Other Contributions

     Invasive Alien Species Programme 

During his days in South Africa, Wayne worked as a Invasive Alien Species Programme Co-ordinator for Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife. In lecture, we’ve learnt about the drastic consequences invasive alien species can bring to the ecosystem. South Africa is facing the issue of invasive alien species affecting their biodiversity. If you want to learn more about what alien species they had, drop by here.

The work Wayne did with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife involves conservation of the rich biodiversity in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and to manage the province’s natural resources.


International Ranger Federation

From 2012 to 2015, Wayne served as the Vice President for the International Ranger Federation (IRF). IRF is known to organise events such as World Ranger Day, in which organisations come together to commemorate rangers who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The work of rangers should not be underestimated because it can be dangerous (more on that later).

IRF also conduct the World Ranger Congress, which is a forum that allows rangers from different parts of the world to come together and share their knowledge. This provides them the chance to learn new skills, form partnerships, share recommendations on certain environmental issues.

If the work of IRF has evoked your interest, you can visit their site for more detailed information.


The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa

Wayne was also the past President for a non-profit organisation, The Game Rangers’ Association of Africa (GRAA). What does a Game Ranger do? Well, if you ever wonder who are the people engaging in active combat with poachers, monitoring the animal population in protected areas…it’s all thanks to game rangers!

Since it is really tough job, it is necessary for the rangers to receive appropriate and sufficient support. GRAA ensure that rangers are properly trained and equipped before they carry out their duties in the wilderness areas. The GRAA Bursary Fund provides training opportunities for those who cannot afford.

GRAA also create a rangers’ network because rangers may feel isolated at times. Imagine working in a place without proper communication signals and surrounded by animals. The network aims to create a sense of belonging for the rangers. Should you want to learn more about this organisation, click here.


Environmental Education

 

One of the long-term solutions environmentalists often prefer is education. Instilling the right mindset among the younger generations is one way to promote conservation behaviours.

Wayne, alongside others, worked to create an environmental education syllabus titled “Living in Harmony with Nature” and they teach it to the schools in the areas they worked in. He is also the co-author of a module taught in Southern Africa Wildlife College, called “Ensuring Effective Management”. His organisation believes that “community education and support is key to conserving Tanzania’s magnificent wildlife and landscapes.”