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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma: Nature Conservation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90512  Diploma: Nature Conservation 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 purpose of this qualification is to develop competent conservation officers who can provide support to conservators and resource managers or actively participate in management functions in natural resource management areas.
Qualifying learners will be able to apply acquired technical and scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes to interpret observations made and information and data gathered, regarding natural resources.

This qualification aims to enhance professional competence in the field of nature conservation on local, regional and national levels by providing the conservation industry with persons who are able to participate in ecosystems' management, environmental education and ecotourism. This, in turn, will contribute to sustainable and responsible utilisation of natural resources in Africa, thus contributing to economic development. It further aims to advance social and economic transformation by providing accessible opportunities for individual, career and entrepreneurial development for people from all social and cultural groups.

Rationale:
The sustainable management of the South and Southern African indigenous biological natural resources, such as unique ecosystems, biodiversity, plant and animal species, is crucial for the continued sustainable economic development of the conservation industry and, ultimately, the survival of humankind. This qualification provides the conservation industry with persons who are able to participate in management activities in public and private natural parks and nature reserves.

Achievement of this qualification enables the qualifying learner to progress within a career path which ranges from the level of a conservation assistant/officer to active participation in top management functions.

Qualified learners would apply acquired skills and competencies to provide support to conservators and resource managers through active assistance and leading to basic management functions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Literacy at NQF Level 4 in the language of tuition.
  • Numeracy at NQF Level 4.
  • The ability to learn from written material.
  • The ability to take responsibility for their own progress with limited support and independently adjust to a variety of contexts or learning environments.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition may be granted for non-formal prior work-integrated learning. The RPL process will be conducted according to Unisa's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations and interviews with assessment panels.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A National Senior Certificate which includes Mathematical Literacy, English and Life Sciences.
  • Candidates with disabilities will be granted admission wherever the nature of their disability does not preclude them from achieving the outcomes of the qualification. Candidates with a physical impairment which prevents self-navigation over moderately rough terrain or those with severely impaired vision will unfortunately not be able to function optimally in this field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Each module is worth 12 Credits and all are compulsory. Total credits required to achieve the qualification: 360.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Plant Studies I.
  • Animal Studies I.
  • Conservation Ecology I.
  • Fundamentals of Conservation.
  • Contact course I.
  • Conservation Resource Management I.
  • Soil Science I.
  • Conservation Interpretation I.
  • End User Computing.
  • Conservation Administration.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Plant Studies II.
  • Animal Studies II.
  • Conservation Ecology II.
  • Nature Conservation Application IA.
  • Nature Conservation Application IB.
  • Conservation Resource Management II.
  • Contact Course II.
  • Nature Conservation Application IIA.
  • Nature Conservation Application IIB.
  • Contact Course III.
  • Nature Conservation Application IIIA.
  • Nature Conservation Application IIIB.
  • Conservation Interpretation II.
  • Contact Course IV.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 168.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Conservation Ecology III.
  • Plant Studies III.
  • Animals Studies III.
  • Conservation Resource Management III.
  • Nature Conservation Application IVA.
  • Nature Conservation Application IVB.

