WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa

16/06/2026

Why do young people choose conservation work? Because it’s more than studying animals or the environment – it’s about protecting something bigger than ourselves.

In this video, WESSA interns share what inspires them: teaching young people, learning about wildlife and ecosystems, and knowing their work can help protect nature for future generations.

Their reflections are a reminder that conservation is built on passion, purpose, and the belief that even the smallest action can make a difference.

It’s encouraging to hear young voices speak so clearly about the connection between people, animals, and the environment. Most importantly, about the responsibility to care for all three.

The future of conservation is in good hands.

15/06/2026

Capturing our natural world has the power to inspire people to protect plants, wildlife, landscapes and the habitats we all depend on.

Over the past few months, WESSA members and staff have shared some incredible nature moments with us. As we prepare for WESSA’s 100-year celebrations, we would love to see the world through your lens too.

We are inviting followers, members and supporters to submit their nature photographs to WESSA for possible inclusion in a special WESSA100 exhibition showcasing: 100 reasons people should care for the Earth.

From birds and insects to coastlines, forests, wetlands, flowers, mountains, rivers and everyday moments in nature – your photo could help tell a bigger conservation story.

📸 Share your best nature photographs for consideration. See end of video for details.

Let’s celebrate the beauty of the Earth, one image at a time.

12/06/2026

Meet Likhona Nqunqa, WESSA’s new Grants Officer within our Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation Business Unit.

“I was drawn to WESSA’s commitment to environmental education, conservation and community-centred solutions, which are values that align closely with my own professional journey and long-term aspirations,” says Likhona.

She joins the team with experience in research, grant development, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination, as well as a strong commitment to sustainable development and community-centred solutions.

Welcome to WESSA, Likhona!

Read more via our website blog: https://www.wessa.org.za/meet-likhona-nqunqa-supporting-wessas-resource-mobilisation-efforts/

11/06/2026

“It's been one of those weeks that reminds me why education matters so much,” shares WESSA Research and Monitoring Coordinator, Katherine Imrie

The WESSA Coastal Programme team spent the last week sharing the Stop the Strangle message, and their love for the ocean, in different ways – through the 30x30 Ocean Swim Challenge, daily ocean facts, school visits, ocean safety talks with the surf kids, and time spent on the beach with young people from the community.

A highlight: Taking the kids from the Onwaba Soup Kitchen art class down to the beach, engaging with them on ghost fishing, marine pollution, and why the WESSA Stop the Strangle initiative exists. They collected natural materials and inspiration for the artworks they'll be creating for the upcoming Sardine Festival exhibition.

“What struck me most wasn't what they already knew – it was how eager they were to learn,” adds Katherine.

“Often people simply haven't had the opportunity to learn about these issues. But the moment children understand what's happening in the ocean, something shifts. They become curious. They ask questions. They want to help. They want to tell their friends and families. They become ambassadors without even realizing it.”

That's why these conversations matter.

Katherine shares that, “Ghost fishing isn't something happening somewhere else. Here in Chintsa, we've already lost dogs to swallowed fishing hooks. Just recently, we had to remove a hook from a dog's mouth before it could do serious harm. The impacts of discarded fishing gear are real, and they're happening on our own beaches.

But this week also gave me hope.

Hope in the excitement of children collecting treasures along the shoreline for their art. Hope in their endless questions. Hope in the way they connect the dots so quickly once they're given the chance.

The next generation is paying attention. They care deeply when they understand the problem. Our job is to keep sharing the story, creating opportunities for connection, and empowering them to be part of the solution.”

08/06/2026

Often described as the blue lung of the Earth, the ocean quietly sustains life far beyond our shorelines.

Microscopic marine organisms, including phytoplankton, generate around 50% of the oxygen we need. The ocean also absorbs approximately 30% of human-generated carbon dioxide emissions and captures around 90% of the excess heat caused by these emissions, helping to regulate our climate. (Source: National Ocean Service - https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/ocean-oxygen.html)

But the ocean cannot continue to carry this burden alone.

Through WESSA’s Coastal Programmes, we recognise that caring for our coastlines, reducing pollution and protecting marine ecosystems are essential to safeguarding the natural systems that sustain us all.

This World Oceans Day, let us move from being beneficiaries of the ocean to becoming guardians of its future.

Aligned with the official 2026 World Oceans Day theme set out by the United Nations, “Reimagine”, let’s see the ocean as part of everyday life rather than something distant.

08/06/2026

At 2°C, while many people were still warm at home, 50 volunteers chose to spend their Saturday morning caring for Hartbeespoort Dam.

Together, they collected more than 200 bags of litter and debris from the banks of the Hartebeespoort Dam – during the Harties Clean and Restore Project – planned by the WESSA Northern Areas Region.

This was not only about cleaning a public space. The waste was removed from an area shared with the wildlife that call Harties home. Every bag collected helps to protect the dam, its natural habitats, and the animals that depend on this ecosystem.

Melenie Parsons, WESSA’s Head of HR, reflected on the dedication shown by the volunteers: “Standing at Hartbeespoort Dam on Saturday, watching the team work in the cold with such dedication and joy, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and pride. These are people who did not have to be there; they chose to be. They chose the environment, they chose community, and they chose to believe that their hands and their hours could make a difference. To every individual who gave their Saturday to this cause: you are the reason conservation has a future. You are the heart of WESSA.”

Thank you to every volunteer, partner, and supporter who helped make the day a success.

08/06/2026