FROM the beach, the grasslands all the way through to the mountains, flora and fauna enthusiast, Andre Steenkamp thrives in nature in all its elements.
Although he prefers not be limited titles or a specific niche, Andre is a trained and qualified consulting environmental educator and environmental education specialist. He is also qualified as a nature guide. Over and above his many projects and adventures, he currently offers tours at the Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve in Yellowwood Park and works closely with Sodurba Tourism CTO.
“I enjoy myself immensely when I’m working with a group of people. I don’t regard myself an important person in what I do. My enthusiasm is for nature. I’d rather see myself as a magnifying glass to the many fascinating organisms that live among us.
“For me it’s not only about pointing out trees or birds and giving out basic facts. Because there is no connection that is made between people in my class or tour and the natural gem that they have visited. Nor do they learn how they can positively contribute to the conservation of that place or the environment in general. There needs to be a connection. To achieve this one needs to connect people’s experiences into what we’re experiencing at that moment in time. In whatever I do, I love to get the locals involved. The aim is to create a sense of wonder about the environment,” said Andre who has picked up a lot of practical skills in his lifetime, which enable him to speak to a broader spectrum of people.
“People’s willful ignorance towards how they perceive and interact with nature and animals is a main challenge in what I do. Therefore, the most important thing for me is adult education. Adults are the decision makers right now. We won’t get very far if we keep passing the buck onto the next generation and wait on them to make a change. We need to take responsibility of what’s happening in wildlife and the environment right now,” said Andre who also stressed the importance of a united community approach in dealing with issues.
While there are issues that threaten the environment, when asked which one he feels most strongly about, Andre said it had to be plastic pollution. “There are a number of industries that benefit off the production of plastic. I’m not saying completely shut down these industries because they are a means to a livelihood for many. But we have the technology and scientific knowledge to pull back our reliance on plastic. There’s always another, better way. The amount of litter that washes down onto our beaches from inland is shocking. Yet you’ll find only a small segment of the population going out to do clean-ups. We’re not addressing the core issue. There needs to be strong educational messages on how to better manage and dispose of this harmful product,” he said.
It was his curiosity for nature that nudged him into stumbling upon his passion. He worked as a maintenance man at a lodge in Eshowe. It was there where he met a guide who had also been working there who encouraged him to write the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) exam. He has never looked back. He worked at WESSA Treasure Beach on the Bluff for six years, laying the foundation of a wealth of experience in environmental education and nature conservation. His career highlights include lecturing at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), working for Birdlife South Africa, Tidal Tao in Shaka’s Rock, Durban Green Corridor as well as the Wilderness Leadership School in Yellowwood Park.
“There are so many connections between people and nature that are simply not connecting. If I am able to change a person’s perception of their natural surroundings, I have not only been successful at my job but I have made a new friend, naturally,” he said.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179. The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. (Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun).
