Environmental Education Gets a Boost Through CapeNature’s Museum Training

Photo Credit: Supplied by Petro van Rhyn from CapeNature

CapeNature has teamed up with the DCAS Museum Services to train 18 museum staff members to lead interactive environmental programmes to ensure no young person in the Western Cape is left out of the conservation conversation.

Western Cape, South Africa (10 March 2026) – While natural wonders like nature reserves offer the perfect setting to learn about water conservation, fire awareness, and species protection, the reality is that some learners simply don’t have access to them.

To bridge this gap, CapeNature has teamed up with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport’s (DCAS) Museum Services. This partnership aims to bring environmental education directly to communities across the Western Cape, ensuring no young person is left behind.

Trained Staff to Teach Kids About Conservation and Bird Biodiversity

During February, CapeNature’s Learning and Awareness team trained 18 museum staff members from DCAS-affiliated institutions to deliver activity-based programmes focused on important environmental conservation topics, with a special emphasis on the fascinating world of bird biodiversity.

This initiative marks the first time CapeNature’s environmental content will be delivered at scale outside Provincial Protected Areas, positioning museums as new hubs for accessible, community-based environmental learning.

By equipping museum educators with practical tools and curriculum-aligned modules, CapeNature is enabling many more young people, especially those who may not have the opportunity to visit nature reserves, to engage directly with environmental topics that affect their everyday lives.

“Museums are trusted community spaces, and by building capacity within these spaces we are widening the reach of environmental learning far beyond our Protected Areas,” said CapeNature CEO Dr Ashley Naidoo.

“This partnership allows us to equip educators with engaging, curriculum-aligned tools so that more young people can meaningfully connect with conservation. Every learner has a role in protecting our biodiversity and natural resources.”

Guy Redman, Head of Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, said:

“Our museums are ideal spaces to bring these important messages to the communities they serve. Through this partnership with CapeNature, we hope to equip our museum staff to support the conservation efforts in the Province.”
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The trained educators will now begin rolling out interactive sessions that explore water security, fire prevention, and the value of biodiversity. The bird-focused module introduces learners to local species and highlights how ecosystems depend on healthy, interconnected environments.

CapeNature and DCAS plan to expand this initiative through additional training sessions for more museums in the months ahead. Both organisations look forward to seeing the programmes come to life across the Province as they work together to inspire the next generation of environmentally conscious citizens.