In provinces such as the Northern Cape, young people often face the combined pressures of economic exclusion and environmental degradation within fragile ecosystems.
The Succulent Karoo is internationally recognised for its biodiversity and endemism, while simultaneously experiencing sustained environmental pressure, including illegal harvesting and trade in indigenous succulents.
In many cases, this pressure is linked to limited livelihood options in small Karoo towns where opportunities for young people are scarce.
Nature Connect established the Youth in Nature programme in 2025 to respond to these intersecting realities through accredited conservation training rooted in real landscapes and practical fieldwork. The programme creates structured pathways that enable young people to develop recognised skills while contributing to the protection and management of sensitive environments.
Nature Connect has hosted a Youth in Nature NQF4 graduation ceremony in Calvinia, recognising learners who have completed an accredited stage of training aligned to the CATHSSETA-accredited Further Education and Training Certificate in Nature Conservation (NQF4).
The ceremony marks formal progression within a longer skills development pathway rather than the conclusion of a once-off intervention.
Youth in Nature forms part of skills development work, which focuses on building field ready conservation practitioners through accredited learning, applied experience and job readiness development.
Youth in Nature is delivered in partnership with Karoo Jeug Stigting, with programme funding support from Nedbank Private Wealth, Greater Stellenbosch Trust and Quemic Africa and contributes to Nature Connect’s long term commitment to addressing environmental challenges through skills development.
By building accredited pathways in regions where opportunity is constrained, the programme supports sustainable conservation outcomes while expanding access to work.
Nature Connect congratulates the graduates and acknowledges the partners, trainers and teams who support the programme’s implementation in Calvinia, in the Hantam region of the Northern Cape.
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Picture: Thoriso Boase / Nature Connect
