SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation in Trans-Frontier Conservation Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
82006  Advanced Certificate in Nature Conservation in Trans-Frontier Conservation Management 
ORIGINATOR
Southern African Wildlife College NPC 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  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
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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:

This qualification is aimed at individuals, who have been identified and earmarked for personal development and career advancement into management positions, based on their technical expertise and leadership abilities in their country of origin.

The qualification addresses competencies required for managerial positions within the conservation environment, associated which positions such as:
  • Reserve Managers.
  • Section Rangers.
  • Game Wardens.
  • Senior Field Ranger.
  • Senior Wildlife Officers.
  • Ranger - operations.
  • Ranger - extension.

    Learners qualifying with this qualification will be able to apply conservation principles in the management of trans-frontier conservation areas in order to facilitate the understanding of conservation/environmental issues and promote compliance with conservation legislation.

    The qualification focuses on:
  • Developing conservation management skills and knowledge required for trans-frontier conservation application.
  • The adherence of conservation practices applied within the SADC region to sound principles drawn from knowledge of biodiversity management, natural resources protection, community-based natural resources management, and resource economics skills.
  • Developing the skills and competencies required for environmental development planning from an integrated trans-frontier conservation perspective.
  • The management of natural resource or protected areas according to an integrated management approach.
  • The effective supervision and management of staff responsible for operational activities.
  • The effective management and communication with communities interacting with and in the natural resource or protected area.
  • Preparing learners in this area of operation to access further career options and specialisation through training and education in conservation management at a strategic level.

    A qualifying learner who has achieved this qualification will be able to:
  • Determine the application of conservation practices in relation to Trans-frontier conservation objectives.
  • Develop management plans to support the effective operation of a Nature Conservation unit or area.
  • Manage a conservation implementation plan according to organisational requirements.
  • Report on the effectiveness of implementation.

    Rationale:

    The nature of conservation within the context of the Southern African Development Countries (SADC) is evolving to enable the integration and opening up of artificial boundaries previously associated with conservation areas. Through the working relationships established through trans-frontier conservation initiatives, it is becoming more and more important to enable a consistent shared approach to matters concerning conservation.

    The sustainable utilisation, conservation and protection of the natural environment and resources require an integrated and holistic management approach. Effective management within trans-frontier conservation areas promotes both natural environment issues and cooperation with stakeholders including local communities.

    Natural resources conservation challenges and objectives in the SADC region is the joint responsibility of countries including:
  • South Africa.
  • Mozambique.
  • Zambia.
  • Zimbabwe.
  • Malawi.
  • Botswana.
  • Swaziland.
  • Namibia.
  • Lesotho.

    The effective management of the dynamics of trans-frontier conservation areas has particular importance from the perspective of retaining our shared African heritage. The effective utilisation of this resource as a major and increasingly important tourism attraction contributes to and promotes economic sustainability across SADC. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 5.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes.

    A Recognition of Prior Learning process may also be used to credit learners with modules in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning.

    Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used by learners who do not meet the access requirements to gain access to the Qualification.

    Learners submitting themselves for Recognition of Prior Learning should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and may be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based Qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is access to any learner who is in possession of a nature conservation qualification at NQF Level 5 It is required that learners are able to arrange for assessment in the relevant simulated or workplace environment in a nature conservation environment. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is made up of Fundamental and Core Components. No Elective component is provided. The qualification will be awarded to learners who have met competence requirements as detailed in the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of the qualification.

    Learners are required to:
  • Complete all fundamental components (30 Credits).
  • Complete all core components (90 Credits).

    The Fundamental Component consists of the following:
  • Research skills, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resources Management, 10 Credits.

    Total credits for Fundamental Component: 30 Credits.

