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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100749  Diploma in Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The focus of the aligned Diploma in Nature Conservation, is to equip the learner to:
  • Contribute to biodiversity management through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure and dynamic functioning of the natural environment.
  • Apply conservation principles, policies and legislation to manage biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
  • Apply sound enterprise management and maintenance skills relevant to the biodiversity conservation sector.
  • Interact effectively with communities and other stakeholders to achieve biodiversity conversation and management goals and finally to assist with, and make use of, monitoring and research to achieve biodiversity conversation and management goals.

    Rationale:
    Traditionally, qualifying learners with a National Diploma in Nature Conservation have occupied the niche of competent, front-line personnel for organisations/initiatives seeking to conserve or sustainably utilise natural resources. In the curriculum review of the National Diploma in Nature Conservation, the knowledge, skills and competencies needed for the present and future needs of biodiversity conservation have been augmented to address these needs more pertinently. In addition, a wide range of relevant stakeholders such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African National Parks (SANParks), CapeNature, the City of Cape Town's Biodiversity Management Branch, private organizations such as the NCC-Environmental Services, leading Conservation NGOs such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) and past qualifying learner of the institution have been consulted in the process.

    The necessity for learner with this qualification is evident from a consideration of the prevalent environmental and economic status in South Africa and the world. About 40% of the global economy is based on biological products and processes, and South Africa is a particularly biodiverse country (the 3rd most biologically diverse country in the world, after Indonesia and Brazil). The unique fynbos of Western Cape, in particular, exhibits exceptional biodiversity, as well as many endangered species, making the institution well placed to develop learners for the conservation industry. There is, therefore, a need to produce learners with the necessary skills for the sustainable use and conservation of South Africa's finite biological diversity. Traditionally, qualifying learners with a National Diploma in Nature Conservation have occupied the niche of competent, front-line personnel for organisations/initiatives seeking to conserve or sustainably utilise natural resources.

    Since the institution is situated in the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is home to 11, 000 plant taxa, amounting to 55% of South Africa's plant taxa, and 17% of all plant taxa in Africa, even though the province covers only 11% and 0.24% of the land area of the country and continent, respectively. Significantly, many species in this Floral Kingdom are in the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) "Red List" category as either already extinct (39 species, representing 59% of the extinct species in the country) or extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable (a total of 1, 750 species, accounting for over 65% of the country's species in those categories). The need for appropriately qualified conservators is, therefore, a key need for the country and the province in particular, and this institution is ideally placed to offer such a qualification in the form of the Diploma in Nature Conservation.

    The existing National Diploma in Nature Conservation has been re-designed with the skills and competencies needed for the present and future needs of biodiversity conservation. To establish those needs, the institution had consultations with representatives of various leading conservation authorities such as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), the South African National Parks (SANParks), CapeNature, the City of Cape Town's Biodiversity Management Branch, private organizations such as the NCC-Environmental Services, leading Conservation NGOs such as the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF).

    The scarce skills and skills-needs identified in the sector demonstrate the need for biodiversity managers with interdisciplinary training (for example Conservation managers who can ensure commercial viability of protected areas; Conservation managers who can facilitate the livelihoods of communities in protected areas, negotiate with landowners and so on; and Conservation assessment professionals who combine IT skills such as GIS with natural science); as well as a short supply of appropriately qualified Reserve Managers and Nature Conservation scientists. There is also an identified scarcity of professionals from designated groups, particularly Africans and especially African women. Specific job profiles which have been identified as in demand, and which this institution can contribute to via the Diploma in Nature Conservation, include: Reserve Managers, Restoration Specialists, Biodiversity Monitoring Officers, Biodiversity Planners, Conservation Officers, Coast Watch Coordinators, Eco-rangers, Environmental Impact Assessment Coordinators, Field Rangers, Integrated Catchment Managers, Para-taxonomists, Research Assistants, and Stewardship and Extension Officers. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of the qualification and for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled per an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL learner to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the Diploma and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5 144 Credits:
  • Animal Studies 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Animal Studies 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Plant Studies 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Plant Studies 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Communication, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Applications, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Practice 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Practice 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Principles of Conservation, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Management 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Soil Conservation, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 216 Credits:
  • Animal Studies 2, 15 Credits.
  • Conservation Practice 3, 30 Credits.
  • Plant Studies 2, 15 Credits.
  • Conservation Compliance, 18 Credits.
  • Conservation Extension 2, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Extension 3, 18 Credits.
  • Conservation Research 3, 18 Credits.
  • Conservation Administration 3, 18 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Conservation Ecology 2, 15 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Management 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Management 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Management 3, 18 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Assist with, and make use of, monitoring and research to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.
    2. Interact effectively with communities, and other stakeholders, in order to achieve biodiversity conservation and management goals.
    3. Contribute to biodiversity management through the application of knowledge of the composition, structure and dynamic functioning of the natural environment.
    4. Apply conservation principles, policies and legislation to manage biodiversity and mitigate anthropogenic impacts.
    5. Apply sound enterprise management and maintenance skills relevant to the biodiversity conservation sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Employ appropriate methods and techniques to identify, plan and execute an appropriate and relevant nature conservation research project.
  • Produce a coherent scientific report on the research.
  • Analyse the data collected using simple statistical techniques, such as means and standard deviations and displayed using appropriate graphical methods.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply appropriate methods and techniques in developing the environmental education qualifications for the various target groups, including:
    > Clear objectives/purpose of the activity.
    > Target group identified and defined.
    > Appropriate media/activities.
    > Media/activities are innovative and creative.
    > Qualification formally and critically evaluated.
  • Planning and implementation of a community conservation project which will include:
    > Clear objectives/purpose of the exercise.
    > Target groups identified and defined.
    > Planning and execution clearly explained.
    > Qualification/activities appropriate for the target group.
    > Effectiveness of qualification critically evaluated.
    > Carry out and assess a media and marketing project according to the following criteria:
    > Clear objectives/purpose of the activity.
    > Target groups identified and defined.
    > Planning and execution clearly explained.
    > Media/activities appropriate and creative.
    > Effectiveness of media/activities critically evaluated.
  • A trail/tourist guiding activity will be carried out and assessed according to the following criteria:
    > Clear objectives/purpose of the event.
    > Target groups identified and defined.
    > Planning and execution clearly explained.
    > Trail/activities/info appropriate for the target group.
    > Effectiveness formally and critically evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select and apply appropriate techniques to manage animal populations in an area of responsibility through e.g. wildlife surveys such as large and small mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and insects.
  • Select and apply appropriate techniques to manage vegetation in an area of responsibility, including, for example compilation and execution of a veld management qualification, restoration, search and rescue, nursery Vegetation surveys, data collection, site inspections, mapping, herbarium, Control of invader plants, Ffire: controlled/uncontrolled.
    > Vegetation surveys, data collection, site inspections, mapping, herbarium.
  • Use fundamental knowledge of geology and soils is used to manage soils in area of responsibility. Fundamental understanding of water resources is used to manage: Water bodies (dams, pans, wetlands, coastal, or marine), and Water infrastructure/provision: troughs, pipes, plumbing, pumps, bore-holes.
    > Water infrastructure/provision: troughs, pipes, plumbing, pumps, bore-holes.
    > Water bodies (dams, pans, wetlands, coastal, or marine)

