“The Art of Tracking may well be the origin of science. After hundreds of thousands of years, traditional tracking skills may soon be lost. Yet tracking can be developed into a new science with far-reaching implications for nature conservation.” – Louis Liebenberg (The Art of Tracking).
The Tracker Academy endeavors to contribute significantly to the preservation of indigenous knowledge in South Africa by creating passionate African naturalists. The aim of the program is to empower the custodians of Africa’s wilderness to preserve the continents last remaining wild areas. By the skills they learn through the Tracking Academy, these naturalists will bring authenticity and accuracy to environmental education, anti-poaching, eco-tourism, data collection in field, research and conservation.
The Tracker Academy recruits candidates from disadvantaged communities whose dream it is to work in conservation, and who show an aptitude in traditional skills of tracking. From there they are trained in a 1 year, full time intensive tracking course, led by 3 experienced trainers. In addition to tracking, the course also focuses on developing conservation and life-skills such as literacy and positive health.
The Tracking Academy is made possible by the Rupert Nature Foundation and is a partnership between the SA College for Tourism, Samara Game Reserve, Londolozi Game Reserve and Alex van den Heever. The SACT operates under the auspices of Peace Parks Foundation with the financial assistance of a number of national and international donors including the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund and the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation. To find out more about the Tracking Academy and how you can be involved visit – http://www.trackeracademy.co.za
