US-SA partner to combat trafficking

Officials from the United States Embassy recently visited an Eastern Cape parks and Tourism Authority reserve near Grahamstown to observe first-hand equipment donated by the United States to help South Africa fight wildlife trafficking.

In a statement, the US Embassy said in honour of the important partnership between the US and South Africa to combat wildlife trafficking, the US Embassy’s Environment Officer and Homeland Security Investigations Officer are visiting various sites around the country.

“Since 2014, the US has provided $4.8 million for equipment donations and grants for training of enforcement officials and the deployment of game-changing technological tools to combat wildlife trafficking,” the Embassy said.

“The US Agency for International Development (USAID) will launch a new five-year, $60 million regional program to combat illegal trade in wildlife in early 2017, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service continues to provide critical funding to in situ projects to conserve and protect elephants and rhinos as well as cycads.”

US agencies also collaborate closely on the ground with South African law enforcement to conduct joint investigations.

“Over the past 12 months, our Homeland Security Inves- tigations office has conducted numerous joint wildlife poaching operations with South Africa law enforcement entities.

“Our regional US Fish and Wildlife Services Special Agent has also assisted with transnational investigations involving rhino horn and ivory smuggling between Southern Africa and Asia and has trained South African officials in advanced ranger skills and cybercrime.

“The United States worked closely with the South African government in the design and implementation of these efforts and commends the leadership of Environment Minister Edna Molewa toward combating wildlife trafficking.”