Several young people are to be part of an exciting project that’ll nurture both their careers and conservation efforts in the Western Cape!
Western Cape, South Africa (25 March 2025) — A new project putting people and planet first can’t wait to nurture careers and conservation efforts across the Western Cape.
The Botanical Society of South Africa (BOT SOC) has announced that it’s all systems go for its ‘Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage’ project—an exciting effort aimed at upskilling young people to preserve our natural treasures.
As the green economy continues to grow, so too should opportunities for young people to get into this field. With this in mind, BOT SOC along with the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI) have teamed up to give young people a change to upskill themselves, build green careers and better the environment through the project’s various programmes.
“This initiative is an incredible opportunity to uplift local communities, promote skills development of youths, create green jobs, and expand conservation efforts in the Western Cape – laying the groundwork for future national expansion!” BOT SOC shared.
‘Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage’ will see twenty-four young people empowered through key eco-skills, including:
- Conservation
- Restoration
- Monitoring of threatened plant species and associated Important Plant Areas
- Horticultural and garden development skills (from plant identification to alien clearing)
- Establishing biodiversity gardens at schools and for communities to support endangered species of plants
The participants will be trained to hone these different skills and are set to be hosted at different gardens and management areas, including:
- SANBI’s Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- SANBI’s Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
- SANBI’s Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
- Nuwejaars Wetland Special Management Area
- The Garden Route Botanical Garden
- Vula Environmental Services
by 