    The Core Component consists of the following:
  • Tourism, 10 Credits.
  • Trans Frontier Conservation Activities, 10 Credits.
  • Natural Resources protection, 10 Credits.
  • Biodiversity Management, 10 Credits.
  • Community Based Natural Resources Management, 10 Credits.
  • Resource Economics, 10 Credits.
  • Environmental Development Planning, 10 Credits.
  • Catchment Management, 10 Credits.
  • Land Use Planning, 5 Credits.
  • Geographical Information Systems, 5 Credits.

    Total credits for Core Component: 90 Credits.

    Total credits for the qualification: 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Determine the application of conservation practices in relation to Trans-frontier conservation objectives.

    2. Develop a management plan to support the effective operation of a Nature Conservation unit or area.

    3. Manage implementation plans according to organisational requirements.

    4. Report on the effectiveness of implementation.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as embedded in the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of the qualification:
  • The maintaining of effective communication is supported in the application of environmental development planning and the management of resources such as personnel within the operational conservation environment.
  • The identification of trans-frontier nature conservation management issues and challenges relates to the identification and solving of problems relating to the nature conservation environment.
  • The collection, analysis, organising and critical evaluation of information is supported in the planning and execution of all the related conservation management focus areas in the qualification, including aspects such as trans frontier conservation activities, community based natural resources management and environmental development planning.
  • The addressing of trans-frontier conservation activities strongly supports both institutional and international teamwork on operational level and in the execution of conservation management planning and responsibilities.
  • The planning of land use and geographical information systems related to conservation activities as well as the development of conservation plans via the application of computer literacy skills supports the use of Science and Technology within the conservation environment and area of learning.
  • The planning and implementation of trans-frontier and national conservation plans in support of broader conservation objectives and the consideration of international agreements and local communities and populations sharing conservation resources, requires a clear understanding of the world as a set of inter-related systems.
  • The application of skills and competencies as it applies to the planning, organising, implementation and controlling functions associated with management in the operational environment of the individual. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Trans-frontier conservation issues are identified and shared objectives defined.
    1.2 The application of biodiversity management principles is clarified in relation to shared objectives.
    1.3 Natural resource protection interventions are planned to fit in with overall objectives as they apply to own area of operation in the region.
    1.4 Community based natural resources management principles are used to determine a consolidated approach to identified regional objectives.
    1.5 The use and application of resource economics are identified as they apply to own area of operation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 The importance of developing an integrated management plan is described from a Trans-frontier conservation perspective.
    2.2 Relevant strategic conservation planning priorities are identified as they apply to the overarching conservation and environmental management strategy in the unit or area of operation.
    2.3 Conservation and resources management goals and objectives are identified and prioritised.
    2.4 Operational factors impacting on priority areas are highlighted and addressed within the planning process.
    2.5 A detailed plan is developed to address action plans and long term routine conservation tasks.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Operational requirements for the achievement of objectives are communicated to relevant and responsible staff in terms of overall and individual responsibilities, actions and time-frames.
    3.2 Resources are accessed and utilised to maximise implementation progress against the plan.
    3.3 Implementation progress is tracked and reported to enable the alignment of planning to changing circumstances in the operational environment.
    3.4 Own technical expertise is applied in support of the implementation and management of the plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The implementation of management activities is monitored against performance criteria.
    4.2 Team and own performance is evaluated in terms of meeting operational objectives.
    4.3 Progress reports are drafted according to organisational requirements.
    4.4 Recommendations on improvements for future planning are presented to relevant individuals.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and must ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. For this purpose, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification.

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably aligned. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values should be integrated.

    Assessment of communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Nature Conservation sales and services contexts wherever possible.

    A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During Integrated Assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes, Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Exit Level Outcomes and Embedded Knowledge.

    It is required that learners are able to arrange for assessment in an appropriate natural environment. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In order to conduct this comparability study, international qualifications that included the management of nature conservation as it relates to trans-frontier issues and diversity had to be identified; preferably where the conservation management is applicable across countries and borders.

    Best practice in this regard includes qualifications and training in conservation management in countries such as Tanzania, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Canada all of which offer some components, which can be applied to the diversity of the Southern African Nature Conservation environment.

