All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
59949 | National Certificate: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Nature Conservation | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
CATHSSETA - Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation | Nature Conservation | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 144 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 9999/99 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-06-30 | 2029-06-30 |
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification replaces: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
20416 | National Certificate: Conservation: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 185 | Complete |
This qualification is replaced by: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
121807 | Occupational Certificate: Park Ranger | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | 240 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The qualification addresses competencies required for supervision, leadership and managerial positions within a conservation environment enabling qualifying learners to access opportunities for further management development and training in the Nature Conservation environment. Learners qualifying against this qualification will also play an important role in the management of conservation areas through community liaison, in order to facilitate the understanding of conservation/ environmental issues and promote compliance with conservation legislation. After successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to: Rationale: Nature Conservation is a highly regulated sector tasked with the protection and utilization of our natural resources and cultural heritage within natural areas; whilst ensuring, controlling and managing access to this environment. The importance of Nature Conservation resides in the sustainable utilisation and conservation of the natural environment in relation to the following: The utilisation of our natural resources protected and managed by Nature Conservation, is a main tourism attraction and thus contributes significantly to the country's foreign exchange earnings and the marketing of South Africa as a tourism destination. A variety of organisations contributes to and operates within this sector, including: The sector, by its very nature, requires the operational implementation of the legislative frameworks protecting and guarding our natural heritage and this takes place in three main operational focus areas contributing to what is commonly referred to as area integrity, namely: These three main operational focus areas reflected in the qualification, define the main operational and vocational objectives across the career path resulting from this qualification and related qualification stream. The skills and competencies gained in the NQF Level 5 qualification enables the qualifying learner to take up the role of conservation supervision or management in the sector in the following positions: The acquisition of advanced competencies is required by the sector in order to meet legislative and operational requirements. The main objective of the protection and sustainable utilisation of our natural resources is thus maintained through the development of higher-level competencies associated with effective nature conservation operations. The requirements of individuals aspiring to advance in the sector are also addressed in terms of personal growth and job advancement opportunities. The positions associated with the qualification are pitched at a level between operations and senior management. This translates into supervision; mentoring and leadership; and the implementation of strategies and interventions for specific key operational focus areas. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
Weapons utilization: Where an individual utilize weapons within the area of operation it is required that the learner must be in possession of the relevant SASSETA weapons unit standard applicable to the particular weapons utilized in the operational environment. It is required that learners utilizing weapons in the operational environment must complete the elective: Other operational requirements: It is acknowledged that not all Nature Conservation environments (for example in the Kalahari) will conduct veld burn operations as part of operational requirements. Where veld burn operations are practiced in the operational environment the following two unit standards are prescribed from the elective component: Recognition of Prior Learning: This Qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning and the Qualification may be granted to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses providing they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the individual Unit Standards as required by the Fundamental, Core and Elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and by the Exit Level Outcomes. An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with Unit Standards in which they have developed the necessary competency as a result of workplace and experiential learning. RPL may also be used by learners, who are not in possession of a GETC or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the Qualification. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment, and may be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based Qualification, evidence from other areas of endeavour may be introduced if pertinent to any of the exit level outcomes. Access to the Qualification: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification is made up of Fundamental, Core and Elective unit standards and a minimum of 144 Credits is required to complete the qualification.
Fundamental component: Core component: Elective component: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Manage available resources at operational level.
