Online course

Foundations in Wildlife Conservation

This course was created in partnership with
Course Information

Course information

Next start date
Enrollment closes
Saturdays
Course frequency
Every week
Duration
Time committment
- hours
Format
Online
Optional extra
GVI Program Abroad
Price*

Book before the end of November 2024 and receive a zar 1700 scholarship

*Flexible payment options available
This course was created in partnership with
Course introduction

While the human population continues to increase, wildlife and biodiversity around the world is on the decline. Learn about the major issues affecting conservation, such as unsustainable consumption of natural resources and the climate crisis. You’ll gain foundational knowledge of conservation best practices and explore prevalent solutions to these major issues when you join GVI’s Foundations in Wildlife Conservation program.

You’ll also learn about the principles of biodiversity and ecosystem management and analyse the interaction between species and their environment. This program equips you with the foundation you need to start making a sustainable impact and begin on your chosen career path in this critical field.

Is this program for me?

This program is designed for anyone passionate about the conservation of wildlife. It’s tailored for anyone looking to enhance their knowledge and skillset in this topic or seeking to explore relevant career paths in wildlife conservation. As a multifaceted foundations program consisting of four courses – high school, college and graduate students, educators on the subject or mid-professionals seeking a career change would all benefit from taking this course.

Skills you’ll acquire

After completing this course you’ll be able to:

Earn your certification
Certification signature

Want to show colleges, universities and employers that you’ve got the knowledge and skills covered in this course? Once you’ve successfully completed any of our courses, we’ll send you a digital certificate of completion at no additional cost. The certificate will feature the official name of the course and your name. Add the certificate to your college application, your graduate school application, your job application or your LinkedIn page.

This program includes our Wildlife Conservation course. You’ll learn about current issues threatening wildlife and biodiversity, such as habitat destruction, pollution and climate change. You’ll analyse real-world case studies and explore a variety of solution-based conservation projects that have made a positive impact. Furthermore, you’ll learn about the economic, social and scientific importance of biodiversity.

This program also includes our Conservation and Scientific Research course. Topics in this course include species identification, surveying techniques and logistics, the value of partnering with local organisations to achieve conservation objectives, and the importance of health and safety protocols. You’ll also learn how to collect scientific data and survey natural habitats.

The program also includes our Careers in Sustainable Development and Leading Teams for Impact courses. In the careers course, you’ll learn about the different careers available in sustainable development. You’ll also learn how to network, write a resume, submit an application and impress during an interview. In the leadership course, you’ll identify your own leadership style. You’ll learn how to set goals, give feedback, manage conflict and identify different roles of team members.

Course curriculum
Course 1:Wildlife Conservation
Orientation to our online course
Module 1: Introduction to conservation
Module 2: Biodiversity and ecosystem management
Module 3: Key threats and pressures
Module 4: Wildlife conservation in the field
Module 5: The institutional and funding landscape
Course 2:Conservation and Scientific Research
Orientation to our online learning platform
Module 1: Target Species Identification
Module 2: Survey Techniques
Module 3: Survey Logistics
Module 4: Project partner relationships
Module 5: Health and Safety Procedures
Course 3:Careers in Sustainable Development
Orientation to our online learning platform
Module 1: Career Paths and Opportunities
Module 2: Your Values and Ways to Make an Impact
Module 3: Career Mapping and Choices
Module 4: Building Your Profile and Personal Brand
Module 5: Securing Your Dream Job
Course 4:Leading Teams for Impact
Orientation to our online learning platform
Module 1: Introduction to Team Leading
Module 2: Planning and Setting Team Goals
Module 3: Preparing by Creating a Safe, Supportive Environment
Module 4: Presenting and Communicating With Your Team
Module 5: Performing and Developing a Leadership Style
SDG Logo
13
Climate action
14
Life below water
15
Life on land
17
Partnerships for the goals
8
Decent work and economic growth
Courses crafted by experts
Michael Musgrave, PhD
Michael Musgrave, PhD
African Conservation and Sustainable Development Professional

Michael Musgrave has over two decades of experience in wildlife conservation, sustainable development and sustainable business across Central and Southern Africa. Recently, he consulted for African Parks, a non-governmental organisation, and developed an innovative community conservation project for communities who live in and around conservation areas in 16 National Parks in nine different African countries. He holds an MSc in African Ecology and a PhD in Sustainable Development.

Gabrielle L. Johnson, PhD
Gabrielle L. Johnson, PhD
Senior International Marine Program Manager and Conservation Education Specialist

Gabrielle L. Johnson has nearly a decade of experience as a senior program manager on multi-national marine conservation projects for various organisations. She has assisted with creating educational programs, usually focused on marine environments, for a range of purposes, from vocational, corporate and governmental training to children’s education initiatives. She has also served as an educational consultant for National Geographic, PADI and the Charles Darwin Foundation.

Candice Clark
Candice Clark
HR Practitioner and Career Coach

Candice Clark, a certified life coach, has spent over a decade as a human resource (HR) practitioner and has led hundreds of individuals in making crucial career decisions. Her background is in psychology and she’s a specialist wellness counsellor registered with the Association for Supportive Counsellors and Holistic Practitioners (ASCHP). She’s currently completing a Master’s of Public Health (MPH).

Cheryl Martin
Cheryl Martin
GVI Regional Director of Asia

Over the course of nearly a decade working with GVI, Cheryl Martin has led hundreds of leadership training courses around the world. Originally starting her career as an early childhood development teacher, Cheryl has over 25 years of experience as a classroom teacher and spent five as an assistant principal. As GVI’s regional director of Asia, Cheryl oversees the development of GVI staff across the Asian subcontinent.

Jill Walker
Jill Walker
GVI Director of Operations

Jill Walker has spent more than a decade in leadership positions across GVI’s many sustainable development projects around the world. As GVI’s director of operations, she oversees the development and training of dozens of GVI’s mid-level managers. Jill holds a MSc in environmental education, and she’s currently completing an integrative coaching certificate.

Includes courses in partnership with
Richmond School of Professional & Continuing Studies

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