An Induction Workbook for Interns in the Environment and Biodiversity Sector

This 2011 induction workbook by WWF South Africa provides a comprehensive guide for interns in the environment and biodiversity sector. It outlines the structure of the South African environmental landscape—including national, provincial, and local government roles—and categorizes biodiversity careers into six main fields. The guide offers practical advice on workplace ethics, performance appraisals, and the process of applying for permanent employment within the 'green economy'.

• The environmental sector in South Africa is a significant employer, with a conservative estimate of at least 250,000 employees across various entities including national, provincial, and local government, private consulting firms, CBOs, and NGOs. Experts suggest that 'greening' the economy could potentially create 462,000 new jobs, particularly in areas such as reducing energy use and pollution, green buildings, public transport, and the restoration of natural resources like soil, wetlands, and rivers.
• The South African environmental sector is structured across several levels of governance and organizational types. National government provides leadership in policy and strategy, with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) acting as the lead agent for the environment and the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) serving as the custodian of water resources. Parastatals like South African National Parks (SANParks) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) support these mandates through the management of protected areas and biodiversity research, respectively.
• Biodiversity-related occupations are categorized into six broad fields: biodiversity management (e.g., field rangers and reserve managers), extension (mainstreaming biodiversity in production landscapes), enforcement of environmental legislation (e.g., inspectors and environment lawyers), education and skills development, advocacy and communications (e.g., campaign organisers), and research and monitoring.

APA

G., R., & E., R. (2011). An Induction Workbook for Interns in the Environment and Biodiversity Sector. WWF South Africa. http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/induction_into_the_environmental_sector___working_for_a_greener_world.pdf

Chicago

G., Raven,, and Rosenberg, E. An Induction Workbook for Interns in the Environment and Biodiversity Sector. WWF South Africa, 2011. http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/induction_into_the_environmental_sector___working_for_a_greener_world.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=G. |first1=Raven, |last2=E. |first2=Rosenberg, |title=An Induction Workbook for Interns in the Environment and Biodiversity Sector |publisher=WWF South Africa |date=2011 |url=http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/induction_into_the_environmental_sector___working_for_a_greener_world.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{g2011induction, author = {G., Raven, and E., Rosenberg,}, title = {{An Induction Workbook for Interns in the Environment and Biodiversity Sector}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, year = {2011}, url = {http://awsassets.wwf.org.za/downloads/induction_into_the_environmental_sector___working_for_a_greener_world.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }