| conserving nature in trust for future generations. These numbers were
increased when the then Natal Parks Board one of the predecessors of the present KwaZulu-Natal
Nature Conservation Service took over conservation areas from the Department of Forestry and their
Honorary Officers were added to the Corps. Honorary Officers were also widely used by the
Directorate of Nature Conservation of the KwaZulu Government.
In the earlier days of the Corp, the structures were very loose and individuals assisted the
Field Officers on an ad hoc basis and this varied from individual to individual.
This gradually evolved and groups started to form at the various Protected Areas and Regions and
a closer relationship developed.
At the 1997 Annual General Meeting of the Honorary Officers it was adopted that the structure of
the Corps be developed and that all Honorary Officers work in formal groups, which are
strategically situated throughout the Province and all Honorary Officers not attached to a group
would be asked to join one of these groups. There are at present 46 groups of Honorary Officers
numbering over 900 members, working in Reserves and Regions throughout the Province. These groups
work closely with the Officers-in-Charge and have their own committees and structures.
The Chairperson of the individual groups then form the Central Liaison Committee, where a senior
NCS official acts as the Co-ordinator.
The Central Liaison Committee formulates Policy and Vision whilst the individual groups set
their own goals and tasks with the officer in charge according to the local needs.
Every group is unique in both focus and type of work undertaken. The vast skills and different
professions of the various Honorary Officers provide KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service with
a treasure trove to help run and maintain Conservation in the Province.
Honorary Officers play a significant role in supporting Conservation in this province by working
over weekends and busy periods or by providing skills and services. One admires these volunteers,
who are in their own right, busy professional and business people for giving of their time for no
reward , except the love of conservation. To quote an example, at the recent Midmar mile event
where 15000 swimmers competed and there were 20000 spectators, 60 Honorary Officers worked
continuously on a shift basis from Friday midday until Sunday night a total of 1100 man hours.
So when visiting our KwaZulu Natal Protected Areas or districts and you see an Officer with the
Green and Gold Honorary Officer shoulder titles, remember that they are there to help conserve
nature for you and future generations. |