2. Enforce compliance with relevant conservation legislation. 3. Manage the workplace at an operational level. The qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as embedded in the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria of the qualification: Communicate effectively: Identify and solve problems: Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information: Work in a team: Maintain effective working relationships: Use of Science and technology: |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
1.1 Resource management action plans, as well as long-term routine resource conservation tasks are implemented, to ensure that the integrity of a conservation area is maintained according to legislative and organisational requirements. Range: 1.2 Integrated resource management plans are implemented within context of regional requirements. Range: 1.3 Effective plant and animal management is demonstrated as it applies to organisational requirements and operational needs. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: 2.1 Routine patrols are undertaken to enforce compliance with legislation as it applies to the operational environment. Range: 2.2 Conservation Compliance is enforced through the taking of necessary action appropriate to the operational requirements. Range: 2.3 Colleagues and the general public are given information designed to enhance understanding of conservation objectives. 2.4 The meeting of the requirements for appointment as a peace officer is demonstrated. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: 3.1 Personnel resources are planned and deployed to manage and maintain area integrity and conservation requirements according to operational needs and organisational requirements. 3.2 Workplace operations are managed and maintained through the use of clear instruction and reporting. Range: 3.3 Infrastructural elements are constructed and maintained according to operational requirements in order to ensure area integrity. Range statement: 3.4 Conservation measures are implemented according to operational requirements. Range: Integrated Assessment: Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and must ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. For this purpose, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably aligned. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the unit standards should be integrated through the practical application of sales and services in a Nature Conservation environment. Assessment of the communication, language, literacy and numeracy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Nature Conservation sales and services contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. The term `Integrated Assessment` implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Assessors and moderators should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Assessment should ensure that all Specific Outcomes, Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of Specific Outcomes and Embedded Knowledge. It is required that learners are able to arrange for assessment in an appropriate natural environment. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The diversity of the South African Nature Conservation environment as well as the shift in our Nature Conservation approach through integration of conservation areas and community involvement enables comparison with countries following similar approaches. The challenge of selection however resides in the fact that direct comparison needs to consider a number of best practices internationally to make provision for the diversity within our own operational conservation landscape.
The approach followed to select qualifications for comparison was therefore to not approach comparison from a singular "Qualification to Country" perspective but to attempt research and finally select programmes and training offered and recognised across countries. This in particular from the perspective that countries such as Tanzania, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Canada all offer some components of best practice which can be applied within the diversity of the South African Nature Conservation sector. Such a programme was identified as offered by the Arlington based "The Nature Conservancy" (Virginia USA) with support from the University of Florida's School of Natural Resources and Environment, a programme offered in a number of countries through joint initiatives. The second qualification selected was the Level 5 Certificate in Conservation and Land Management registration number RTD 50102 as per the Australian Qualifications Framework - Selected as its Level 2 equivalent (RTD 20102) and Level 4 (RTD 40102) was used for initial comparison for qualifications within this qualification stream. The added benefit of comparison here is thus broader than a single qualification as it essentially enables the comparison of the overall qualification streams across qualifications making up the envisaged learning pathway. In support of the decision to utilise RTD 50102, it must be noted that Australia offers best practices in terms of similarity of habitat as Australia deals with localized bio-diversity systems, a conservation focus very similar to the localized South African biomes. These include terrestrial and marine ecological patterns, tableland plateaus, rainforests and barrier reefs where the tropical lowland rainforest is biogeographically the oldest in the world. In order to also obtain an African perspective the qualification was compared with the Diploma in Wildlife Management offered by the College of African Wildlife Management in Tanzania. The College has training in access of 4000 Wildlife Managers in 28 African Countries. The Certificate in Natural Areas Management as offered by The Nature Conservancy via a worldwide office servicing and involved in Nature Conservation projects in 50 States across America and more than 30 Countries. These include: The Learning Programme incorporates the following main focus areas: When compared with the core of the envisaged qualification the following areas compare favourably: Whilst the following elective standards also align within the South African context: The envisaged qualification distinguishes itself from the international approach through the inclusion of Conservation Ethics and weapons handling skills as well as the obvious emphasis on HIV/AIDS, teamwork and communication skills specific to our training and development needs. Social issues and road maintenance also did not feature in the international qualification, again enabling the addressing of specific local requirements. The Level 5 Certificate in Conservation and Land Management registration number RTD 50102 is offered via TAFE in Tasmania and aligns to 1400 notional hours or roughly 140 credits if compared to the envisaged qualification. Ten units of competency must be completed in order to obtain the qualification. Selection can be made from a