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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: |
| Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 124088 | Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Southern African Wildlife College NPC | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| - | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Diploma (Min 360) | Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation | Nature Conservation | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0931/25 | 2025-04-17 | 2028-04-17 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2029-04-17 | 2034-04-17 | |||
| 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Applied Natural Resource Management is to equip learners with fundamental skills and knowledge in natural resource management. The qualification will develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in natural resource management. This qualification is vocational with a focus on applying knowledge and skills in the workplace and hence typically includes a period of workplace-based learning, which may take the form of Work Integrated Learning (WIL). The qualification is career-oriented and designed for learners interested in pursuing a career as a Natural Resource Manager or Conservationist in any conservation-related environment. Learners will be trained to achieve a high degree of professionalism and focus on the quality of natural resource management services they provide to their organisations and stakeholders. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: Graduates will be: Graduates will possess wide-ranging knowledge of the Natural Resource Management discipline, relevant professional, vocational, and academic knowledge, skills and competencies, a social justice orientation and sound ethical values, and a high level of cultural awareness about the diversity of South Africa and its cultural groupings. Rationale: The significant socio-ecological challenges facing South Africa include biodiversity loss, water insecurity impacts on climate change, pollution, poor social cohesion, poverty, unemployment, inequality, poor service delivery, the growth of environmental crime and poaching of wildlife. The competition for land, for people and rural communities, for commercial agriculture and forestry, and for conservation places people and communities at the centre of sustainable development and natural resource management and emphasises the need for a socio ecological approach to modern natural resource management. These challenges significantly threaten social, economic and political stability. While most of these challenges result from past and present political, economic, cultural and social orders, they have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unemployment rate, which reached a new record high of 32,6% in the first quarter of 2021, has added impetus to the ever-growing pressure on natural resources to support the livelihoods of rural and urban citizens. The competition for scarce and quality resources is set to grow. The pandemic's effect has increased poverty and inequality on a global scale. The qualification will address the need for qualified Natural Resource Managers to manage South Africa's natural resources. Natural Resource Managers are central to renewing and maintaining resource stocks to ensure the continuation of vital ecosystem services, such as water provision, flood protection, and agricultural services, such as pollination and biodiversity and play an instrumental role in how those resources are utilised to benefit all. The right to a clean environment is enshrined in the Republic of South Africa Constitution. With the South African commitment to a Just Transition Presidential Climate Change Commission, the call to ensure human-centred solutions to how South Africa utilises its land, water, food and other resources is a strategic goal of the state. Graduates will have the necessary knowledge and skills to support the Just Transition strategy. Natural resources provide an essential basis for development and economic growth, such as the fishing industry, rangelands that support subsistence and commercial farming, horticulture and agricultural activities in South Africa and the Southern African Development Cooperation (SADC) region. In addition, indigenous species and natural resources provide the basis for the tourism industry and commercial and non-commercial medicinal applications of indigenous resources. The harvesting of natural resources in most rural economies, where the formal cash-based economy is limited, plays a significant role in supporting people's daily needs by providing building materials, fuel, wood, water and food. In addition, income-generating opportunities are also derived from processing and selling harvested resources. The qualification reflects the national need and demand for professionals who appreciate the socio-ecological complexities of natural resource management and can meet the challenges of protecting natural resources while ensuring judicious utilisation. Graduates will have a sound understanding of the biological basis for nature conservation and be able to interpret and explain observations in the field in terms of fundamental animal and plant biology. They will undertake all routine conservation business administration responsibilities including, basic office work and more advanced Human Resource Management and finance tasks using cutting edge techniques and technologies. Through theory-based modules, learners will have a deep understanding of social ecology, sustainable development and natural resource management and will apply this knowledge in the third-year WIL. The resource protection module will prepare learners with the necessary knowledge to play a role in protecting animal and plant resources, and learners will apply this knowledge during WIL. The development of the qualification was informed by the labour market research conducted by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Section Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The institution has a long-standing working relationship with several of the state