WRSA report back for the period to November 2011
LIAISON WITH AUTHORITIES
PROA has established an excellent working relationship with a number of authorities directly involved in the rhino poaching saga, these include; The Hawks, NPA, DEA National and Provincial, SANParks and in particular the National Wildlife Crime Reaction Unit (NWCRU). This interaction covers a wide spectrum of activities from investigations to providing of information, calling for assistance on behalf of Rhino owners and attending numerous meetings and workshops. PROA were asked to work together with the NWCRU in the development of a National ‘Rhino Security and Coordination Plan’ and the ‘Immediate Needs Identification and call for Funding’. This document has now been approved for implementation and has been presented to NATJOINTS for their support.
LIAISON WITH INTEREST GROUPS
As with the above PROA works closely with and help coordinate and implement projects in rhino preservation, whilst serving on a number of NGO committees and boards. These include; EWT, WWF, LeadSA, SADC Rhino Management Group (RMG), Traffic SA, PHASA, SA Hunters, stoprhinopoaching.com, Conserv, Specialists and Consultants such as Karen Trendler on rhino orphans and Dr Cindy Harper (Genetics Laboratory Onderstepoort on DNA matters). We have initiated and funded special investigations and are in regular contact with potential donors to raise funds for our Needs Identification and Security Plan. On a daily basis we receive calls from rhino owners looking for advice on matters that vary from security to legislation.
We have been invited to attend various Workshops and Summits and these include; The DEA Ministers Summit, SADC RMG meeting in Namibia, EWT workshop on Trade and Dehorning, IUCN SSC Africa Rhino Specialist Group meeting in Kimberley, LeadSA launch of the Rhino Action Group (RAGe) and the RMG White Rhino Biodiversity Management Plan workshop. PROA has also been asked to attend a number of meetings and Gala Dinners to present a paper or talk to student groups. These include PHASA, Schools and the WRSA Seminar held in Pretoria.
PROA are approached on a continual basis for media comment and interviews, this covers the full spectrum of print, radio and television media in SA and Internationally. On International Rhino day alone we provided interviews on; 702, CNBC, SABC, Jacaranda, Landbou Weekblad, 50/50 and gave input on a program to be broadcast on NBC which has an international viewership of 200 million. We also field a substantive number of emails and calls from the public wanting to offer ideas or support.
Of particular importance is the close and very successful relationship with stoprhinopoaching.com (SRP.com) Elise de Villiers, Conserv Trevor Roberts, our investigators ADRI and Quemic Li Lotriet the support and assistance given by these bodies to the benefit of rhino protection has been immense. SRP.com has helped raise over R1,65 million and actively drives many projects, Conserv in turn is highly recognised by owners and investigators alike for the value of the very professional services they offer in the field of security communication and mobilizing support in the event of a poaching or attempted poaching incident, ADRI who work mostly at their own expense for the huge effort in investigations and Intel provided to the Hawks and Li for all his great work with APU training and in particular the number of recent arrests. The rhino community are indebted to these 4 very professional individuals.
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW LAWS
To assist rhino owners with the complexity of the TOPS legislation, working together with EWT have published a 52 page booklet titled the ‘EWT Rhino Security Booklet’ sponsored by the SA Mint and International Rhino Foundation. The content covers; history, security, TOPS legislation, horn stockpile, crime scene management and contact details. WE have on-going discussions with DEA National on problems experienced with TOPS legislation to assist Owners.
PROA has played an active role in promoting the legal trade in horn and supporting the lobby to Cites and Government to allow this to happen.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
WE developed the following guide in consultation with the NWCRU and are busy with its implementation and funding;
Rhino Security and Coordination Plan; Immediate Needs Identification and call for funding.
Reserve Security
Rhino Reserve management/owners to;
Carry out own reserve risk analysis and identify weak security structures or high risk areas.
Implement own staff training (short term) and purchase/install own monitoring and communication equipment.
Training
Send select staff on specialist training courses such as, rhino monitor, security management, crime scene management etc.
Target; Private and Provincial Reserve staff.
Funding is required to subsidize training courses and provide anti-poaching staff with basic kit including webbing…
Special Projects
DNA, Orphans, Rhino rescue/relocation needs, veterinary services
Equipment and Service Providers
The evaluation and purchase of high-tech electronic equipment and systems that can be used in anti-poaching initiatives. The creation of a specialist equipment stock that can be deployed nationally and returned on a needs basis.
The establishment of a service provider data base and appointment of specialist service providers on a needs basis.