    Consideration of a number of qualifications led to the selection of two qualifications for comparison:
  • The Level 6 Certificate in Conservation and land Management of Tasmania, which was selected both in terms of the appropriateness of level and the similarity of habitat in terms of localised bio-diversity systems similar to that of Southern and in particular of South Africa as found in the biomes in Australia.

    And
  • The Diploma in Wildlife Management as offered by the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania which gives a SADC perspective for comparison.

    The Level 6 Certificate in Conservation and Land Management Tasmania.

    The Level 6 Certificate in Conservation and Land Management includes the following competencies: (Note: 8 Units of competency must be selected from the 11 competency areas as provided):
  • BSBHR604A Manage employee relations.
  • BSBMGT610A Manage environmental management systems.
  • RTD6502A Review management plans and strategies.
  • RTD6504A Coordinate the preparation of a regional resource management plan.
  • RTD6505A Map regional issues and stakeholders.
  • RTD6801A Manage cultural processes in an indigenous organisation.
  • BSBMGT504A Manage budgets and financial plans.
  • BSBMGT603A Review and develop business plans.
  • PSPPOLI601A Manage policy implementation.
  • PUAFIR601A Develop and administer enterprise policy, procedures and practices.
  • RTD6902A Monitor projects in a program.

    The following competency areas in the above-mentioned modules compare well with those in the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 in terms of their focus on:
  • Financial Management (Budgets and Financial Planning).
  • Human Resources Management (Employee Relations).
  • Natural Resource Protection (Policy Implementation).
  • Biodiversity Management (Environmental Management Systems and reviewing Management Plans and Strategies).
  • Community Based Natural Resource Management (Cultural Processes in an Indigenous Organisation).
  • Environmental Development Planning, Catchment Management and Land Use Planning (Co-ordination of the Preparation of Regional Management Plans).
  • Geographical Information Systems (Map of regional issues and stakeholders).

    The Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 does not provide an option in terms of business plan development and it likewise does not focus on the development and administration of enterprise policy, procedures and practices. This is due to the broader focus of Trans-frontier conservation management, which by the very nature of the approach, does not focus closely on the enterprise or organisation, but on issues shared amongst conservation agencies involved in the SADC region.

    The Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 also differs as it includes a focus on Trans-frontier conservation activities and resource economics. In addition, there is also a focus on communication, computer literacy and the handling of tourism from a Trans-frontier perspective, which is not in the Tasmanian qualification.

    The Diploma in Wildlife Management Tanzania.

    In order to also obtain an African, and in particular a SADC perspective, the Diploma in Wildlife Management as offered by the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania was utilised for comparison. The qualification is provided in Tanzania to approximately 28 African Countries. Tanzania also participates extensively in the Peace Parks Foundation initiative in terms of which Tanzanian learners are sent to South Africa to participate in the Trans-Frontier Management Programmes that are offered here.

    The Diploma in Wildlife Management incorporates the following focus areas:
  • Wildlife Management - Concepts and Techniques.
  • Environmental Impact Assessment.
  • Community Conservation.
  • Protected Area Planning.
  • Wildlife Utilisation.
  • Financial and Materials Management for Conservation.
  • Advanced Fire-arms.
  • Administration for Conservation.
  • Conservation Education and Training Skills.
  • Wildlife Law Enforcement.
  • Wildlife Ecology.
  • Resource Inventory - Mammals/birds/fish/amphibians/reptiles/plants/invertebrates.
  • Rangeland Ecology and Management.
  • Statistical Analysis.
  • Protected Area Infrastructure Management.
  • Managing Tourism in Protected Areas.

