In an inspiring stride towards the integration of academic research and practical conservation, Trevor Govender has been appointed as an honorary officer with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
Govender, 55, a lecturer from the Department of Nature Conservation in the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) is the first staffer from MUT to be appointed to such a position.
As he embarks on this vital mission to manage biodiversity in the northern Durban region—including the Umhlanga Nature Reserve and Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve—Govender articulates a vision that seeks to enhance the synergy between conservation research and the wildlife industry.
Honorary officers form an integral part of KZN Wildlife as they work voluntarily to ensure that the conservation efforts of the province are met. The officers, with different skills and qualifications, support Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife in executing its function of preserving natural resources.
Govender said as an academic he was happy to be appointed to such a position and be part of academia and scientific research.
He said it will help him better understand exactly what the industry needs so that he can help MUT students graduate with relevant knowledge and be equipped to handle the demands of the industry.
He said honorary officers were paramilitary conservation specialists.
“Being a conservation honorary officer, I am also an asset to the conservation of the natural resources of our country. Bilateral learning is a fabulous experience.
"The best way to bridge the gap between teaching students what the industry expects is through collaboration between research and biodiversity. It will give students a better opportunity to get into reserves. We want to develop students that are ready for industry for wildlife conservation and to become rangers” said Govender.
He said ecotourism was very important, adding that well managed and healthy game and nature reserves will attract more local and international visitors.
"We all need to conserve our environment. We have a diverse ecosystem. It would be nice to have students from international universities conduct research on our ecosystems," he said.
Govender said as an honorary officer he would like to see unity among all officers who serve one purpose and that is to conserve nature.
"I would like to improve the biodiversity knowledge of KZN Wildlife, promote the conservation of indigenous species, especially red-data species, for example, the Kloof frog, which is on the verge of extinction. I want to promote applied research in conservation and development in the province," he said.
Govender's involvement with nature and conservation started at the age of 10 when he was a scout.
After completing matric he obtained a Bachelor of Science with majors in botany, zoology and geology. He later obtained his honours and Masters in Nature Conservation.
Govender is currently doing his PhD and his research is on the mangroves of southern Africa.
He has special interest in carbon sequestration and sustainable mitigation climate change and global warming.
He thanked Professor Alfred Msomi, MUT's Dean of the Faculty of Applied and Health Sciences, and Professor Akash Anandraj, Head of the Department of Nature Conservation, for their support.
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