    Total Credits at NQF Level: 72. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Contribute to the management of natural resources within a conservation area.
    2. Enforce conservation compliance.
  • Range: All relevant international, national and regional legislation, conventions, treaties and ordinances apply.
    3. Implement environmental conservation education programmes among the communities in the relevant area.
  • Range: All sectors in area of responsibility, viz., all levels/components of different ecosystems; species distribution; natural and cultural phenomena; basic management actions.
    4. Manage and maintain infrastructure within the nature conservation environment.
  • Range: Infrastructure includes but is not limited to: fences, water points and constructions, pumps, visitor amenities, roads, buildings, vehicles and tools.
    5. Apply administrative and basic managerial skills within the nature conservation environment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification:
  • Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking. The learners will have to identify and assess components and propose appropriate methods or techniques to contribute to meet certain management objectives in the ecosystems in their area of responsibility.
  • Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation and community. The practical work and work-integrated learning involved in the qualification will require work as members of a team and an organisation.
  • Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively. The completion of set activities and assignments will require self-management, and successful organising of their activities during the work-integrated learning period will encourage self-management.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The selection of appropriate methods and techniques to manage wildlife (plants and animals) to meet management objectives, will involve extensive collection, analysis, organisation and evaluation of information.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, symbolic and and/or language skills in various modes. Activities requiring effective written, graphic and electronic communication will be involved.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. A scientific approach to natural resource management will be promoted in a way that will emphasise ecological principles and environmental sustainability. Technology will be used in accordance with accepted conservation and environmentally responsible principles and practices.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. Principles from a variety of sciences and technologies (e.g. plant and veld management, resource management, animal populations, ecology, soil science, wildlife welfare and legal aspects and computer technology) will be applied in an integrated way in the solution of natural resource management problems.
  • Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively. The qualification will encourage the development of learning strategies such as linking theory to practice and reflection on learning that has taken place, and the use of visual representations and textual organisation strategies.
  • Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities. The qualification will emphasise the development of environmental responsibility and the use of plants to the benefit of communities, for example by requiring learners to participate in work-integrated learning where they will apply functional and aesthetic uses of plants. The qualification will also promote natural resource utilisation knowledge.
  • Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts. Participation in work-integrated learning will offer opportunities for intercultural interaction and the development of cultural sensitivity.
  • Explore education and career opportunities. Awareness is promoted of opportunities for further learning as well as career opportunities, for example in conservation enterprises and local and national government organisations. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    1.1 Appropriate techniques are selected and applied to manage animal populations in an area of responsibility.
    1.2 Appropriate techniques are selected and applied to manage vegetation in an area of responsibility.
    1.3 An appropriate environment is established and managed to achieve optimal production.
    1.4 Knowledge of fundamental geology and soils is used to manage soils in area of responsibility.
    1.5 Appropriate measures are applied to facilitate conservation management planning.
    1.6 Monitoring techniques are selected and applied and data processed to provide statistical information.
    1.7 Field and office equipment are utilised successfully.
    1.8 Appropriate techniques are selected and applied to implement integrated catchment management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    2.1 Relevant conservation legislation is applied to ensure area integrity with regard to anti-poaching and security patrols.
    2.2 Appropriate legislation is applied to issue permits, carry out investigations and implement criminal procedures.
    2.3 Weapons used in area of responsibility are handled in compliance with relevant legislation.
    2.4 Principles of conservation and conservation ethics are adhered to at all times during execution of duties.
    2.5 All stakeholders are advised of duties and responsibilities with regard to conservation compliance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    3.1 The area community leader/s is/are identified and the project is explained to enlist and ensure support.
    3.2 The project is explained to the members of the community who are encouraged to select the groups or individuals who will participate directly.
    3.3 Appropriate methods and techniques are applied in developing the environmental education programmes for the various target groups.
    3.4 Different interpretation methods and techniques are analysed and applied to ensure better understanding of the environment and the need for conservation.
    3.5 An assessment tool is devised to measure the take-up of the education programmes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    4.1 Appropriate methods and techniques are applied to maintain infrastructure within the legal and safety parameters.
    4.2 Regular patrolling and checking is carried out to check for any irregularities or damage and any observed is immediately reported.
    4.3 Steps are taken to ensure immediate repair by the relevant expert.
    4.4 All those associated with the area and environment are encouraged to participate in maintaining a pristine environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
    4.1 Effective leadership skills are demonstrated in the workplace.
    4.2 Effective communication is established in the workplace.
    4.3 Managerial and administrative activities are performed in accordance with health and safety, labour and other relevant legislation and ethical principles.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Applied competence - that is, the integration of foundational, practical and reflective competence - will be assessed in a variety of ways and instances during the course of the programme. For example, learners will be asked to propose practical solutions to natural resource management issues and to evaluate their own proposed solutions and their learning in the process, thus involving knowledge, the application of knowledge, as well as reflection.

    In the various modules of the qualification, learners will be required to provide evidence of integrated knowledge, skills and values. An Integrated Assessment of the main outcomes of the qualification will be conducted during work-integrated learning, where learners will be assessed on their actual performance of nature conservation activities in a real conservation organisation or enterprise.

    A variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the course of the programme, including written assignments, practical activities, examinations and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence of work done.

    All assessment will meet the criteria of the relevant Unisa policies and procedures. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Many countries internationally offer only short courses or part-qualifications in the area of conservation and land management at this level. However, this qualification, with its component modules, has been compared with similar qualifications from the following countries.

    Tanzania:
    The College of Wildlife Management, Mweka, offers the Ordinary Diploma in Wildlife Management.
    This qualification aims to provide in-depth training in a wide variety of subject areas relating to wildlife management in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the multi-disciplinary nature of wildlife management. The course is designed for middle level wildlife managers working within wildlife or natural resource management agencies, NGOs and private sector organisations.

