Education is key to overcoming environmental challenges - WESSA

The review process led WESSA to identify human capacity development as its core organisational strength. This strategic direction is based on WESSA's longstanding and highly successful involvement in environmental education and training. In a modern world where human-induced environmental degradation is spiralling out of control, only human-centred solutions are likely to be successful. This position is supported by the realisation that human capacity development is a key catalyst for attaining sustainable social change. Such processes are key for promoting sound environmental governance and effective environmental outcomes.

WESSA will therefore intensify its collaboration with all sectors of society, particularly regional and local government, communities and schools, to implement outstanding environmental education programmes and authoritative training programmes.

Mission objectives

To support the organisation's new strategic direction WESSA will improve the alignment and integration of the organisation's various internal functions. WESSA will continue to invest in the sustainability of the organisation's human resources and infrastructure, particularly in the areas of finance and project management.

The strategic review process and realignment of the organisation followed an earlier process in 2012 when WESSA redefined its vision to be a highly effective and well-supported champion of the environment. The associated mission of WESSA is thus the implementation of high-impact environmental and conservation projects which promote public participation in caring for the Earth.

WESSA's human capacity development efforts will be strategically aligned to the key focus areas of water, biodiversity and life-supporting environmental systems. An overriding objective of this work will be to ensure that people in South Africa have access to adequate clean, safe and sustainable water supplies. This will only be achieved with a holistic view of our inland and coastal water systems. A further objective is for WESSA to play a leading role in the conservation of our biodiversity and to ensure that South Africa has ecologically sustainable life-support systems.

Energy and waste management remain a part of WESSA's five year plans and the organisation's project work. Support for the use of renewable energy, the reduction of energy demand and the reduction and responsible disposal of waste will now be addressed within the broader context rather than being stand-alone focus areas.

A national priority

The Presidency has identified the protection, enhancement and sustainable use of environmental assets and natural resources as one of twelve priorities for action in South Africa. For 87 years WESSA has spearheaded environmental education and conservation in South Africa and with its new strategic direction and key focus areas in place, the organisation is well positioned to address our country's many environmental challenges. WESSA has a powerful track record of delivering on projects entrusted to it by local communities, national government and international organisations. The organisation is seen as a reliable project partner that brings integrity and an authoritative, holistic and pragmatic approach to the implementation of environmental interventions.

With highly professional, skilled and passionate staff, a national presence and thousands of members throughout South Africa, WESSA enables local engagement with national and global environmental challenges. Wherever possible, meaningful, relevant and sustainable solutions are sought that deliver sustainable outcomes for current and future generations.

For further information on WESSA, go to www.wessa.org.za.