A Leader In Environmental Education

Preserving Nature, 
Empowering Conservation Early Childhood Development EduConservation

A Helping Hand in Conservation

Our Founder

Mrs. Sabine Plattner is deeply committed to the protection of nature and the well-being of people. She firmly believes that far greater awareness is needed of the connection between human actions and their impact on our planet’s rapidly depleting biodiversity and ecosystems

Vision

A trusted leader in conservation through research and education across Africa. 

Mission

SPAC partners with countries across Africa to build sustainable models of environmental education and communication and conducts scientific research to develop an active(ly) conservation-conscious society.

OUR PROJECTS

These are some of our core projects that demonstrate SPAC’s commitment to the protection of nature.

EduConservation

The EduConservation Programme is designed to integrate Africa-centric conservation content into the formal education systems across the continent.

This programme aims to enrich existing curricula with well-researched, relevant material that fosters a deep understanding and appreciation of nature among young learners.

In partnership with Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA), as well as governmental ministries, schools, education inspectors, and teachers, EduConservation works to cultivate a culture of environmental stewardship.

Its mission is to raise a generation of informed, responsible citizens who are committed to balancing human needs with the sustainable use of natural resources.

The project is currently in the Pilot Phase, implementing Teacher’s Toolkits (filled with lesson plans and resources) in six African countries: Republic of Congo, Namibia, Senegal, Gabon, The Kingdom of Morocco, and Rwanda.

Conservation Research

Our Conservation Research Programme is a key initiative focused on advancing biodiversity conservation through science-driven solutions.

The programme brings together local and international scientists, academic institutions, and conservation organisations to address environmental challenges in Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin.

By utilising technologies such as bioacoustics, eDNA, and AI, the programme enhances biodiversity monitoring and provides insights to inform conservation practices and policy development.

Early Childhood Development

Our Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme lays a strong foundation for young children in the Republic of Congo, combining a holistic, play based learning approach with environmental education.

Operating in areas surrounding Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki National Parks, we reach over 350 children, instilling conservation values from an early age. Beyond the classroom, one of SPAC’s goals is to actively engage parents, carers, and the wider community to cultivate a collective commitment to environmental protection.

With one mobile ECD centre ,two flagship and six satellite ECD centres, we extend education to remote areas, bridging gaps and fostering environmental awareness in underserved regions . Our vision is to nurture a generation of young people towards living in harmony with nature. 

WHO WE SUPPORT

Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) is committed to supporting communities by funding educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and sustainable development projects. We believe in empowering individuals to build a better future, and your generous contributions help us make a tangible difference in their lives.

  • George Child and Family Welfare is a designated child protection organisation, that was started from humble beginnings in September 1926. With thousands of lives changed or impacted over the years, we are still serving the community of George and spreading hope and happiness in the lives of those who are reported to us or reach out to us for assistance.

    VISIT SITE

  • A mostly intact forest landscape protects endangered species in this UNESCO-World Heritage site.
    Numerous and diverse habitats, including deciduous and evergreen tropical forests, a great diversity of wetlands, including swamp forests and periodically flooded forests, and many types of forest clearings of major conservation importance remain connected at a landscape level.

    VISIT SITE

  • The Leadership for Conservation in Africa (LCA) uses a business approach to initiate conservation-led socio-economic development in Africa. Our vision is to positively influence, accelerate and bring about the protection of rainforests and selected ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa.

    VISIT SITE

Sabine Plattner

Sabine Plattner grew up in Freiburg, post-war Germany, where she spent countless hours exploring the nearby forests. It was during this time that her deep love for nature and the woodlands began to take root. Growing up with three older brothers, Sabine learnt early on that, to be seen and heard, one had to speak up. When the opportunity to study law was denied to her in the 1960s, she turned to her second passion: education. 

After years spent educating children in the classroom, and most importantly, raising her two daughters to be well-equipped and grounded in the world, Sabine made it her life’s ambition to foster a balanced coexistence between humanity and nature – particularly through education and efforts to preserve Africa’s rainforests. 

In 2008, she initiated the nonprofit project Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC), with a focus on child welfare, early childhood development, curriculum innovation, primatology, and related research. 

In addition to her broader philanthropic work, Sabine made it her mission to protect the rainforests of the Congo Basin, specifically the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo. She realised that sustainable development in these remote and strikingly beautiful parts of the world is only possible through the active involvement of local communities, providing them with financial security and a sense of purpose through meaningful employment. 

Through the founding of Kamba African Rainforest Experiences, formerly known as the Congo Conservation Company, Sabine’s aim has always been to support socio-economic development in the region, and to draw global attention to the immense ecological value of these ecosystems through responsible eco-tourism.  

These private efforts, combined with the Hasso Plattner Foundation’s significant multi-million-euro philanthropic commitment to Odzala-Kokoua, supporting community health and education initiatives, as well as a gorilla habituation programme, help ensure a harmonious coexistence between people and nature, grounded in education and a commitment to preserving Africa’s rainforests.