    The following Tanzanian qualification subject matter is also included in the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6:
  • Tourism (Managing tourism in protected areas).
  • Financial Management (Financial and Materials Management for Conservation).
  • Biodiversity Management (Rangeland Ecology and Management, Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife Utilisation, Wildlife Management, Resource Inventory).
  • Community Based Natural Resources Management (Conservation Education and Training, Community Conservation).
  • Land Use Planning (Protected areas infrastructure management, Protected areas planning).
  • Natural Resource Protection (Protected Area Planning, Wildlife Law enforcement.
  • Environmental Development Planning (Protected Area Planning, Environmental Impact Assessment).

    The Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 is different from the Tanzanian qualification in the offering of the following focus areas:
  • Trans Frontier Conservation Activities.
  • Resource Economics.
  • Catchment Management.
  • Geographical Information Systems.
  • Human Resources Management.

    The focus on Trans-Frontier specifics is a large focus of the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6, while human resources management is also regarded as a necessary competency at this level of management. The Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 contains additional learning relating to catchment management in particular as it applies across man-made borders. The application of conservation in broader geographical areas is specifically important in the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6. The focus on resources economics provides additional depth in terms of a consolidated approach and use and application of shared resources within the Trans-frontier conservation context. In addition, the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 provides computer literacy training and business communication in support of the management function.

    The following learning in the Tanzanian qualification is not offered in the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6
  • Advanced Fire Arms.
  • Administration for Conservation.
  • Statistical Analysis.

    Fire Arms training in the different participating countries is subjected to different laws and regulations and is thus excluded from the qualification. Administrative systems differ from country to country and as the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6 will be used by learners from many African countries it is not possible to offer a common approach to administration. Statistical analysis is excluded as it is accepted that individuals enrolling for the qualification either do not need, it or have sufficient knowledge and experience in this area.

    Conclusion:

    The comparison provides evidence that the Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Leadership and Development, Level 6 compares well with similar international qualifications.

    Common components include:
  • The management of bio-diversity.
  • Resource protection and a community based conservation focus.
  • Resource utilisation.
  • Financial management.
  • Conservation management planning, implementation and evaluation.

    Areas of difference include:
  • The focus on Trans-Frontier management which is the specific purpose of Advanced Certificate: Nature Conservation: Trans-Frontier Conservation Management, Level 6.
  • Computer literacy.
  • Communication.
  • Resource economics.

    The comparison indicates good alignment to international standards and approaches. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification provides the following articulation opportunities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Diploma: Ecotourism Management, Level 6.
  • National Diploma: Nature Conservation, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Arts: Conservation: Tourism and Sustainable Development, Level 6.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Bachelor of Technology: Ecotourism Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation of learner assessments will be done according to College policy which is approved by the HEQC. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Anyone assessing a learner, against this Qualification should be in possession of a qualification in Nature Conservation at NQF Level 7 or higher and preferably have at least 3 years experience in Nature Conservation. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Considerations in terms of Trans-frontier conservation objectives for a management plan include but are not limited to:
  • The enforcement of legal requirements in relation to the protection of bio-diversity and natural resources.
  • Resource management techniques used in the mitigation of threats and human impact on natural resources and biodiversity.
  • Infrastructure construction and maintenance as they relate to the facilitation and maintaining of sustainable activities within the conservation environment.
  • Resource economics.
  • Sustainable utilisation.

    Aspects of a Management plan include but are not limited to:
  • Trans-frontier conservation issues.
  • Zoning and land use planning.
  • Biodiversity management.
  • Cultural issues.
  • Community issues.
  • Tourism development.
  • Environmental management.
  • Environmental development.
  • Area integrity/Security operation plans.
  • Financial management.
  • Human Resources Management.

    Where a learner is involved in the enforcement of conservation compliance it is assumed and recommended that the relevant competencies and legislative compliance as per the operational country are complied with. In the case of South African learners, it is a requirement that the most appropriate of the firearm usage unit standards have been completed to ensure that the learner meets the requirements of the Firearms Control Act (No 60 of 2000) and the Firearms Control Amendment Act. (No 43 of 2003). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. Southern African Wildlife College NPC 


    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.