    Training approaches include lectures, interactive structured lectures, directed and self-directed study, seminars, tutorials, student presentations, field and College-based practicals. Students participate in five safari modules and, at the end of their second year, choose either a Research Project or a Work Placement.

    Modules include:
  • Communication skills.
  • Invertebrate Biology.
  • Vertebrate Biology.
  • Plant Biology.
  • Introductory Biostatistics.
  • Biodiversity Assessment Techniques.
  • Wildlife Ecology.
  • Range Ecology.
  • Behavioural Ecology.
  • Tourism Management.
  • Conservation Strategies and Policies.
  • Wildlife Management Techniques.
  • Ballistics.
  • Wildlife Utilisation.
  • Community Conservation.
  • Conservation Education.
  • Research Methodology.
  • Administration in Conservation.
  • Wildlife Economics and Finance.
  • Protected Area Planning.
  • Wildlife Law Enforcement.
  • Managing Infrastructure in Protected Areas.

    Australia:
    Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory offers the Diploma of Conservation and Land Management. This Diploma reflects the role of personnel working in management positions with technical level skill in land management roles.
    Modules include:
  • Prepare and monitor budgets and financial reports.
  • Develop conservation strategies for cultural resources.
  • Develop a management plan for a designated area.
  • Implement natural and cultural resource management plans.
  • Conduct biological surveys.
  • Design a natural area restoration project.
  • Manage natural area restoration projects.
  • Plan river restoration works.
  • Collect and classify plants.
  • Manage parks and reserves.
  • Coordinate the pest management strategy in a regional or broader context.
  • Develop a strategy for the management of target pests.
  • Plan erosion and sediment control measures.
  • Collect and manage data and prepare reports.
  • Develop prescribed burning plans.

    New Zealand:
    The Auckland University of Technology offers a Bachelor of Science: Environmental Science, which enables learners to gain an understanding of the issues concerning environmental resources and the application of this knowledge at a management level.

    This qualification provides an understanding of how New Zealand species interact with other organisms and with their physical environment, which develops from a solid knowledge of the ecological principles of marine, freshwater and terrestrial ecosystems. This understanding is considered to be essential for New Zealand to be able to maintain its unique and beautiful natural inheritance.
    Modules include:
  • Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication.
  • Health and Environment.
  • Statistical Models.
  • General and Organic Chemistry.
  • Form and Function of Plants and Animals.
  • Biological Chemistry.
  • Ecology and Evolution.
  • Biophysics.
  • Environmental Law Freshwater Ecology.
  • Terrestrial Ecology.
  • Environmental Monitoring and Risk Assessment.
  • Research Techniques.
  • Fish and Aquatic Plants.
  • Marine Invertebrates.
  • Coastal Management.
  • Research Project.
  • Marine Ecology.
  • Oceanography.

    The trend in these international qualifications is towards early specialisation in subfields of horticulture and landscape design, whereas this Unisa Diploma provides a more generalist base from which specialisation can take place at a later stage of career development. Given the current skills' shortage in South Africa, the needs of the conservation and tourism industry and the lack of preparation of many learners for higher education, it is regarded as important to provide a first qualification that offers a solid general grounding in a range of horticultural skills, from where individuals can acquire further specialised skills within their particular work situations.

    Conclusion:
    While the modular structure is somewhat different, most of the essential knowledge and skills taught in these qualifications are also contained in this Diploma, but aimed at equipping learners to work in the Southern African environment. However, in general, this qualification and its component modules compare well with the international counterparts. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Diploma in the conservation or animal sciences fields at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in the conservation or animal sciences fields at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assignments are assessed by qualified lecturers, tutors or mentors (in the case of work-integrated learning). Where tutors or mentors serve as assessors, a representative sample of assessments are moderated by internal lecturers.
  • Second, examiners act as moderators for examination purposes. These are senior academics or qualified industry representatives.
  • All moderation will be done according to relevant Unisa policies and procedures.
  • Unisa lecturers and/or industry specialists act as assessors for the modules that make up this qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The following criteria are specified for assessors:
  • Assessors must have at least one qualification higher than the one for which they are assessing, and industry specialists must have at least three to five years' industry and/or teaching experience.
  • Assessors need to be competent in planning and conducting assessment. Assessors who have not yet undergone assessor training will be given the opportunity to do so wherever possible. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification 62406, "National Diploma: Nature Conservation", Level 6, 360 credits. 

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.