Cross-Border Collaborations - Training the Next Generation and Scaling CC

From 30 September to 10 October 2024, Coaching Conservation Botswana (CC) welcomed partners from the Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) and Conservation Lower Zambezi (CZL) for a meaningful exchange focused on strengthening conservation education across Southern Africa. These visits highlighted the power of collaboration in equipping educators and communities with practical tools to inspire environmental stewardship among young people.

Nine trainers from SAWC, a long-standing training partner of Coaching Conservation, spent ten days in Botswana immersing themselves in CC’s experiential, sport and nature-based education model. The visit aimed to deepen their understanding of CC methodologies and strengthen SAWC’s Train the Trainer programme, which prepares conservation educators working across the region. 

During their stay the SAWC team participated in BushRAP sessions at schools such as Shorobe Primary, where learners engaged with rescued elephants and explored conservation through storytelling and observation. Field-based lessons at Thamotelele Private Reserve allowed trainers to walk alongside learners as they learned about vultures, African wild dogs, and herd animals in natural settings reinforcing the value of learning directly from nature.

The visit also included time at the Botswana Predator Research Camp, where trainers gained insight into predator behaviour, human–wildlife conflict mitigation, and innovative research such as the Bio Boundary project. These experiences demonstrated how conservation research, education, and community engagement can be effectively integrated.

From 7–10 October, CC also hosted Monica Kalo and Besa Kaomo from Conservation Lower Zambezi, who explored how elements of the Coaching Conservation programme could be adapted for environmental education in Zambia. 

Their visit focused on observing BushRAP activities and classroom lessons that translate complex ecological concepts into engaging, child-friendly experiences. A Grade 7 lesson titled “We Are All Connected” used games and skits to illustrate ecosystem interdependence, showcasing CC’s learner-centred approach. The CZL team also visited the wildlife chemistry lab to learn about elephant repellent trials, an innovation with potential relevance to Zambia’s human–elephant conflict challenges. 

Inspired by CC’s methods, discussions centred on future collaboration and the adaptation of conservation lessons to local contexts. These exchanges reaffirmed the importance of cross-border collaboration in conservation education. By sharing approaches, research insights, and practical experiences, organisations like CC, SAWC, and CZL are strengthening their collective ability to inspire young people and communities to protect wildlife and ecosystems.

For Coaching Conservation Botswana, the visits reinforced the impact of its integrated approach combining play-based learning, real-world conservation experiences, and research-backed knowledge. As partnerships continue to grow, so does the vision of a future where conservation education transcends borders, empowering the next generation to care for nature and coexist with wildlife.