Conservation Watch Breaking barriers in conservation: A two-part series on inspiring change Part 1. Unveiling the “teach naked” concept: Energising youth for environmental change To engage the next generation in environmental action, educators are adopting innovative methods that transcend traditional classroom boundaries. In this first instalment, we explore the “teach naked” concept advocated by animal behaviourist Aliza le Roux. This experiential learning approach encourages educators to step […] Written by rovingreporters August 27, 2024August 27, 2024
Conservation Watch Unveiling the “teach naked” concept: Energising youth for environmental change To inspire young people to truly connect with nature, environmental educators should move beyond traditional classroom methods and embrace the “teach naked” approach. Photo: Pxhere.com By Fred Kockott and Fortunate Mathonsi Want youngsters to embrace nature and all its wonders? Then ditch traditional classroom habits, venture into wild spaces — even if that’s just stepping […] Written by rovingreporters August 14, 2024August 27, 2024
Conservation Watch Journalism Projects From panic to partnerships: New thinking on people and poaching We must choose our words more carefully if we are to get to grips with the illegal wildlife trade and contribute meaningfully to much-needed debates. By Roving Reporters Criminologist and wildlife economy fundi, Dr Annette Hübschle calls it one of her “biggest a-ha moments”. Sitting in a circle of about 10 people in a community […] Written by rovingreporters June 20, 2024July 9, 2024
Conservation Watch Rich or poor, why rhino poaching is everyone’s problem Wildlife crime is a microcosm of a great ill, writes Nyameko Bottoman. What does the killing of a rhino for its horn in the Kruger National Park have to do with me, sitting as I am in squalor in one of the myriad squatter camps that exist in Cape Town and throughout the country? The […] Written by rovingreporters April 19, 2024April 19, 2024
Conservation Watch Shades of grey: why poaching is so complicated and hard to beat Wildlife crime has many threads. It’s entangled in the very fabric of our society and we must get to grips with its subtleties if we hope to unpick it. Maxcine Kater reports This story was first published on Daily Maverick Remember lockdown when you couldn’t get alcohol and cigarettes; when you felt trapped in your home? Perhaps it didn’t leave you […] Written by rovingreporters December 18, 2023March 26, 2024
Conservation Watch Why we must safeguard our forest muthi Africa’s indigenous forests are a fabulous treasure trove – a cornucopia of foodstuffs, seed varieties and medicines, a bulwark against climate change and environmental degradation. It’s a shame then that so few of the continent’s people are getting a fair share of this natural bounty. Written by rovingreporters October 14, 2023October 14, 2023
Conservation Watch ‘Zombie’ mice terrorise albatrosses as boffins mull bringing dodos back from the dead A deeper, grassroots approach to conservation – and solid science – could stave off looming extinctions. Fred Kockott reports on some of the lessons (and offbeat tales) from the 12th annual Oppenheimer Research Conference Written by rovingreporters October 14, 2023March 26, 2024
Conservation Watch Environmental scientists must network to ward off environmental crises. Environmental scientists should step out of their silos if they want their research to make an impact, says Duncan MacFadyen, head of Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation. Written by rovingreporters October 13, 2023October 14, 2023
Conservation Watch Why our provincial parks are floundering. And what can be done A former SANParks conservation boss sounds the alarm on provincial game reserves. Matthew Hattingh reports Written by rovingreporters October 8, 2023October 13, 2023
Conservation Watch Tipping Points Tree-boosters’ rap drowns out pastoral symphony Why a ‘fetish’ for forests might imperil conservation efforts. By Fred Kockott and Savannah Burns First published by Daily Maverick The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Well, that’s how the old adage goes. But what if we’ve got it wrong? What if planting trees […] Written by Savannah Burns September 8, 2023March 26, 2024