Leaders of tomorrow to nurture earth

In a first for Nelson Mandela Bay, environmental education has been included in the curriculum of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) Business School through a partnership with the Wilderness Foundation of Southern Africa.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by the Business School’s Director Professor Piet Naude and the Wilderness Foundation executive director Andrew Muir, provides a framework for co-operation in environmental education and leadership between the organisations.

A breakthrough for conservation

‘This is a breakthrough for conservation. It is vital that the leaders of tomorrow understand how important it is to use the earth’s limited resources wisely and sustainably,’ says Muir.

‘Including conservation in business studies supports the Wilderness Foundation’s vision of being a leadership organisation that strives to create opportunities for economic and social equality,’ he says.

The NMMU Business School’s commitment will include the development and presentation of appropriate academic modules and an executive level programme in environmental thinking and management through the Leadership Academy, which offers executive education and corporate learning, and the Graduate School with its MBA and DBA study programmes, according to Naude.

The Business School and Wilderness Foundation will also pursue an exchange of programmes, experiences, information and knowledge. They will jointly host public events to create awareness, and collaborate in the area of ecological information and business services.

Business leaders take the lead

‘The NMMU Business School is serious about environmental education and the importance of this area.  In order to achieve an ecologically intelligent and sustainable future, we cannot solely rely on the actions of governments and politicians. Business leaders have to take the lead in ecological care, innovation and conservation,’ says Naude.

‘It is therefore our vision to instil and promote amongst students, employees and our corporate stakeholders, leaders of tomorrow,  a deep sense of devotion and commitment to the environment, the earth’s natural resources and conservation.’