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breathe

Live deeply, tread lightly

Who we are

Breathe Conservation is a registered non-profit organisation founded in 2018. Our team draws from personal life experiences to raise national and international awareness about the urgent need for environmental conservation, particularly in rural and local communities. We believe that real, lasting change begins at the grassroots level, where connection, education and empowerment can take root and thrive.

KZN Coastal Forest - Linda Ness
Credit -Ocean Planet Media

Mission and Values

Our mission is to promote environmental responsibility by inspiring and educating communities, especially the youth, to "live deeply and tread lightly." We encourage mindfulness around how human actions impact the environment, including where resources come from and where waste goes. Our vision is to drive ocean conservation and community development through education, aiming to nurture future generations who value and protect the natural world.

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Approach and Plan

Our strategy centers around education and practical solutions. We aim to raise awareness about plastic pollution and offer accessible, sustainable alternatives to drive behavioral change. By making people more conscious of their consumption habits, we hope to reduce environmental impact and inspire a culture of responsibility and stewardship.

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Credit - Crit Media

Impact in Action

Since our founding, Breathe Conservation has made a measurable difference through monthly reef clean-ups (collecting over 200kg of waste to date), guided educational walks, school programs, keynote talks, and public events. These initiatives engage individuals across all ages and sectors in the importance of preserving ocean ecosystems and our broader environment.

Program Facilitator

During one of our reef clean-up events, local resident Jama Bulwana expressed a strong interest in Breathe Conservation’s work. Recognizing his passion for environmental education, we welcomed him into our Marine Guide training program. Jama has since earned an NQF2 qualification endorsed by FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa) and now plays a vital role as a certified Marine Guide. He is also a qualified field guide through this qualification and is completing his practical hours to be a qualified Learn to swim coach with Swimming South Africa.  Jama is committed to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with local communities.

Jama Bulwana - Ocean Planet Media

Umdloti Primary School

Umdloti Primary School, a public institution in the Verulam/Umdloti farmland area, serves around 1200 learners, most of whom have limited access to basic resources. The school’s proximity to rivers and wetlands presents unique learning opportunities, and challenges. Through our Environmental Education Program, these learners gain a deeper understanding of nature, wildlife safety, and biodiversity. We hope that this experience will inspire interest in environmental studies and conservation-focused careers. Umdloti is one of several schools we teach marine ecology at- currently reaching close to 1000 grade 6 learners in rural schools in KZN.

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Credit - Ocean Planet Media

EEDP

The Environmental  Education Development Program, designed to serve schools in and around the Durban area. Certified Marine Guides lead students through an age-appropriate curriculum tailored to the specific ecosystems near their schools. Topics include species identification, pollution, weather and climate, and broader environmental challenges. This program equips students with knowledge and experiences that build environmental awareness, appreciation, and responsibility.

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Sustainable Development

Breathe Conservation aligns its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), adopted in 2015 to address global issues like poverty, climate change, health, and inequality. Our Environmental Education Program supports seven of these goals by providing quality education, promoting clean water and sanitation, encouraging responsible consumption, and fostering an appreciation for life below water and on land. Through collaboration, we believe we can make a lasting, global impact.

By making people more conscious of their consumption habits, we hope to reduce environmental impact and inspire a culture of responsibility and stewardship.

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