Mind the gap: Learning how to close the divide between knowing and doing

The tertiary level course brings a diverse group of young aspiring conservationists from the U.S to the Eastern Cape for a period of six weeks. The Wildlands Studies course exposes students to biodiversity research and management implementation in the South African context.

“The course is designed to stimulate social and ecological learning on many fronts and go to the heart (and head and hands!) of what it means to be a responsible and progressive researcher in the 21st Century.” says Matthew Zylstra – one of the Wildlands Studies instructors.

Students will be given a unique opportunity to actively interact with a range of local stakeholders such as community, farmers, park managers, NGOs, tourism operators and youth. This gives them a feel for the diverse perceptions and complex challenges which face conservation in a culturally diverse society.