entities with a mandate in conservation, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) and the Groen Sebenza programme under the umbrella of SANBI. Furthermore, the Biodiversity Economy Strategy has highlighted a skills shortage and that, despite its fundamental importance, biodiversity continues to be lost when conservation and sustainable utilisation are mutually exclusive. The qualification was developed in consultation with SADC, national and provincial stakeholders, including South African National Parks, the University of Mpumalanga, the Tshwane University of Technology, the DFFE, and NGOs and NPOs representatives from conservation and natural resource management. The curriculum was developed through an iterative design and a constructive alignment process to ensure that the purpose can be achieved and the learners can develop the required ELOs. It is envisaged that many of the learners will be employees of conservation and natural resource management-focused organisations, such as SANParks, DFFE and SADC member state agencies. This qualification will provide learners with advanced knowledge and applied competence for continued personal and intellectual growth; enable them to perform a gainful economic activity; and make valuable contributions to society as qualified natural resource managers who can work across the state, non-profit, community-based, as well as private sector organizations. The qualification will address the needs of various conservation agencies and SADC learners. It is envisaged that the qualification will also be offered to SADC citizens who meet the admission requirements. Many of the natural resource management (NRM) needs and challenges are cross-border or trans frontier in nature, whereby, for example, SADC member states share common resources such as rivers and water catchments. The qualification acts as a gateway programme to several occupations on the DHET Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO), including but not limited to Park Rangers, Social Entrepreneurs, Community-based Conservation Managers, Stewardship Officers and Sustainable Development specialists. This qualification will provide learners with knowledge and applied competence for continued personal and intellectual growth; enable them to perform a gainful economic activity; and make valuable contributions to society as qualified natural resource managers who can work across the state, non-profit, community-based, as well as private sector organizations. The qualification will focus on social-ecology, or how ecology and social systems interact and how this must be considered in the management of a protected area. Secondly, conservation and protected areas provide a range of ecosystem services to society, including resources such as thatching grass that can be harvested sustainably and cultural services, including tourism and spiritual connections. Learners who graduate from the diploma will be equipped to promote the sustainable use of natural resources. The qualification will play a significant role in addressing the diverse and pressing natural resource and environmental challenges through the training and development of natural resource managers that can function effectively across state, community, entrepreneurial and private organisations and contexts. Graduates from this qualification will progress to an Advanced Diploma and/or Bachelor's degree. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The application of RPL is guided by the institution's Policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer, which is aligned with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (Amended March 2019). RPL is seen as an essential tool to widen access with success, to promote lifelong learning and to redress inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education. RPL is the process through which a variety of learning (formal, informal, etc.) is measured, evaluated and translated into perceived formal equivalents for recognition across different contexts. The goal of RPL is the facilitation of alternative access and admission to higher education or progression within a qualification. RPL for access: RPL for credits: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6, totalling 360 credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of social-ecological systems as foundational to sustainable living and apply this understanding in real-world resource management settings.
2. Implement the mechanisms and structures that govern sustainable development, responsible resource use and conservation practiceTo rev. 3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of basic plant and animal biology and systematics, ecology and ecosystems, conservation genetics and conservation biology and correctly apply this knowledge to support decision making in the management of natural resources. 4. Demostrate the abiliyy to correctly apply business management and administrative principles, processes and best practices within a conservation environment to improve the management of natural resources. 5. Examine and assess resource protection operations in protected area and conservation landscape contexts and propose changes to processes and procedures as necessary and provide a full justification for suggested changes. 6. Implement a monitoring protocol for social, economic and ecological parameters to provide the data needed to effectively manage the natural resources in protected and conserved areas. 7. Select and apply basic and advanced technological tools to collect and analyse data to support decision-making in all aspects of natural resource management. 8. Undertake research, analyse and synthesise information to make recommendations to address a management question in a resource management or conservation setting. 9. Access information from a wide range of sources, correctly analyse and synthesise that information and use it to support decision-making in a range of natural resource management contexts. 10. Work efficiently, effectively and safely as a member of a team, follow instructions when provided and take the lead when necessary. 