Kirsty Midlane Protects Wildlife, Encouraging Young Women to Boldly Do the Same

Photo Credit: Wildlife ACT - Focused Conservation via Facebook

Conservation work is no walk in the park, but Kirsty Midlane considers it a profound privilege and a powerful responsibility to protect South Africa’s pristine wilderness, empower local communities and inspire the next generation of women to shape the future of conservation.

Zululand, South Africa (26 August 2025) – Driven to make a difference and protect what we are at risk of losing, Kirsty Midlane dedicated herself to conserving endangered wildlife.

As the Conservation Training Course Coordinator at Wildlife ACT, she views her role in conservation in South Africa as both a profound privilege and a significant responsibility.

“I got involved in conservation because I want to make a difference, to help protect what we are at risk of losing. Even in my lifetime, I have seen pristine places become inhospitable to nature,” Kirsty shares.

While the challenges are substantial, Kirsty believes that the potential for impact lies in connecting people with nature and opening their eyes to its value – a crucial part of Wildlife ACT’s work in promoting human-wildlife coexistence, ensuring long-lasting conservation impact.

“Whether I’m guiding guests, mentoring students, or working alongside volunteers, I see how connection to nature ignites purpose and inspires action.”

Too often, communities living around wildlife reserves are ostracised from conservation areas, not supported to sustain themselves, or provided with adequate conservation education.

Work carried out by a dedicated conservation team through various Community Conservation Projects around four game reserves in Zululand educates and helps community members understand the importance of saving water, promoting domestic and ecotourism, wetlands, and conserving wildlife for future generations.

“Every day, we are changing perceptions just by doing the work, fuelled by the knowledge that when young girls see women in these roles, they believe it’s possible for them too.”

As Women’s Month comes to a close this week, Kirsty urges more young women to become voices and catalysts for change in conservation.

“To every woman making a difference – on the ground, behind the scenes, or with a seat at the table – you are seen, you are vital, and you are shaping the future of conservation.”