Making a Difference with Project Rhino KZN

Imake a Difference donated R250,000 in December for ZAP-Wing pilot Etienne Gerber. He plays a vital role in all rhino security in Zululand and knowing that his contract is secure for the next year is much appreciated by the team over there.

As 2014 starts, there’s no let-up in the threats posed by poaching syndicates; but the intensifying efforts of all Project Rhino KZN members last year were encouraging. Efforts resulted in 63 arrests of known poachers and syndicate members and restricted the rate of poaching. Compared to other areas of South Africa, KZN fared better but there is no room for complacency, so the hard work will continue. ZAP-Wing is a key part of the growing rhino security operations and the support of Imake a Difference and everyone involved definitely helps, instead of waiting for the poachers to strike moves can be made. Poaching syndicates adapt constantly so they have to continually review what to do and find better, improved ways of countering the threats. KZN assessed their progress over the past two years and have identified five priorities that will guide work in 2014-2015 which our efforts will support:

 1. Security

• Zap - Wing - aerial surveillance support for 26 game reserves under constant threat in northern KZN

• Rhino security operations & establishment of a joint Ops Centre

• Specialised training for rangers and anti-poaching teams

• Equipment for anti-poaching teams

• Informant funding

• Establish security/communication networks amongst game reserves in Zululand & the Midlands

2. Education & Awareness

• Rhino Art Campaign with celebrity African explorer Kingsley Holgate

• International Youth Rhino Summit (World Rhino Day)

• Youth Leadership Wilderness programme

• Sustainable food gardens & income generation in poor rural communities linked to poaching

• Community Rhino Ambassadors

• Vietnam awareness campaign with Freeland & ENV

 3. Legal/Judiciary

• Improve conviction rates

• Lobbying for harsher sentences

• Lobby for improved legislation around wildlife crime

 4. Lobbying & Strategic Relationships - At local, national, SADC and international levels to continually increase political and socio-economic support against rhino poaching and all wildlife crime

 5. Fundraising & Marketing/PR - generate sufficient funds to match increasing needs and maintain/increase support of donors, the public and external stakeholders for the Priorities above.

Recent studies have shown that the demand for rhino horn is increasing and so is the number of criminal syndicates operating in South Africa. The illegal trade in rhino horn, along with ivory, is also funding terrorist activities, making it a threat not only to our wildlife but people too. We also realise that there is increasing pressure on our reserves by the communities living in poverty next to them.

As a result, to respond effectively to the current rhino poaching crisis requires the involvement of all citizens and all stakeholders in South Africa’s social, economic and political sectors, as well as the international community. We acknowledge and deeply appreciate the concern of all who rally behind these efforts.

KZN want to pass on their grateful thanks to everyone who helped raised these funds.