WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa)

About us

WESSA (the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) is a South African environmental organisation which aims to initiate and support high impact environmental and conservation projects to promote participation in caring for the Earth. For over 90 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 become a leading implementer of environmental initiatives:  We work with schools and teachers throughout South Africa on a range of local and international programmes to support and improve school curricula with regard to environmental learning, enabling learners to achieve their full potential towards a sustainable future by taking environmental action in their own areas. Blue Flag is the global symbol of quality for beaches, boats and marinas in the environmental management of our coastline and coastal waters to help tourism growth and development. The Green Key eco-label recognises tourism establishments demonstrating excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operations. Our professional training programmes are addressing South Africa’s skills shortage, and we are also implementing programmes to develop an empowered and enthused youth sector. We are supporting the conservation of life-supporting biodiversity and water resources through ecological infrastructure projects which involve the removal of invasive alien plants and the rehabilitation and restoration of ecosystems.