Communities to benefit from rhino programmes

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Pretoria – Communities near the Kruger National Park are to benefit from a number of new initiatives that support the game-changing pillar of South Africa’s integrated rhino strategy.

“This includes, for example, addressing basic human needs such as water provision to poor neighbouring communities to be funded through rhino-related programmes, to economic opportunities associated with various benefits derived from live rhinos through community-managed rhino conservation initiatives,” SANParks Chief Executive Officer Fundisile Mketeni said.

Speaking at the second annual World Wildlife Day celebrations on Tuesday, he said SANParks would focus on communities bordering the southern Kruger National Park Intensive Rhino Protection Zone (IPZ) with the broader vision expanding around the extent of the Park’s border.

“Initial discussions have already taken place with communities associated with the Lisbon area and areas between Phabeni and Numbi Gates adjacent to the Kruger National Park,” Mketeni said.

He appealed to communities who are reliant on the natural resources as a means of survival, economically and socially to be against the destruction of the rhino and wild species of plant or animals.

“You, as the eyes and ears of our government, the police and your communities, must join forces with us in combating poaching by blowing the whistle on this heinous crime,” Mketeni said.

He said South Africa was home to approximately 21 000 white and black rhinoceros, of which most are found in the Kruger National Park.

This represents 93% of the world’s total rhino population.

The theme for this year’s World Wildlife Day is “Wildlife Crime is serious: let’s get serious about wildlife crime”. 

“The aim is to highlight the positive role that local communities can play in helping to curb illegal wildlife trade,” Mketeni said.

He said government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to addressing rhino poaching. 

“This includes the introduction of new, and the amendment of existing, legislation and policies, and greater coordination between sister departments and law enforcement agencies as a means of combating wildlife crime,” Mketeni said. – SAnews.gov.za