Utility-scale wind and solar energy producer BTE Renewables’ Swellendam-based Excelsior wind energy facility has partnered with the Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust (ORCT) to help it conserve and protect the rare flora of the area, including the important and critically endangered species it supports.
While linked to biodiversity and overall environment management, BTE Renewables’ Excelsior facility has committed funding to the ORCT that has an added socioeconomic development benefit, through skills development support.
The support, in the form of funding a three-year internship programme, was identified as a need by the ORCT.
The internship has been provided to a graduate conservation student, seeking on-the-ground experience. In general, finding practical experience students can rely on to launch themselves into the conservation field is a challenge for many conservation graduates.
BTE Renewables’ sustainability director Libby Hirshon says the partnership with ORCT forms part of the various initiatives the company supports under its environmental stewardship banner – a key focus area of BTE Renewables’ overarching sustainability strategy.
“We believe that funding the ORCT internship serves multiple purposes from an impact perspective, as it has provided a promising student this opportunity, feeding into our commitment to youth and livelihoods development,” she says.
Hirshon adds that the internship also links to BTE Renewables’ environmental stewardship commitment as it facilitates ORCT to operate more effectively and also educates and hosts school children and other visitors at the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve, among other important research, marketing and monitoring activities.