Conservation has been described as the wise use of the resources of the Earth for future generations.  The Conservation Section of WESSA therefore has an obligation to help facilitate the conservation of all our natural resources and to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy a healthy environment.  As a rapidly developing country South Africa needs to focus on sustainable options and ensure we conserve the diversity of natural ecosystems, understanding that this underpins everything.     

Part of the WESSA conservation strategy is the need to preserve natural systems for the benefit of the environment and future generations. There is also a need to ensure that environmental considerations are incorporated into economic and other development plans, programmes and projects.

WESSA aims to respond to the following broad categories of Environmental Issues and Risks:

1. Biodiversity Loss
2. Energy and related issues
3. Policy development and implementation including National and International Laws and Conventions
4. Waste and Water Management
5. Climate Change (As cross-cutting theme)
6. Social Issues

WESSA's conservation strategic action plan will encompass the following sub objectives:

• Implement a Climate Change strategy, which seeks to build alliances, promote sustainable living and is crosscutting over all other environmental issues and risks.
• Promote and encourage the philosophy of "reduce, re-use and recycle" across the board.
• Promote public participation in the commenting on of Environmental Impact Assessments through EIA Capacity Building Training Program. Engage with local authorities on environmental and planning issues.
• Promote the formation of conservancies, friends groups throughout various sectors of civil society and other environmental non-governmental organizations.
• Promote public awareness and involvement in all relevant environment forums and initiatives e.g. Coastwatch, Blue Flag, Catchment Management etc.
• Promote and capacitate civil society in their environmental watchdog role. Promote an awareness among WESSA members to issues such as, N2 Wild Coast Toll Road, Xolobeni Mining,  Mpumalanga Lakes District Coal Mining,  Marines issues etc. 
• Influence policy and decision making at all strategic levels of local, Provincial and National government. WESSA should strive to be represented on steering committees where WESSA can add value to research, decision-making and community projects.
• Promote a culture of change within WESSA to the needs of the times. This will be achieved by, keeping policy and position statements up to date as well as dynamic, relevant and flexible.

WESSA has the advantage that it has a very wide reach in South Africa.  There are Regions in all the 9 provinces which all have branches and friends groups.  The Conservation Division encourages all people to get involved in "Caring for the Earth".  Even the smallest contribution can make a big difference.  Do not leave for the next person to do, but help us all look after our wonderful country.  If we can be empowered by people like you, WESSA will ensure that the best possible environmental outcomes are achieved at all levels.

Climate Action Partnership (CAP) at http://www.cap.org.za/

WESSA has numerous other projects such as the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Capacity Building program where we seek to empower people to comment on development in their areas as Interested and Effected Parties.  There is an elephant collaring project bordering the Kruger National Park.  The Blue Flag Programme as well as the Mondi Wetland Programme also fall under the Conservation Division.