Environmental Affairs Minister, Edna Molewa, has heaped praise on all stakeholders involved in rhino conservation.
In a statement on World Rhino Day on Friday, she thanked all government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society and all South Africans for their commitment to conserving one of the world’s most iconic species, the rhino.
“Whilst it is important to acknowledge the efforts of government departments and agencies in implementing the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros approach, at the same time we must recognize the efforts of our communities, the NGO community, business, and all ordinary South Africans who are doing their part,” said Minister Molewa.
Every year on September 22nd, the world marks World Rhino Day to raise awareness around the impact of rhino poaching. The theme of this year’s World Rhino Day is Five Rhino Species Forever; in reference to the five species of rhino: the Black rhino, While rhino, Greater one-horned rhino, Sumatran and Javan rhinos.
“As home to the largest population of rhino in the world, South Africa continues to have a proud record for species conservation…despite the grim impact of the illicit transnational wildlife trade on our rhino, we continue to register successes in bringing poaching numbers down,” said Dr. Molewa.
South Africa brought the rhino back from the brink of extinction in the 1960’s and today has an estimated 20 000 black and white rhino.
Minister Molewa said this is thanks to the collaborative conservation efforts of government departments and agencies, private rhino owners, NGO’s and most importantly, the efforts of communities living adjacent to national parks as well as state ad privately-owned conservation areas.
“Key aspects of the Integrated Strategic Management (ISM) Approach are managing rhino populations, compulsory interventions (including proactive anti-poaching measures), international and national collaboration and cooperation, as well as long-term sustainability measures,” she said.
Molewa said significant progress has been made with regards to the implementation of the interventions, such as a slow but steady decline in rhino poaching numbers.
Government’s Integrated Strategic Management Approach draws together the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster Departments as well as the Departments of Defence, Environmental Affairs, Justice, Constitutional Development and Correctional Services, the South African Police Service (SAPS), Ministry of State Security and its Agency, South African National Parks (SANParks), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), as well as provincial conservation authorities.
The Minister called on all South Africans to join hands with government to put an end to rhino poaching by reporting suspected rhino poaching activities.
“By blowing the whistle on all forms of wildlife crime you are not only contributing towards saving a species for future generations to enjoy and benefit from, you are also contributing to a safer society,” said the Minister.
