More protection for SA’s rhino

Seven Integrated Wildlife Zones are being introduced across South Africa to protect the country's rhino.

Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy said by demarcating areas primarily around rhino populations, wildlife in the area and people living in and around conservation areas will be protected.

The introduction of the Integrated Wildlife Zones, similar to the Integrated Protection Zones previously utilised within national parks and provincial reserves, sees an expansion of the effort to protect the world's largest black and white rhino populations.

“By introducing a zoning approach, the necessary resources can be redirected to areas most in need of support. It furthermore ensures cooperation between the

State and private roleplayers, and is aligned to the objectives of South Africa's National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking,” the Minister explained.

The initiative prevents borders and boundaries from inhibiting planning and the implementation of actions aimed at halting rhino poaching and the smuggling of rhino horn.

“The concept is based on multiparty cooperation, but will ensure the use of appropriate technologies to ensure surveillance, early warning and detection – all in an effort to become more proactive.”

The Wildlife Zone initiative is supported by the Peace Parks Foundation with funding from the United States Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Dutch, Swedish and United Kingdom People's Postcode Lotteries.

Minister Creecy said the department is proud to partner with Peace Parks Foundation and all government and non-governmental organisations that will be involved in this important initiative.