Nurturing a passion for conservation education through experience

In the world of conservation and biodiversity, individuals like Garth Jacobs are a shining example of how hands-on experience can shape a remarkable career. Garth’s journey from participating in the Iimbovane Outreach Project in 2012 to his current pursuit of becoming a teacher reflects the power of practical experience in one’s professional development.

As a Grade 10 learner at Breëriver Secondary School in 2012, Garth attended an Iimbovane holiday programme from 24 to 29 June 2012. The 5-day programme exposed Garth to practical biodiversity monitoring and fieldwork techniques, helped him to develop scientific skills, and exposed him to careers in the biodiversity conservation sector. Read more about the 2012 holiday programme at https://blogs.sun.ac.za/iimbovane/iimbovane-opens-up-world-of-biodiversity-to-scholars/

Garth proudly accepting his well-deserved certificate of attendance, recognizing his active involvement in the Winter Week programme.
Garth doing some field work during the 2012 Winter Week Program.

 

Following his time with Iimbovane, Garth pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology at the University of the Western Cape (UWC). After graduating in 2019, Garth was awarded a 1-year internship at the Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden in Worcester, where he continued to expand his knowledge and practical conservation skills. During his time at the botanical garden, Garth was also actively involved in environmental education, collaborating with schools to create lessons on biodiversity. These lessons not only educated learners from Grade R to 12 but also fostered a deeper appreciation for nature. This experience was a pivotal moment for Garth, preparing him for the career he is now pursuing.

Garth also completed internship at Rooiberg Conservancy in the Robertson area where he was involved with alien vegetation clearing, restoration, and rehabilitation, in collaboration with local farms. Garth and his team even established a nursery to replace alien species with endemic ones, providing Garth with invaluable hands-on botanical experience.

Garth at Rooiberg Conservancy, holds indigenous tree seedlings ready for planting after removing alien trees.

 

After his time in Robertson, Garth embarked on an internship at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden as a Plant Physiology Intern and worked on a project focussing forensic sampling of cycads, particularly on poached cycads.

Returning to his hometown, Garth is currently pursuing his FET Phase education diploma at the Two Oceans Graduate Institute, and aims to graduate in June 2024. While his field experience has been remarkable, Garth believes that education is the next logical step in his journey.

In Garth’s words, “ Projects such as Iimbovane, helps a lot. After attending the Iimbovane winter school, many of us felt like we went back to our schools with more knowledge, and it gave us an added advantage the following term.”

Garth Jacobs’ journey, from his involvement in the Iimbovane Outreach Project to his pursuit of a teaching career, exemplifies the importance of practical experience in shaping one’s professional path.

Garth, we at Iimbovane wish you all the best with his career in conservation education!