Conservation Week Te Wiki Tiaki Ao Tūroain New Zealand is a time to celebrate and cherish the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty surrounding us.
It’s a week dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of conservation and inspiring everyone, especially the youth, to play an active role in preserving our natural heritage.
Below we explore a little more about the importance of the week, ways to get involved, and the top careers to explore if you’ve got a passion for all things conservation and the natural environment!
Conservation Week: Embrace the Call of Nature
Conservation Week is an annual event in New Zealand, held in spring when nature comes alive with vibrant colours and renewed life.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) leads this nationwide initiative, encouraging individuals, schools, and communities to engage in various conservation activities and projects.
The focus is on connecting people with nature, fostering a deeper appreciation for our unique wildlife and ecosystems, and instilling a responsibility to protect and preserve our natural heritage for future generations.
This year, the week will run from the 14th to the 20th of August under the theme, Take Action for Nature.
3 Ways to Get Involved This Conservation Week
There are plenty of ways to show your support this week and make a positive impact on our natural world doesn’t have to be hard work.
It’s much better to start with small actions you can enact consistently and build on them over time!
Here are a few ways to get involved this week:
- Conservation Nature Walks and Hikes: There’s no better way to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature than by participating in guided nature walks and hikes during Conservation Week. Join local DOC-led events or explore nearby conservation areas with your friends and family. You will witness awe-inspiring landscapes and learn about the importance of native flora and fauna and the need to safeguard their habitats. Take a pair of gloves and a rubbish bag with you and commit to picking up any litter along the way to help keep these spaces clean and pollution free.
- Community Planting Days: Become a conservation champion in your local community by participating in community planting days. These events offer a hands-on experience where you can plant native trees and shrubs, restoring and enhancing the natural environment. It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a tangible impact and see the fruits of your labour grow and thrive over time.
- Citizen Science Projects: As aspiring young scientists, you can actively contribute to conservation efforts through citizen science projects. Organisations like DOC and local wildlife trusts often run projects that collect species data, track their behaviours, and monitor biodiversity. Your observations and findings will provide valuable insights for conservationists and contribute to vital research.
Discover more events, activities and resources for the week via the dedicated DOC webpage.
Exploring Careers in the Conservation Industry
Are you passionate about the environment and looking to turn your love for nature into a fulfilling career?
The conservation industry offers a range of exciting and meaningful careers where you can positively impact the planet.
Here are eight captivating careers to consider:
- Conservation Ranger: As a conservation ranger, you’ll be vital in managing and protecting natural reserves and wildlife habitats. You’ll be responsible for monitoring species, conducting pest control, and engaging with the public to raise awareness about conservation.
- Marine Biologist: Dive into the depths of our oceans and study marine life as a marine biologist. You’ll explore coral reefs, study marine ecosystems, and work towards preserving our precious marine biodiversity.
- Environmental Educator: If you have a passion for teaching and connecting with others, consider a career as an environmental educator. You’ll design and deliver educational programs, inspiring the next generation to care for the environment.
- Wildlife Veterinarian: Combine your love for animals with a career as a wildlife veterinarian. You’ll provide medical care to wildlife, rehabilitate injured animals, and contribute to conservation research.
- Sustainability Consultant: As a sustainability consultant, you’ll work with businesses and organisations to develop eco-friendly practices, reduce their environmental impact, and promote sustainability.
- Ecologist: Study the intricate relationships between organisms and their environments as an ecologist. Your research will contribute to understanding and conserving diverse ecosystems.
- Park Ranger: Park rangers are the guardians of our national parks and protected areas. Your role will involve managing visitors, enforcing conservation regulations, and preserving the natural beauty of these locations.
- Conservation Photographer/Videographer: Combine your passion for photography or videography with conservation as a career. Capture breathtaking images and videos of wildlife and natural landscapes to raise awareness about conservation issues.
Top Tip: Many of our employer partners have exciting careers utilising sustainable actions to support our natural world, like those mentioned above. Head to our employer profiles today to start exploring!
Take Action for Nature in 2023
Conservation Week is the perfect time to explore your interests in the natural world and consider a fulfilling career in conservation.
By getting involved in local events and learning about these exciting career opportunities, you’ll take the first step towards creating a brighter and greener future for New Zealand’s precious environment.
Embrace the call of nature, and let your passion for conservation lead the way.
