For many young people growing up alongside the Greater Kruger, a career in conservation can seem like a distant dream. They may know and love the bush, spend their childhood surrounded by incredible wildlife and landscapes, but without meeting people who actually work in the industry, it can be difficult to imagine what a career in the bush might look like.

The 6th Annual Careers in Conservation (CiC) Expo, held on 18 August 2026, is helping to change that.

The initiative, hosted in partnership with the Global Conservation Corps, GKEPF, Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, MalaMala, Sabi Sabi and other conservation stakeholders, reached learners in the Manyeleti and Sabi Sand regions.

The goal was to connect young people with organisations and professionals who could give them a better understanding of the opportunities available — from conservation and environmental management to ecotourism, hospitality, wildlife protection and guiding.

FGASA was proud to be part of this important initiative, with Professional Field Guide Kutullo Shai representing the association, telling the story of his journey as a FGASA career guide.

Showing young people what is possible

The Careers in Conservation initiative was established by the Global Conservation Corps after research highlighted just how limited many young people’s understanding of conservation careers can be. When GCC surveyed more than 500 students living alongside the Kruger National Park, many could identify only a handful of conservation-related careers — typically a ranger, safari guide or hospitality role.

Yet there are hundreds of career pathways within the wider conservation and tourism sector.

Since the first Expo in 2021, Careers in Conservation has grown into an annual event connecting more than 500 learners from eight high schools with universities, employers, conservation organisations and tourism operators. For many learners, this may be their first opportunity to sit down with people working as conservation scientists, veterinarians, ecologists, helicopter pilots, GIS specialists, anti-poaching practitioners, lodge managers and field guides — and to ask them what it is really like to do the job.

That personal connection is important.

Guiding as a profession

For FGASA, being part of the Expo was an opportunity to show learners that professional field guiding is a genuine career pathway within the conservation, tourism and wildlife industry.

And there is no better way to demonstrate that than through someone who is living that journey.

Kutullo Shai represented FGASA as a shining example of a professional field guide who has continued to develop and progress in his career. His story reinforces an important message for young people: becoming a qualified guide is not the end of the journey. It is the beginning of a professional career that can continue to grow through experience, learning and commitment.

For someone considering a future in the bush, guiding can offer much more than a job. It brings together knowledge of nature, people, tourism, conservation and a commitment to lifelong learning.

There are also inspiring examples of people from local communities who have taken this journey themselves. Queen Manyike, for example, grew up in Tintswalo Village near Acornhoek and went on to pursue her passion for nature through FGASA’s continued professional career pathway, mentored training and practical experience in the Greater Kruger region. Her journey is a reminder of the talent and potential that exists in the communities surrounding our protected areas.

Access creates opportunity

There is enormous talent in the communities surrounding South Africa’s protected areas. Young people are growing up on the doorstep of some of the country’s most important wildlife areas with an extraordinary knowledge, connection and love of the natural world. What they often need is access — access to information, continued professional development training, mentors, qualifications and, importantly, people who can show them that a career in conservation is possible.

That is what makes initiatives like Careers in Conservation so valuable.

For FGASA, it is an opportunity to introduce young people to professional guiding and to demonstrate that there is a place for them in the wider conservation and tourism industry, as recognised professionals.

The future of conservation depends not only on protecting our wildlife and wild spaces, but on investing in the people who will care for them.The Careers in Conservation Expo helps build that bridge — connecting young people with the people, information and opportunities that can help turn an interest in the bush into a career.

FGASA was proud to be part of it, and we look forward to seeing where the next generation takes it.