Science | Leadership | Sustainability
Science | Leadership | Sustainability
We develop future environmental leaders. South Africa needs skilled conservation leaders. Nsasani aims to develop conscious environmental leaders using Kruger National Park as a classroom, supported by research facilities, staff, partners, and donors for impactful programs locally and globally.
Inspired by the Umbrella tree, Vachellia tortilis, our “Under the Standing Tree” philosophy fosters co-learning and inclusive communication, where both teachers and learners participate actively in knowledge exchange. All of this happens in our outdoor classroom, the Kruger National Park!
Origin of the Standing Tree: It was a story told by a gentleman called Tata Yelelo from Cala Reserve, Eastern Cape. When asked to share his knowledge and to teach a course, he said:
Our ethos unites science, leadership, and sustainability, combining research and training, empowering future conservation leaders, and building resilience in both people and nature.
Nsasani’s ethos centres on inclusive, transformational education that empowers South African students to become confident science leaders through experiential, field-based learning and strong mentorship.
It is grounded in social justice, practical skills development and a commitment to building sustainable, regenerative human–nature systems while fostering global citizenship and ethical leadership.
All SSLI training is custom-designed in partnership with SANParks and other conservation stakeholders to meet each group’s needs, blending theory and field-based inquiry for an immersive learning experience grounded in Nsasani’s philosophy of science, leadership, and sustainability.
The SSLI Field Station is more than just infrastructure — it’s a model of sustainability and a hub for co-learning, diversity, and innovation. Here, students collaborate with experienced practitioners, gain mentorship, and engage in real-world problem-solving, developing as adaptive leaders committed to sustainability both locally and globally.
A world-class research and education facility delivering purposeful, inclusive, and transformative skills development programmes for the biodiversity sector across southern Africa.
The story of Nsasani Trust and the Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative begins with a shared vision — to create an inclusive, field-based science education programme that empowers South Africans to lead in conservation.
Read about the key milestones in the Nsasani and SSLI journey.
Nsasani Trust delivers courses rooted in science, leadership, and sustainability, using Kruger National Park as a classroom. From high school to professional levels, we create inclusive learning journeys with a strong focus on empowering women in science.
Our programmes are open to students, early-career professionals, educators, and researchers. We offer multi-level programming suitable for high school learners, university students, and biodiversity practitioners.
You can help by donating to fund student scholarships, sponsoring research, or contributing to campus sustainability projects. Every contribution helps shape the future of science leadership.
The SSLI Field Station is in Skukuza, the scientific and administrative heart of the Kruger National Park.
The Skukuza Science Leadership Initiative (SSLI) is a partnership between the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), the Nsasani Trust, and South African National Parks.
This initiative is aimed at bridging the gap between disadvantaged communities, tertiary education, and the biodiversity sector.