by Julian Johnson-Barker
In 2024, I spent just under 11 months working with NVT completing my diploma in nature conservation in South Africa. The year exposed me to the busy world of conservation in South Africa, and provided me with skills and knowledge that have deepened my understanding of the field.
Reflecting on my year, the thing that stands out the most for me has been the importance of collaboration. Conservation projects always involve multiple stakeholders. From landowners and local communities to organizations, everyone must be on board and work together toward a shared goal. I how important it was for the success of any project for all role players to work together to produce something amazing!
During my time at NVT, my focus was on fynbos—a unique and fascinating vegetation type. The team at NVT fueled my passion for fynbos by encouraging me to take on and create projects around it. I had the opportunity to develop and implement my own research project while also assisting with several other fynbos research studies. This hands-on experience taught me research skills such as good data collection methods, and effective research planning.
In addition to fynbos, I gained practical experience in other areas of conservation, such as forest restoration, nursery work (propagation and landscaping), and veld burning planning and application. These activities taught me valuable skills in resource management, team work, and hand-on dirty work!
NVT also encouraged me to seek external opportunities to enhance my training. Some of the highlights included botanical walks with the Custodians of Rare and Endangered Wildflowers and unforgettable game ranch management activities at Addo Elephant National Park. These experiences added a new layer of knowledge and exposure to the broader conservation landscape.
As my time at NVT came to a close, I reflected on the growth I experienced during the year—not just in my skills, but also in my personal development. The year helped me align myself with my life goals and build a solid foundation for my future career, and has provided me with a network of contacts that will continue to enrich my journey in conservation.
A massive thank you to the NVT team—Hendri Coetzee, Lauren Moriarty, Giorgio Lombardi, and Sky Beveridge—for their guidance and support throughout the year. And a huge thanks to every friend, and colleague I met along the way. My time at NVT was a formative and fulfilling experience, which will guide my decisions in my field for years to come.