predetermined list of units or learning areas. NOTE: Areas printed in Italic compares with the envisaged Nature Conservation: Conservation Resources Management NQF Level 5. Areas for selection include: The South African qualification provides alternative focus areas such as: The Diploma in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife Management (Tanzania) includes the following focus areas: Note: Areas printed in Italic compares with the envisaged Nature Conservation: Conservation Resources Management NQF Level 5. Conclusion: The envisaged qualification compares very well with the observed best practices in terms of the TAFE and The Nature Conservancy programmes as well as the Diploma in Wildlife Management in Tanzania, in particular within the operational areas of Conservation, animal and plant management. Similarity of competencies associated with the two qualifications selected for comparison is clearly identifiable but in some instances the South African qualification provides a somewhat broader scope of choice to meet South African Nature Conservation requirements in particular for personal development (Workplace communication skills, research, ethics, HIV/Aids, Staff rosters and social issues). Construction and maintaining of infrastructure, weapons handling, water provision and vehicle maintenance are emphasised in the South African qualification to address specific industry and occupational needs from a South African perspective. A very similar focus area in terms of infrastructure maintenance and weapons handling is observed in the Tanzanian qualification perhaps emphasising alignment in terms of specific needs within the African conservation environment. It is clear from the comparison that a similar approach perhaps with slightly different focus areas to provide for our unique requirements are followed and that the main areas of competence shared amongst the three qualifications are certainly on par. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This Qualification provides the following articulation opportunities:
Horizontal articulation: Vertical articulation: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Assessment and moderation of assessment may be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation of that ETQA, in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between various ETQAs (including professional bodies), and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed immediately below. |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
Anyone assessing a learner, against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
For an applicant to register as an assessor or moderator of this Qualification the applicant needs: |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
This qualification replaces qualification 20416, which is the National Certificate: Conservation: Natural Resource Management: Terrestrial, Level 5, 185 credits.
Where a learner is involved in the enforcement of conservation compliance it is assumed and recommended that the most appropriate of the provided weapons unit standards have been completed to ensure that the learner meets requirements of the Firearms Control Act (No 60 of 2000) and the Firearms Control Amendment Act. (No 43 of 2003). |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 253965 | Apply basic conservation management planning | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 253961 | Apply protected area management planning | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 8368 | Construct and maintain infrastructure | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 253962 | Demonstrate an understanding of indigenous plant management | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Core | 253971 | Demonstrate identification and application of indigenous plant species protection | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 253968 | Develop and apply conservation ethics | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 253973 | Enforce conservation compliance | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 253959 | Implement integrated catchment management planning | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 253964 | Manage area integrity | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 253958 | Manage cultural heritage resources in the field | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Core | 253969 | Monitor the presence or absence of wild animal species | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Core | 253957 | Monitor wild animal populations | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Fundamental | 8662 | Analyse and communicate workplace data | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 8647 | Apply workplace communication skills | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Fundamental | 8648 | Demonstrate an understanding of professional values and ethics | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 7859 | Lead and manage teams of people | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 6 |
Elective | 263357 | Demonstrate an understanding of wilderness conservation | Level 3 | NQF Level 03 | 7 |
Elective | 8591 | Analyse and understand social issues | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 253956 | Develop and maintain a staff roster | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 3 |
Elective | 263362 | Apply wilderness management principles and practice | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Elective | 253955 | Assist with the provision of water in a protected area | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 253963 | Construct paths/tracks and maintain road networks | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 253972 | Control soil erosion | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 263364 | Facilitate a wilderness experience | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Elective | 253967 | Facilitate conservation understanding | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 253960 | Handle firearms safely and efficiently | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 9224 | Implement policies regarding HIV/AIDS in the workplace | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 253954 | Implement veld burn operations | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 253966 | Operate and maintain a vehicle in conservation areas | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 8663 | Plan and conduct a research project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 253970 | Plan the construction, monitoring and maintenance of wildlife fences | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification. |
NONE |
PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
1. | ADINVALE (PTY) LTD |
2. | Eco Ranger Conservation Services (Pty) Ltd |
3. | SirSam EDU Pty Ltd |
4. | Southern African Wildlife College |
All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |