Nature Guide

CONSERVING OUR FUTURE

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS PROFESSION?

I love nature (plants and animals) and wanted to contribute to conserve nature by making it my profession.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU DO?

I have a National Diploma in Nature Conservation and BTech degree from CPUT. The national diploma is a 3-year course and the BTech is 2 years part time. I also have a Master’s in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology from UWC. The field of conservation has grown over the years and people now have the option of choosing a more operational career, like becoming a field ranger or reserve manager. Or you can go into the science side, focusing more on research and data collection.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED?

If you choose a conservation career in the operational side, you have to be willing to work in different weather conditions – rain, wind, heat. It requires physical work and getting dirty! Do not choose conservation because you don’t want to work with people; people will always be part of conservation and you will end up managing, training, teaching and working directly with people.

EXPERIENCE VS FORMAL TRAINING?

Formal training is very important as conservation has now become a science, using the latest technology, such as drones and software to analyse data. But you also need practical experience to know how to collect information and respond to certain environmental issues.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY AS A NATURE GUIDE

Our company is involved in a broad spectrum of conservation-related tasks – we do conservation training, manage alien clearing teams in the field and collect scientific data. I participate in all the above.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT IT?

I can plan a conservation project that will benefit nature as well as humans, execute it and see the results. It is wonderful to teach people about nature and then see how inspired they are after the talks.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR WORK?

Humans have a negative impact on nature and the environment, and our actions are destroying the earth. It is sad to see the deterioration of the environment.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT?

I was fortunate to work with the endangered African penguin for a few years. I loved working in the field with these creatures and trying to save the declining population.

ANY FUTURE GOALS?

I want to inspire a love for nature in people, so that every person contributes to conservation. CORLIE HUGO

NATURE GUIDE CONTOUR ENVIRO GROUP

ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNGSTERS?

Try to complete some form of formal conservation training; these days there are so many options – skills programmes, certificates, diplomas, degrees, etc. But you can also build your practical knowledge by spending time in the field and observing nature. Go for a hike in the mountain or along the beach, you will notice animal tracks, find plant pollinators, and maybe even see a whale.

YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Love for Nature!!