What does it mean to be a “good steward of the land”? Wikipedia gives the following definition:
Environmental stewardship refers to the responsible use and protection of the natural environment through active participation in conservation efforts and sustainable practices by individuals, small groups, nonprofit organizations, federal agencies, and other collective networks. Aldo Leopold (1887–1949) championed environmental stewardship in land ethics, exploring the ethical implications of “dealing with man’s relationship to land and to the animals and plants which grow upon it.”
Limpopo Field Guiding Academy (LFGA) has been creating and maintaining environmental stewardship since 2003. Using the Nature Immersion Method to train aspiring guides, rangers and trackers, LFGA focuses on exposing the learner to as much nature interface as possible in their short time with us. Based at Tau Camp, our student base, participants sleep in canvas bow tents with no fence or any other barrier to animals entering the camp. Situated along the banks of the Boekenhoutspruit in Dinokeng North Big 5 Game Reserve, movement of lion, elephant and more through camp, is a regular occurrence.
While this is exciting and scary at times, especially for trainees in the industry, it is not only about the Big 5. Indeed, with 18 different modules of study comprising the FGASA Apprentice Field Guide qualification and associated CATHSSETA National Qualification for Nature Guides in South Africa, LFGA certainly exposes learner guides to every aspect of the ecosystem. Starting with an understanding of Geology as the foundation for any system, we guide learners through the syllabus comprising Ecology, Climatology and all living or biotic aspects of nature. Mammals, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Athropods (insects and their relatives) and plants are all studied at the introductory level. While this may sound daunting to the beginner, our highly qualified trainers and guides are relative experts at guiding the student through the workload.
With practical field excursions twice per day, during the best game viewing times, learners often come to the realisation that they are involved in the “best job in the world!” What could be better than breathing in fresh air every day of your life, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, all the while connecting with nature at every level? Well its not all fun and safari – there are challenging theoretical and practical evaluations to get through each week of the 8 week, cumulative course. Each week builds on the previous one and it is really about the progress that individuals make during their stay at LFGA, that determines readiness to enter the industry as Apprentice Field Guides.
Our graduates are aware of the huge responsibility that rests on their shoulders as custodians of nature – and especially in their role as the link between nature and people. It is their job to educate current and future generations of visitors to game reserves, national parks and all wilderness areas, to guide young and old in the responsible participation in conservation initiatives. For it is only through the wise and sustainable use of nature, that we are able to conserve it. Without the paying guest – the visitor to these wild places, all conservation efforts cease as the funding dries up. It is our job as guides to keep them coming back for more – to instil the very love of nature in people that soothes the soul.
Limpopo Field Guiding Academy has 20 years of experience in training safari guides, trackers and nature enthusiasts. Our graduates are employed in safari destinations throughout Africa, where they are able to make a difference and change perceptions on a daily basis. If you would like to change your life and become a good steward of nature, contact us on the details provided below.
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