Investigations, Intel
Funding to provide for information received/rewards.
Investigation costs.
Legal costs in the case of civil presecution.
The continual encouragement to supply information of suspicious or known acts of poaching.
Security Sectors
The on-going expansion of the security node system and sector co-ordination, security sectors to be based on rhino demographics and risk areas. A sector can include both Private and Provincial reserves. Expansion of the Conserv risk warning system.
Funding also to cover 3rd party operational expenses during poaching incidences
Communication
Better communication with Owners, Reserve managers and Media Partners
Funding
Co-ordinate with other fund raising initiatives to maximize effect and objectives.
(NOTE this is intended only to show the agreed focus areas, for fundraising and expenditure. The detail of specific actions or equipment needs will be agreed upon by the designated task team.)
stoprhinopoaching.com
In 2010 StopRhinoPoaching.com had the privilege of partnering with Jacaranda 94.2, who raised over R1 million towards rhino protection during a 12 hour telethon. The Jacaranda Provincial Parks Project was identified and managed by StopRhinoPoaching.com. 30 field rangers from 7 rhino reserves across 3 provinces underwent a 6 week advanced field ranger course with Quemic Integrated Security Solutions. Each of these rangers received kit and camping equipment, ensuring they have everything they need to be fully operational in the bush. Other donations of necessary equipment made by Jacaranda include GPS’s, torches, laptops, binoculars and 2 Toyota Hilux bakkies on loan to Pilanesberg and Borakalao Game Reserves. As part of StopRhinoPoaching.com’s Eastern Cape Rhino Project, a further 8 field rangers from Eastern Cape Parks are undergoing training with Quemic. The training forms part of Quemic’s social responsibility program, kit for the 8 rangers to the value of R80 000, was raised by the Land Cruiser Club of South Africa. StopRhinoPoaching.com has contributed R215 000.00 to investigations and is a sponsor of the WRSA PROA National Rhino Summit to be held in November. In total over R460 000.00 in donations has been collected through the website and facilitated projects to the value of R1.2 million have been achieved. StopRhinoPoaching.com recently launched a petition, aimed towards the South African Department of Justice, to draw on sections of the Criminal Procedures Act to deny bail to suspected rhino poachers. For details on the petition and a full summary of donations made, please visit www.stoprhinopoaching.com
US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERIVES, INTERNATIONAL RHINO FOUNDATION
We have been approached to lead a project funded by the department to carry out security assessment, training and provision of security equipment in a number of key high risk areas. It is intended with this project funding to train and equip APU’s in sectors which include National, Provincial and Private Reserves.
PROA NATIONAL PRIVATE RHINO OWNERS SUMMIT
The PROA Board resolved to invite all private rhino owners to a National Summit to be held at Onderstepoort on the 12th November. Specialists in their given fields will present to delegates what is being done to combat poaching and proposed solutions. Topics include DNA, Prosecutions, Investigations; DEA feedback, Statistics, Security plans, the need for a national Data Base, Rhino economics etc. In addition to private owners, key role players from State, Provincial and NGO’s will be invited to attend. The purpose of the summit is to give factual feedback to owners, discuss the proactive needs going forward and secure a mandate on policy issues related to the protection and preservation of privately owned rhino in SA. It is estimated over 200 delegates will attend.
MEMBER RECRUITMENT
PROA working in conjunction with RMG and WWF are in the process of establishing a comprehensive Data Base of privately owned White Rhino Populations in South Africa; this process has already started through the offices of WRSA and is being coordinated by Elise de Villiers. Once complete this data will be used among other applications to achieve a WRSA Rhino Owner Data base and for its members to pay towards the services provided by PROA/WRSA. This resolution was taken by the PROA Board at its annual meeting on the 17th November 2010. In addition non WRSA members will be encouraged to join WRSA. We will start with this process during November.
We communicate on a regular basis with the private rhino owners by newsletter, updating them on actions and issues that affect them. This includes advice on security matters.
CONCLUSION
The above is intended as a thumb sketch of activities and focus areas, by the nature of activities we are involved in; to cover in greater detail at this stage is not practical. We have received numerous emails and phone calls from WRSA members many of whom are not rhino owners, as well as non WRSA members and other NGO’s acknowledging and thanking PROA for its many actions in the war against poaching.
As a result of the media coverage we have participated in, millions worth of publicity has been brought to create greater awareness of the barbaric slaughter of our rhino as well as what PROA/WRSA are doing to combat this onslaught both in South Africa and internationally.