Heated debates at rhino summit

IT was a roller-coaster ride of emotions as speakers took the podium in the second World Youth Rhino Summit held at Seula Zimbili on the banks of the Tukhela River.

The mini summit was held from 2 to 5 July and attended by 80 pupils from schools throughout South Africa.

Serious issues around rhino poaching were discussed.

Wildlife veterinarian, Dr William Fowlds, stunned the audience with his graphic photographs of rhinos struggling to walk with no face after being butchered for their horns, as well as the fate of calves with their mothers, either dead or alive.

Then there was the triumph of the survivors who showed their resilience for survival against all odds.

Social development

Mozambican Dr Leonardo Simão of the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, addressed the issue around the importance of community development and effective legislation to reduce poaching and wildlife crime.

He argued that without addressing social issues there would always be temptations to become involved in poaching.

These communities are the most vulnerable in the rhino war.

They are either captured and sentenced or they are ripped off by the couriers who pay them very little for their contraband.

Simão says through education and improving the lifestyles of potential poachers, a difference can be made in their lives and he is confident that they could turn the tide.

No political will

Nigel Morgan of the Focus Africa Foundation said there is no political will to end the poaching in South Africa.

Law enforcement, legal agencies and politicians are part of the problem.

Morgan fell short of saying that they are beneficiaries of poaching and therefore do not want it stopped.

He claimed that when rhino poaching figures are released, they are heavily under-reported so as to give the impression that they are winning the war.

Morgan praised those on the ground for putting their lives on the line in the poaching war.

He said they are failed by the legal system and authorities who are not supporting the cause as they should.

Legal or not legal trade

On Saturday there was a heated debate around the issue of trading rhino horn.

Yvette Taylor of the Lawrence Anthony Foundation and Andrew van Heerden of Conservation Imperative crossed swords.

Van Heerden said by opening the trade, poaching can be reduced.

In response Taylor said there is a shortfall of 410 tons of rhino horn to meet the present demand.

This includes taking into account the estimated volumes of stockpiled horn in South Africa.

By opening trade, the pressure for rhino horn will increase and their survival will stay under threat.

Legalising the use of scarce resources has failed in the past.