Protection of Nature through Private Initiatives
The Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) was initiated in August 2006 by the South African National Parks (SANParks), Gold Fields Limited and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It has since been actively involved in 16 African countries.
In line with the LCA Vision we work in close collaboration with governments and various conservation organisations to influence, accelerate and bring about the protection and development of selected parks and reserves in Africa. The LCA typically assists, as per agreement, with conceptual development, zoning and land-use concession plans. Within a legislative context we support governments with the forming of foundations and help seek agreements with possible investors and donor organisations through the establishment of concession-agreements and/or PPP’s. Conservation commerce is a particular niche-area of the LCA
The LCA recognises that the local communities bordering on parks and reserves are crucial stakeholders to ensure the long-term protection and survival of such eco-systems. On the other hand these communities, who normally live in very remote rural areas, are very often the poorest of the poor.
There is huge pressure and high expectations on the custodians of parks and reserves to contribute significantly towards the livelihood strategies of the local communities, while such parks can hardly sustain themselves.
Special efforts are therefore made by the National LCA Chapters to involve the local communities, but also to influence socio-economic development within the buffer-zones of these parks – and to find ways to enhance the livelihood strategies of these communities.
Other Projects
Reaching out to the youth of Africa through ShareScreen Africa
ShareScreen Africa is a digital initiative by the LCA where academics, researchers, conservation specialists and practitioners, from all over the world, are requested to freely “donate their time” to share their knowledge with others within the African context. African universities, colleges, training institutes and conservation organisations can then link through the ShareScreen platform with the above contributors. Virtual presentations are shared in the classrooms, on selected topics. All presentations are captured on YouTube.
Enriching Country Curricula through EduConservation
In collaboration with the Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC), we are piloting curricula-enrichment programs in six Africa countries. By seeking a natural fit within the existing curriculum, Afro-centric nature conservation content is developed, evaluated, tested and re-tested within the local schools, in collaboration with the Department of Education. Teacher tool-kits are developed, empowering them to be able to convey the conservation message to the learners. All will be made available on an open platform to be freely used by educational professionals, specifically in the African context. Countries involved are Gabon, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Republic of Congo and Senegal.
The LCA Leadership Series for conservation leadership
We produced a series of videos providing young conservationists with a toolkit to develop themselves as leaders. We believe that leadership is a skillset that can be acquired and improved upon. Through this series of videos students will be exposed to critical theories, models and concepts that will plot out the leadership journey. It will consist of 20 videos covering topics such as Orginisational Goal Setting, Decision Making, Managing Stakeholder Relationships and understating Communications and Leadership Styles.