DEA on Budget Vote 2016/2017

[Toko]

https://www.environment.gov.za/mediarel ... budgetvote


Rhino poaching

I would like to turn now to the rhino poaching situation.

By the end of 2015, rhino poaching figures had relatively stabilized. We attribute this preliminary success to the Integrated Strategic Management Approach involving the various relevant government departments, our private sector partners and stakeholders, the local and international donor community, as well as South Africans from all walks of life.

In this regard, I would like to recognize in particular, the hard work done by all our people and Rangers on the ground. We also thank the hardworking officials in the criminal justice system - from investigators, to prosecutors to magistrates for an increase in the number of arrests and successful convictions for rhino poaching.

Cooperation with neighboring countries continues to play a role in the implementation of the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros, approved by Cabinet in 2014.

We have enhanced cooperation with Mozambique, and have interacted at the highest level through two Presidential visits as well as at ministerial level.

As part of the Integrated Strategic Management approach, during 2016, we plan to conduct anti-poaching awareness campaigns in a number of East Asian countries.

Cabinet had appointed an Inter-Ministerial Committee to provide guidance relating to the possibility of proposing a legal, regulated, commercial international trade in rhino horn to the Convention on International trade in Endangered Species (CITES) COP17.

Flowing from a Committee of Inquiry Report, considered by the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) that was further tabled and ratified by Cabinet in April 2016, a decision was made as follows;

To implement the following minimum requirements that will create an environment conducive for rhino conservation in South Africa and effectively address rhino poaching and the illegal trade in rhino horn, namely:

The adoption and implementation of the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking;
Community empowerment, including the development, adoption and implementation of a Community Empowerment Plan;
Biological management, including the adoption of an African rhino range States African Rhino Conservation Action Plan;
Responsive legislative provisions that are effectively implemented and enforced, including incentives to rhino owners to support continued investment in the conservation of rhino; and
Demand management, including information gathering to enhance our knowledge about demand for rhino horn and identifying the most effective interventions to manage demand.
Based on the Cabinet decision, South Africa will not be applying for the opening of a legal, international commercial trade in rhino horn at this coming CITES 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES COP17) which will be hosted in South Africa from 24 September to 5 October 2016.

COP17 will be preceded by a high-level Ministerial meeting on 23rd September 2016 to discuss the role of CITES in advancing Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and the SDG's, especially as this relates to conservation.

This important event will afford our country an opportunity to showcase its rich biodiversity and sustainable use management practices which has resulted in South Africa being one of the most successful conservation countries today.

In addition, South Africa will demonstrate its commitment in the utilization of its natural resources in contributing to socio-economic development of poor and rural communities as part of the development agenda of government.

To ensure Africa’s unity at the upcoming CoP17, the Africa Group preparatory meeting will take place prior to the Conference.

A total of R15.2m has been allocated to enhance South Africa’s legacy programme of the 17th CoP to CITES and beyond. This includes the establishment the Youth and Conservation Programme that will ensure the mobilization and formal integration of the youth in conservation and the biodiversity economy initiatives.

[Lisbeth]

What is "SDG" ? Sustainable Development goal?