AW Ideas on Solving the Rhino Poaching Problem

[Richprins]

Hello!

Have been looking at media for a year or more now, and it seems clear some "out of the box" thinking is required regarding ideas to stop or slow down the problem.

A multi-pronged approach is required, obviously, including law-enforcement, International Relations, Anti-corruption etc.

I think the short and long-term solution involves "Education".

By that I don't mean educating schoolchildren at all, that will take too long.

My idea is to remind previously disadvantaged rural communities neighbouring Parks that rhino are a massive drawcard for tourism, especially Internationally, and contribute to a Billion Rand industry in some areas, providing jobs and income for entire regions.

Also, if rhino go, elephant, lion and others may be next on the list, leaving tourists to seek other destinations.


Ideas?

[Sprocky]

If you are found within the countries borders, with a firearm, and no legal entry documents, you are a terrorist!

Any other country in the world takes a firm stance against terrorism, we should do the same!

The rest of the world should stand behind us and give the go-ahead to hunt these terrorists down and kill them, even if it means following them across international borders!

There is NO difference between these thugs and the likes of Bin Ladn and Hussain!

[Penga Ndlovu]

RP.

Your "previous disadvantaged" are still disadvantadged under the government they have chosen themselves.
This government is doing Jack .... for them and when they can make a dungheap full of money by killing a rhino they will still do it while you are talking trying to educate them.
I guess that makes you a teacher.

Like Sprocks said.

When a bugger comes into your house with a gun you kill him there and then.
You don't try and educate him on human ethics as they have none.

[Richprins]

I don't think so. Many in adjacent areas are perfectly aware of the rands and cents value tourism has brought to their lives for many decades!

[Sprocky]

RP, you asked for ideas...

Ideas?

I don't think so. Many in adjacent areas are perfectly aware of the rands and cents value tourism has brought to their lives for many decades!

Let people give their ideas without you correcting them in what you think is correct.

[Richprins]

Fair enough!

[RobertT]

Fence needs to go up, more troops on ground and if Mozambique doesn't want to co-operate, close border so no trade goes through to or from port, all finances going to Mozambique from all their citizens employed here is stopped. Holiday makers are encouraged not to go to Mozambique.

[Bushcraft]

Fence needs to go up, more troops on ground and if Mozambique doesn't want to co-operate, close border so no trade goes through to or from port, all finances going to Mozambique from all their citizens employed here is stopped.

Community leaders need to be educated and they will influence all as that’s the way it works, but do government realize the big picture.

Personally I don’t think so because surely a more proactive approach would have been forthcoming, so maybe start by educating the top brass.

IMO international pressure is the only thing that will force interest from the top brass as they hate to be made to look incompetent

[Bushcraft]

This is an incredibly frustrating topic for me personally because it triggers massive emotional responses and unfortunately I can’t post what is a sensible solution, so I hope others can post without emotion for the greater good as I can’t

Positive solutions are required, but with all this poaching I can’t raise a smile

[Penga Ndlovu]

I don't think so. Many in adjacent areas are perfectly aware of the rands and cents value tourism has brought to their lives for many decades!

I do agree with that.
And I do agree that education on all levels is the only solution.
BUT.
That is a long term solution.

The averadge Tom, Dick and Harry on the ground with a few mouths to feed and no job, prospect or future of a few pennies in his pocket will not listen to the tribe elders or sangomas while there are hungry mouths screaming in his ears for a srap of food.
When a bozo comes along and offer him a few thousand rand to go and kill a Rhino most of them will do it.

It is time for their government to step in and give them what they promised them. Work.
Then we can work further on this problem.
There is no short term solution to this problem.
Only a deterring one and that one is an ugly one.