Strategic Plan
Educate, Advocate, Act
to address critical environmental challenges in South Africa –
including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
leadership team
annual reviews
history
South Africa has an ecological footprint per person that exceeds its biocapacity. Water shortages, air and water pollution are the top environmental concerns in the country, but there is also concern around broader environmental issues.
For almost 100 years, WESSA (Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) has played a significant role in creating awareness and providing platforms for people to act and get involved in helping to solve environmental issues.
Throughout our long history of championing conservation and protecting the environment, WESSA has been a force for nature. We are an integral part of the international environmental community. In addition to being the appointed operator in South Africa for five FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) programmes, we are a founder member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and, as a UNESCO partner, we are supporting education for sustainable development across the southern African region.
WESSA encourages and supports citizen action for a healthier planet. We focus on education and training – particularly among young people – as well as advocacy and action projects to promote biodiversity, habitat integrity, pollution reduction and sustainable use of natural resources.
Our commitment lies in acknowledging the interconnectedness of people and the environment in order to promote sustainable development.
OUR MISSION
To educate, advocate, and act for environmental and social justice, climate action, biodiversity protection, and pollution reduction in Southern Africa.
OUR VISION
To to lead citizen action in the region, supporting climate action, fighting biodiversity loss, and promoting a no pollution tolerance culture.
Priority 1: Biodiversity and Habitat Integrity
We focus on protecting biodiversity and habitats, working with stakeholders, and supporting sustainable resource utilisation.
Priority 2: Climate Action
WESSA aims to address climate change through mitigation, adaptation, resilience, advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
Priority 3: Pollution Reduction