Address the demand side in rhino markets
The illicit trade in wildlife will only end when there is a global shift in attitudes, writes Jason Bell
ONE thing is clear in the conservation world: there is no such thing as a unified conservation ethic. Rather, conservation is a heterogeneous force with varied values, attributes, opinions and approaches. In theory, this is understandable, especially given different cultural and historical perspectives.
However, in practice, placing too much emphasis on one value over the other can present complex challenges. And, when such challenges are manifested in unscrupulous killing, we are confronted with a moral dilemma.
The rhino poaching crisis is a case in point. The killing of rhinos for their horns does not exist in a vacuum but, rather, is symptomatic of a far more complex problem, one where tradition and culture is often used to promote commercial exploitation. Be it elephants and ivory, tigers and tiger parts or, rhinos and rhino horn, the endpoint is the same — profit. The value of the animals and/or their parts and derivatives, is expressed in economic terms. Now, some argue that this is simply indicative of the world we find ourselves in today and that’s that. I, however, find this a very bitter pill to swallow. Allow me to elaborate.
First, I don’t think you have to be an economist to know that economic growth is an increase in the production and consumption of goods and services and is a function of population and percapita consumption. Now, this in itself raises my eyebrows when I think about the use of rhino horn and especially the fact that China, the world’s fastest growing economy, is the world’s largest consumer of horn.
While not familiar with complex economic models, I would hazard a guess that supply and demand models should be based on somewhat reliable estimates of the perceived growth in percapita consumption, but it concerns me that those who advocate controlled, legal trade in rhino horn do not provide reliable estimates on the demand side. How on earth can you talk about meeting demand through regulated trade without having an understanding of the nature of demand in the Chinese market, let alone other markets?
As Noam Chomsky so aptly said, “Nothing in these abstract economic models actually works in the real world.
“It doesn’t matter how many footnotes they put in, or how many ways they tinker around the edges. The whole enterprise is totally rotten at the core: it has no relation to reality.”
Right now, I am of the view that the only time we should be considering economics and rhino horn in the same light is in relation to a global market intervention where significant pres- sure should be brought to bear on rhino horn consumer nations to convince them to shut down markets. Experimenting with rhinos is far too risky.
Second, culture and tradition evolves along with human societal adaptations. I find it difficult to comprehend, how in this day and age, the frivolous use of such products as rhino horn, ivory, and tiger bone are still being promoted and justified.
It is this traditional use of wildlife products that is holding species such as rhinos and elephants to ransom. Until this, the very cause of the problem, is addressed, we will continue to find ourselves putting out fires to try and maintain genetically viable populations in the wild.
Lastly, with the arguments in support of legalised trade being formulated solely around the principles of economic sustainability, lip service is being paid to the principles of biological sustainability, animal welfare and ethics. This is of great concern and needs to be corrected.
So, what to do? In the short term, greater co-operation among enforcement agencies to combat illicit trade is necessary and will have an effect.
This is already evident and institutions such as South African National Parks and the South African Police Service should be congratulated.
The poaching crisis involves organised crime and it is only through a focused co-operative approach that syndicates will be exposed and perpetrators brought to book.
In the longer term, however, there needs to be a global shift in attitudes and values — the world must know that there is absolutely no need for the use of rhino horn and ivory in this day and age.
The bottom line is the killing will only stop when the markets for the products cease to exist. And where there is no real case to be made for their use — it seems like a no-brainer to me.
Bell is Regional Director Southern Africa/Elephant Programme, director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.