The next generation of landowners and Share block owners will play a significant role in the management, and therefore, biodiversity of the Umbabat in future. Our annual B-NextGen get together aims to keep the next generation informed on how the reserve is run, how they can get involved, and most importantly create a sense of community amongst them all.
B-NextGen can either stand for “Be” the Next generation or “Biodiversity” Next Generation, how you want to interpret it is up to you. However, at the end of the day we must all take responsibility for the management of the reserve in order to sustain it biodiversity. How, you may ask?
“Be”:
- involved
- informed
- a contributor
The annual get together will take place once a year as is open to children of landowners and share block owners from the age of 16. During the 3 day get together you will learn about:
- How the reserve is managed – a talk by the Warden
- Research – what research is currently underway
- Outreach and fundraising – how we give back, both in the reserve and the surrounding rural communities
- Sustainable utilisation – how do we balance the ecosystem to ensure we sustain it
- Veterinary services – why are vets needed and what do they do, understanding permits, disease, etc.
- One other fun topic e.g. Photography – as a group you can chose the topic
But lets not forget that this time together is not all about learning but also about creating a sense of community and therefore getting to know each other. Your time will therefore also be punctuated by sleep-outs, team builders and bush walks.
Schedule (flexible):
Day 1:
- Arrive at the reserve – all B-NexGen members will stay in their own accommodation
- Braai get together
Day 2:
- Bush walk
- Breakfast
- Talks
- Lunch
- Talks
- Evening sleep out
Day 3:
- Breakfast
- Talks
- Lunch
- Team builder
- Dinner
Day 4:
- Final talk/ feedback and breakfast
- Departure