Know, grow, protect and enjoy South Africa's indigenous plants
Upskilling youth for biodiversity conservation and restoration
COMPONENT
As part of the Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project the Botanical Society of South Africa, working with conservation partners, equipped young people with practical conservation skills and workplace experience in the Western Cape (component 2 of the project).
This youth conservation training component focused on Important Plant Areas (IPAs), where participants gained hands-on experience in plant conservation and ecological restoration, while contributing to the protection of South Africa’s natural heritage.
Impact of project component
27
youth trained
11
youth employed
2
certified training courses
Developing practical conservation skills
Component 2 delivered measurable progress in youth upskilling and employability, building practical conservation skills through structured training and field-based learning.
To support safe and professional implementation, all youth beneficiaries were equipped with:
– Personal protective equipment (PPE)
– Branded clothing
– Field tools
This ensured participants were prepared to undertake professional conservation work across Important Plant Areas in the Western Cape.
Structured youth conservation training programme
A total of 27 youth beneficiaries were recruited and supported through stipend work placements in a structured conservation training programme delivered from March to August 2025.
The programme combined theoretical learning and practical field experience across Cape Town and the broader Western Cape, covering:
– Plant identification
– Plant taxonomy
– Threatened species conservation
– Ecological monitoring
– Invasive alien clearing techniques
– Conservation horticulture
– Ecological restoration methodologies
This training strengthened both ecological literacy and practical field competence, preparing participants for careers in biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Creating pathways to employment in the nature-based sector
The component supported career pathway development within the conservation sector, with 11 youth beneficiaries progressing into extended training opportunities.
These opportunities strengthen the nature-based economy while supporting youth employment in conservation.
Certified conservation skills training
These 11 youth beneficiaries successfully completed:
– Certified chainsaw operator training
– Brushcutter operator certification
– These qualifications enhance employability in:
– Ecological restoration
– Land management
– Conservation fieldwork
– Habitat restoration projects
Certifications like these provide practical credentials for careers in environmental management and conservation.
Creating pathways to employment in the nature-based sector
Beyond technical training, the programme also focused on personal development and professional readiness.
This support was facilitated by Sustainability Matters through:
– Facilitated workshops
– Weekly reflection sessions
– Team development activities
– Professional conduct training
Participants developed:
– Confidence
– Teamwork skills
– Professional conduct
This holistic approach supports long-term employability and workforce readiness.
Learn more
This component forms part of the Protecting and Restoring South Africa’s Natural Heritage project, which combines:
Strengthening citizen science
Youth were trained in plant identification, biodiversity monitoring and citizen science, contributing valuable data to national conservation platforms through collaboration with SANBI and the CREW (Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers) Programme.
Upskilling youth for conservation careers
Young people received practical conservation training in ecological restoration, invasive alien plant clearing, plant conservation and fieldwork skills, supporting career pathways in the nature-based sector, while protecting Important Plant Areas.
Growing South Africa’s plant lovers through digital engagement
A structured digital engagement programme expanded awareness through webinars, publications, newsletters and social media – connecting more people to plant conservation in South Africa.
Biodiversity conservation school and community gardens
Youth participants established indigenous biodiversity gardens in schools and communities, creating living classrooms for environmental education and conservation awareness.
Hours
Tuesdays from 08h00 to 16h00. Closed from Wednesday to Monday and public holidays.
Contact Us
We are experiencing intermittent faults with our landlines. If you can't get through on our landline +27 (0) 21 797 2090 , please phone or send a message to our alternate WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 65 922 6163.
Notice
From 1 March 2026, our office located inside Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden (through Gate 2) will be open to assist members on Tuesdays only (08:00 – 16:00).