11. Communicate complex information orally and in writing to professional, non-specialist and community audiences using appropriate language and technology. 12. Manage own learning and demonstrate the attributes of self-directed and lifelong learning. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT An overarching assessment strategy was developed as part of the qualification development process, and assessment is closely linked to the outcomes and competencies. The focus of the qualification is on developing the learners' knowledge and understanding of, and technical skills in, Natural Resource Management, and on the application of the knowledge and skills in a workplace setting. The knowledge-based outcomes are assessed using a range of tools, including tests, reading assignments assessed by a comprehension test, short and longer written assignments, and mini projects with presentations. Learners will work individually and in groups. The technical skills and ability to apply the theoretical knowledge in a workplace setting are assessed in the practicals. The nature of the assessment tools used changes across the three years, and tests are used more in the first year than the second year and are not used in the third year. In the second and third years, there is an increasing emphasis on assessment through longer written assignments and mini-projects that better assess higher-order learning. Assessment is both formative and summative in all modules. Formative assessment: Summative assessment: In terms of integrated learning and its assessment, this takes place primarily during WIL when the learners are required to integrate their knowledge and skills and apply these in the workplace. The development of an integrated management plan for a conservation area and the systems thinking that is necessary for this is an example of how assessment will measure the ability of learners to integrate knowledge. The assessment strategy is appropriate for the NQF level, aligned with NQF level 6 descriptors and aligned with the outcomes. Across the three years, the weighting of formative and summative assessment is kept at 60% formative and 40% summative for all modules that have final exams. This weighting is based on the comprehensive formative assessment tasks that learners complete in each module. For Conservation Technology 1, the weighting is formative 40% and summative 60%. The higher weighting for the summative assessment, which is based on an integrated report, recognises the substantial amount of work that will go into that report. The weighting for PJBL is 50% formative and 50% summative. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification was compared with the following international qualifications.
Country: Uganda Institution: Nkumba University Qualification Title: Diploma in Wildlife and Forestry Management. Duration: 2 years full time Entry Requirements: Applicants for Diploma programmes should hold: Or Or Or Purpose/Rationale: The Diploma in Wildlife and Forestry Management provides learners with a comprehensive understanding of conservation, ecology, and sustainable resource management. Learners will be taught by experienced professionals and gain hands-on experience through field trips and research projects. Due to overexploitation of the wildlife resource base, the qualification is designed to train, skill and promote the next generation of wildlife managers, conservationists, researchers, scholars, and wildlife law enforcement officials at the highest scientific level in a truly inter-disciplinary and multi-cultural harmonious environment to tackle conservation challenges. The qualification is intended to equip learners with conservation advocacy and research skills, leadership and management skills in wildlife management. The qualification is expected to produce competent leaders in the wildlife sub-sector who can apply knowledge for conservation development, all-round wildlife managers who can appreciate wildlife conservation and tackle conservation challenges, wildlife advocacy experts, knowledgeable on the wildlife laws, and wildlife researchers and extension workers and law enforcers who are ready to create awareness about the plight of wildlife resources. Similarities: Difference: Country: Canada Institution: British Columbia Institute of Technology Qualification Title: Diploma in Forest and Natural Areas Management Credits: 126.5 Duration: Two years Entry requirements: Purpose/Rationale: With increasing urbanization, forests and natural areas in and around communities are growing in importance. People value natural areas for recreation, aesthetics and psychological well-being. But natural areas also provide important ecological services, like habitat for wildlife, promotion of biodiversity, storm-water flood mitigation and heat wave moderation. Whether a learner is assessing urban trees, reducing wildfire risk around communities, or managing invasive plants, the role of a natural areas manager is diverse. It also requires an integration of skills, from community planning to vegetation management and urban forestry. The qualification is focused on developing skilled natural area managers. On completion of the qualification, the graduate will be able to: The qualification is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC) and also contains the curriculum for graduates to be eligible to apply for Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) status in British Columbia, along with the potential pathways for other levels of certification and education. Assessment: Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, reports, presentations, group projects, research projects, and field trip assignments. Similarities: Difference: In summary, the SA qualification compares favourably with the above qualifications as they focus on the importance of social ecology in sustainable development and natural resource management. The extent of field-based experiential learning varies depending on the nature and aims of the qualifications. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation:
Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. |
| NONE |
| 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. |