WESSA

WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) implements environmental, ecotourism, education and youth development programmes throughout South Africa, and activates a wide range of local initiatives for the environment through its membership network. The organisation is a trusted project partner with a proud history of over 90 years of enabling individuals and organisations to use natural resources sustainably. Priority areas of work include managing the international education and tourism eco-labels including Eco-Schools, Blue Flag and Green Key; critical work skills training; facilitating experiential learning at their four education centres; and protecting biodiversity and water resources through effective Invasive Alien Plant clearing projects. WESSA is also working to develop an empowered and enthused youth sector and, as a UNESCO partner, is supporting education for sustainable development across the southern African region.

Previously known as the Wildlife Society of Southern Africa and still earlier as Wild Life Protection and Conservation Society, WESSA was established in 1926, but its origins go back to the 1890s.

Relevance to establishment of other conservation bodies

The organisation in 1926 – largely through the efforts and support of Sydney Skaife^[1] materialising in 1929 in the establishment of the Wild Life Protection and Conservation Society – helped to establish the National Parks Board of South Africa, and the (official) proclamation of the Kruger National Park.

External links

• WESSA