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Connected Community Conservation – Our Shared Tomorrow
Careers in Conservation Expo & Fun Day 2024
Feature Blog - Written by Faith Ngwenya from the Timbavati Foundation
Working in an environment where conservation is not only promoted but actively practiced has made every day an exciting learning experience for me. It’s incredible how much there is to discover, even for someone like me who grew up close to conservation areas. Back in my secondary school days, I would often see people in dark green uniforms working in the protected areas near my home. Yet, I had no idea what they were doing or that their work represented a wide range of conservation careers.
Unfortunately, this lack of awareness still exists today. Many young people, like I once was, are drawn to more “conventional” career paths simply because they’re easier to learn about. This disconnect means they often miss out on discovering the rewarding opportunities that exist within conservation, many of which are close to home—both geographically and emotionally.
That’s where events like the Careers in Conservation Expo come in. Hosted annually by the Global Conservation Corps and proudly supported by the Timbavati Foundation, this event is designed to open young minds to the diverse careers available in conservation. From chefs and waitstaff to field guides, rangers, managers, and even housekeeping staff, there’s a role for everyone within this space.
This year, we were thrilled to host more than 400 learners at Moses Mnisi High School. Over 10 exhibitors, including training institutions like the University of Pretoria, Eco Training, and the Southern African Wildlife College, as well as hospitality and conservation partners like Kings Camp, Umlani Bush Camp, and Wild Dreams Hospitality, participated. These partners, along with nature reserves and governmental organizations, helped make the event both educational and fun. Together, we showed students that the world of wildlife conservation offers much more than just protecting animals or combatting poaching—it’s a dynamic and meaningful industry with countless career paths.
As we continue to inspire the next generation to find their passion in conservation, the Timbavati Foundation is proud to have been a part of this incredible event for the fourth year in a row. The success of this year’s Expo only fuels our excitement for next year, as we remain committed to connecting communities to conservation and building a shared future for all.
We can’t wait for 2025!
