WESSA Annual Review: 2022-2023

Welcome to the 2022 edition of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Annual Report.

The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) is a South African environmental organisation with a mission to initiate and support high impact environmental and conservation projects that promote active participation in Earth’s care. Over 97 years, we have proactively engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by our country’s unique natural heritage and the social and economic systems that depend on it. We have emerged as a leading implementer of environmental initiatives, collaborating with schools and educators across South Africa on various local and international programmes aimed at enhancing school curricula through environ mental education. These initiatives empower learners to realize their full potential in shaping a sustainable future by taking environmental action within their communities.

Environmental Education (FEE), we are a founding member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). As a UNESCO partner, we actively promote education for sustainable development throughout the Southern African region. Operating as a membership supported organisation, WESSA activates a wide range of local conservation initiatives for the environment through our network of branches or friends’ groups. The relentless efforts and strong leadership within our membership have been the driving force behind many of South Africa’s most significant environmental actions. We remain committed to promoting effective environmental gover nance by participating in the development of legislation and supporting compliance.

Our tourism programmes, including Blue Flag and Green Coast, serve to recognise and ensure excellence in environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. Furthermore, our professional training programmes address South Africa’s skills shortage, while we actively work on initiatives to develop and empower the youth sector. We are dedicated to supporting the conservation of life-sustaining biodiversity and water resources through ecological infrastructure projects, which involve the removal of invasive alien plants and the rehabilitation and restoration of ecosystems. integral part of the international environmental community. In addition to being the designated operator in South Africa for five programmes under the Foundation for sustainable WESSA is an