Conservation Biologists for Africa

NEED

Of the inhabited continents to date, Africa has survived with the greatest proportion of its flora and fauna intact, making Africa the most sought-after ecotourism destination on the planet. But much of this flora and fauna is under threat. The Cape Flats has the highest density of Critically Endangered plant species in the world, the Mountain Gorillas of East Africa face imminent extinction, and the bush meat trade is wreaking havoc among West African forest mammals, to name a few examples. Africa has a unique biodiversity to protect, yet the continent is desperately short of the human capacity to conserve this natural heritage.

There is a pressing need to develop the conservation leadership of the future – well-informed scientists who can develop and direct sustainable conservation strategies that will benefit both biodiversity and the people of Africa. Financial constraints, however, often prevent talented and passionate students in Africa from accessing a world-class education in the field. Supporting students in their specialisation is necessary to ensure that expertise is available on the continent to help solve Africa’s environmental problems.

OVERVIEW

The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology (PFIAO) at the University of Cape Town is a highly prestigious, internationally recognised research institution in the field of ornithology and conservation science. The Conservation Biology MSc at the Institute provides graduates with the scientific background and tools to analyse and solve practical, conservation-related problems. Each year, 12 to 15 students are chosen to participate in the course. Students are drawn from a wide diversity of backgrounds and are selected on the basis of their academic excellence and prior experience in the field. Bursary funds have been secured for South African students. However, the course aspires to attract more talented students from the rest of the continent, who can lead the practice of conservation biology throughout Africa. A bursary fund will enable three students, who would otherwise not be able to afford it, to access the course. Surveys of course graduates indicate that over 85 percent of graduates are currently working in conservation-related jobs, reflecting the high success of the programme in identifying conservation leaders, helping them to develop and maintain their professional interests, and equipping them to compete successfully in the job market.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

• Biodiversity is greatly threatened by habitat loss and climate change. This project contributes to increasing the scientific expertise necessary to tackle the current challenges facing the survival of species in Africa and around the world.
• The project enables top African students to access quality higher education, which they would have otherwise not been able to afford.
• The Institute’s approach to conservation biology combines solid interdisciplinary research, interactive teaching and action-oriented science and has been recognised world-wide.
• Over 85% of graduates are currently working in conservation-related jobs. Many of them occupy very influential positions, including the Director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Agency and Director of the Southern Africa Hotspots Programme of Conservation International.

IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS

A budget of R 405,000 will enable three students from various African countries to participate in one of the best Conservation Research programmes in the Southern Hemisphere. By receiving quality education and being exposed to experts in the field, students are given an opportunity to build a successful career. In addition, the project could potentially have an enormously positive environmental impact by improving the standard of African conservation biology, and increasing the number of qualified conservationists working on the continent.

ORGANISATIONAL CAPACITY

The Percy FitzPatrick Institute is a highly acknowledged research institute, which actively collaborates with South African and international networks in order to enhance their impact and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field. Being part of the University of Cape Town provides them with good facilities as well as access to influential partnerships at corporate and government level, which account for most of their funding needs.

The Institute follows UCT’s policies and systems on human resource management, financial planning and budgeting, reporting as well as bursary management.

Institute managers have identified the need for further academic personnel, which they are trying to secure through international funding.

RISK PROFILE

Key Strengths

• Concept: This project aims at increasing the pool of highly-qualified conservation scientists in Africa, who have the skills to address the world’s biodiversity challenges.
• Design: Bursaries are offered on the basis of academic merit and a statement of the lack of financial means. Students commit themselves in writing to utilise the bursary for the purpose of their studies as well as report on their progress and achievements during the course.
• Capability: The Percy FitzPatrick Institute is a highly recognised research and educational institute with 50 years of experience in the field of conservation biology.
• Control: The Institute is part of UCT, which provides administrative support, resources as well as the necessary financial controls.

Key Risks - Medium Low

• Concept: Students are not always formally linked with employment opportunities after their course. However, exposure to experts in academia and the sector leaders contributes to a large number of alumni occupying influential positions in the conservation sector.
• Sustainability: The bursary programme is entirely reliant on the availability of external funding. However, efforts are made to secure long-term funding and part bursaries for South African students have already been secured through a 5-year commitment by local donors.