamma International, Whitley Fund for Nature, Rufford Foundation and the University of Kent in Cantebury where the College signed a very exciting gift agreement with the university. More news to follow on this, the Burnett Ranger Training project funded by the Notsew Orms Sands Foundation.
Enjoy the read,
Jeanné