Nature Connect, a not-for-profit public benefits organisation, has achieved an impressive feat by securing three major awards at the 2024 SANParks Kudu Awards, Cape {town] Etc reports.
The organisation was honoured with the Non-Governmental Organisation Award, the Environmental Education Award, and the Community Contribution to Conservation Award for its outstanding work in environmental education, conservation, and community development.
Founded in 2001, Nature Connect has been a beacon of environmental education, reaching over 188 000 children from the Cape Flats.
Through its programmes, the organisation has fostered a deep curiosity about the natural world among young learners, igniting a passion for sustainability and nature conservation.
Over the years, Nature Connect has expanded its initiatives, incorporating green skills development programmes and impactful conservation projects across South Africa.
The 2024 Kudu Awards recognised the organisation’s exceptional contributions in several key areas:
- Non-Governmental Organisation Award: This award highlights Nature Connect’s ongoing dedication to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable environmental practices.
- Environmental Education Award: The Sustainable Schools Programme, launched in 2021, was acknowledged for its role in integrating environmental education into South African schools. The program equips educators with resources to teach sustainability, fostering environmental stewardship among students.
- Community Contribution to Conservation Award: Nature Connect was also honoured for its Small Grants Project, a collaboration with the Table Mountain Fund. The initiative empowers local communities by providing financial support for grassroots conservation projects, furthering sustainable conservation efforts on the ground.
Nature Connect’s commitment to connecting people with nature and promoting a green economy continues to drive its success. With a team of 81 dedicated professionals, the organisation is at the forefront of inspiring biodiversity stewardship, and these accolades serve as a testament to its sustained impact over the past 23 years.
This is not the first time Nature Connect has been recognised at the Kudu Awards. The organisation previously received accolades in 2017 for Environmental Education and Women in Conservation, as well as in 2020 for Environmental Education and Innovative Biodiversity-Offset work.
These latest awards further affirm the organisation’s pivotal role in fostering environmental awareness and empowering communities to participate in conservation. As Nature Connect looks ahead, its continued dedication to building a sustainable future through education, conservation, and community engagement promises to inspire future generations of environmental stewards.
Also read:
NSRI and good Samaritans save multiple lives in weekend of rescues
Picture: Nature Connects / Facebook