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply relevant conservation legislation to ensure:
    > Accurate investigation and information gathering
    > Permits and permit compliance
    > Patrols and patrol management
    > Compliance management, administration and understanding of relevant acts (e.g. PAMA audit readiness)
    > Appropriate inspections (permits, worksites, recreational activities, own staff/contractors)
    > Appropriate visitor health and safety/security/risk management
    > Adhere to the principles of conservation and conservation ethics at all times during the execution of learning activities and related outcomes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply appropriate methods and techniques to maintain infrastructure within the legal and safety parameters, which might include maintenance, demolition or construction (roads, buildings, fences, trails, bird hides, equipment, machinery, vehicles, pumps, signage, cleaning, litter).
  • Demonstrate effective leadership skills in the workplace, through, for example, supervision of teams (assignment of duties, roster of staff duties, leave days, conflict, discipline, productivity, health and safety, transporting staff).
  • Perform managerial and administrative activities in accordance with health and safety, labour and other relevant legislation and ethical principles, and could include:
  • Maintaining an asset register, record keeping, documentation, database, vehicle logbook
  • Performing general administrative duties such as adhering to telephone, fax, e-mail and radio protocols, compiling an agenda and minutes of meetings, writing of reports, letters, requests, etc.
  • Compiling and monitoring of financial records such as revenue streams, budgets, salaries, banking, gate fees, picnic sites, selling, cash, quotes, etc.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The overall assessment strategy of this qualification is based on continuous assessment in keeping with institutional policy and requirements and will consist of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods. The institutional assessment policy and practices promote constructive alignment of the Exit Level Outcomes, learner-centred learning activities and assessment tasks pitched against the appropriate SAQA level descriptors of the NQF level. Assessment practices will be fair, reliable and valid. It will also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

    Learners will also gain exposure to the workplace in terms of work-directed theoretical learning, project-based (including the development of products/artefacts) and problem-based learning (e.g. case studies).

    Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing the learner success and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their learning and to improve their levels of accountability and time management. The formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this qualification, it will consist of quizzes, classroom exercises, short assignments, practical assessment peer evaluation and oral presentations.

    Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing the learners' attainment against the Exit Level Outcomes. In this qualification, it will consist of tests, assignments, individual and group projects and oral presentation.

    Integrated assessment spans a number of Exit Level Outcomes and might even be applicable to more a number of modules. Integrated assessment tasks are aimed at the holistic development of the student and contribute to students' personal and professional development in the field of study. Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place in the third year of study and students will be assessed mainly by means of project reports, a portfolio of evidence and logbooks.

    The workplace-based learning component of this qualification will enable learners to gain practical workplace-based knowledge and skills in addition to the disciplinary, theoretical knowledge and practical laboratory skills. Learners are required to register for workplace-based learning, and various forms of communication are used to disseminate information to students prior to placement, during workplace-based learning and on completion of workplace-based learning. Proper recordkeeping practices apply in this regard. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Namibia
    Internationally, the institutions that offer similar qualifications at the Bachelors level, are the Polytechnic of Namibia offers the Bachelor of Natural Resource Management (Nature Conservation). The Unitec Institute of Technology in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Applied Science (Biodiversity Management); while Australia's Macquarie University offers a Bachelor of Biodiversity and Conservation; and the Tanzania's Sokoine University of Agriculture offers a BSc Degree in Wildlife Management. The Polytechnic of Namibia had offered the National Diploma in Nature Conservation for many years and recently re-curriculated to offer a Bachelor's Degree instead. On the other hand, the College of African Wildlife Management in Mweka, Tanzania, offers a comprehensive suite of qualifications in wildlife management, ranging from 6-month certificate courses to 2-year (240-Credit) Diplomas, Higher Diplomas and 3-year Bachelors Degrees in Wildlife Management. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in the related field, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Nature Conservation or related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.