Rhino Conservation Lab Progress update report to the Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs ab Report 29 August 2017 September, 2016

Marine & Coastal Tourism 1 Rhino Conservation is one of the work streams under the Biodiversity Lab – an effort to unlock the potential of South Africa’s Biodiversity Marine & Coastal Tourism Bio-prospecting Wildlife Biodiversity Lab Rhino Conservation

The Rhino Lab : Turning point 1 The Rhino Lab : Turning point New level of collaboration between Government, Private Sector, NGOs and Academia Unprecedented approach and level of ownership across departments including security cluster Detailed implementation plans with accountability 40 ambitious initiatives informing the workstreams: Community Legislation Demand Management Management of Rhino populations Enforcement

Work streams based on Committee of Enquiry Pillars 1 Cabinet decisions – RECAP Work streams based on Committee of Enquiry Pillars  Law enforcement (anti-poaching and anti-trafficking): Enforcement – with significant improvements in intelligence capabilities, a full value chain approach of illicit networks (led by SAPS), and ramp up of Province anti- poaching capacities. Demand Management: Demand Management – describing a detailed view on data required to inform policy, and actionable initiatives for more result oriented communication to different stakeholders Management of rhino populations: Management of Rhino populations – outlining processes to develop and share best practices to optimise birth rates. Community Empowerment: Community Empowerment – increase economic participation for communities adjacent to parks. Responsive Legislation Plans for incentives to stakeholders and improve stockpile management Community empowerment Responsive legislation Security (anti-poaching and anti-trafficking) Demand management Management of Rhino populations

A total of 44 initiatives have been developed in the Rhino Lab INITIATIVES – FULL OVERVIEW A total of 44 initiatives have been developed in the Rhino Lab A,S B C Law Enforcement Community Empowerment Demand Management Anti-poaching APU capabilities: improved standardization and use of best practices Protection: more mobile footprint in the park, emphasis on perimeter protection Reactive elements: ramp up of APUs in provinces, increased support for APUs in SANParks Proactive elements: improved intelligence, transnational cooperation, and use of technology Improved governance via community facilitators Enhance the community ranger model with a national career and roll-out plan for the community ranger model Conduct stock take on existing economic community empowerment programs to intelligently consolidate and re-allocate resources Develop and roll-out a broader restorative justice programme with SAPS and other partners Launch a community empowerment plan and champions Undertake peer reviewed research, with credible funding mechanism, on consumer markets and forms of demand and supply based on government direction and link this to demand management initiatives Continue and expand investigation of the potential of alternative options to address national demand, increase benefits and disrupt illicit supply chain (e.g. trade, exporting live rhino, synthetic rhino horn) Develop targeted messages for an information campaign as part of a communication strategy relating to the status and management of rhino to address incorrect perceptions that lead to speculation that drives exaggerated prices of rhino horn A SAPS Prosecution: improved collaboration to treat problem as organised transnational crime Detection: increased capabilities in forensics and intelligence Collaboration: law enforcement cooperation with transit and consumer states S D E Management of Rhino populations Responsive Legislation Guidelines for land use, e.g., intensive breeding operations Securing and growing rhino key rhino populations, by funding holders of key populations Improved regulatory environment, e.g., increase usage of standing permits Improved best practice sharing across all stake-holders Expanded RMG status reporting for white rhino and continued for black rhino List of applied research priorities identified by RMG Rhino horn stockpile management with reference to centralization and a tracking system for rhino horn stockpiles to address auditing and security concerns Amend as appropriate National legislation to provide for effective regulation of domestic trade in Rhino horn Draft policy that provides financial security incentives for rhino conservation and ownership Initiate a policy and legislative development process including a review of constitutional mandate to move towards national consolidation of all forms of wildlife regulation Finalize and implement the electronic national integrated permit system that enables uniformity in capturing of data and information management

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Inactive A1: Implement and facilitate the standardization of documents, procedures and guidelines regarding Anti- Poaching unit (APU) capabilities. The standardisation of documents, procedures and guidelines regarding APU capabilities is being addressed through the work of the rhino anti-poaching (RAP) sub-committee of Working Group IV and is thus currently in progress. Specific sub-committee members have been tasked to collect all available documentation in order for the sub-committee to assess what is available and then the standardisation of documents. Various procedures and documents have already been shared with the sub-committee members, including minimum specifications for gate security, canine system, ranger wellness plan, etc. Work is ongoing Inactive A2: Develop Anti-Poaching Unit(APU) structural system/documents To develop an APU remuneration structure/system, the RAP sub-committee requested support from Human Resources within the DEA to look at the different systems which are currently used by provinces and SANParks as well as private organizations with anti-poaching units. The aim is to establish what is available and to also engage the Department of Public Service and Administration to find out if they have scalable and appropriate remuneration structure that could be used for the remuneration of APU members. Process is ongoing. SOURCE:

Initiative A3: Finalise Park Ranger Qualification Quality Council for Training and Occupations (QCTO) To finalise the curriculum for the training of APU officials/rangers, the Wildlife College has been contacted to ensure that the RAP sub-committee has all the necessary information to proceed with discussions with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) to address the issues between CATHSSETHA (Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority) and SASSETHA (Safety and Security, Sector Education & Training Authority) and where the curriculum for the APU/Rangers will be housed. There is unfortunately an existing challenge related to which is the appropriate Authority for ranger training which needs to be resolved before we can move forward with this initiative. We will try to unblock by engaging SAQA. Initiative A4: Expand the sourcing of equipment from external excess non-lethal military stock (e.g. camping and patrol equipment) for Provincial APUs Standard equipment requirement list for APUs was developed and accepted by the sub-committee. Certain items are already being procured via various funding mechanisms that are available. The next meeting of the sub-committee scheduled for 26 September 2017 will be used to prioritise additional equipment needs per province and identify funding required as well as the most expeditious procurement process SOURCE:

Initiative A5: Ensure sound integrity management Different integrity testing guidelines have been shared with the sub-committee and a standard policy is being drafted by a small working group of the RAP sub-committee as integrity testing is essential for all APU members. Work ongoing (inc SANParks Vetting programme) Initiative A6: Engage APU rangers in community rangers programme DEA’s Extended Public Works Programme is working with the RAP sub-committee towards the enhancement of the Environmental Monitors Programme. All sub-committee members agree that the use of Environmental Monitors is important, either to provide additional capacity to existing APUs (if correctly trained and vetted) or to undertake normal ranger duties, freeing up permanent staff to form part of APU’s. There are already Monitors in many of the provincial and national parks (as well as private reserves) and it will be important to identify further needs. The RAP sub-committee is also assessing the work of the Monitors in the context of community rangers working in communities adjacent to parks. Their role in patrolling parks fence. Community rangers can act as buffers on positive links to the parks. These people can also be moved from one area to another(within the administrative systems of the environmental monitors). There are however risks in relation to arrest and seizure powers but the sub-committee is further investigating how Monitors can be further utilised as well as the training required. Work in progress SOURCE:

Initiative A7: Follow a zoning approach to ensure allocation of resources to the highest risk geographies Kwazulu Natal is implementing a zoning approach (although different to the Kruger based on differences between the protected areas). Other provinces will report to the next RAP sub-committee meeting on their needs and recommendations around following a formal process on zoning. This process must be risk-based so that effort and resources are concentrated in areas that are most at risk. Initiative A8: Identify and apply appropriate sensor based technologies SANParks has tested and are using specific sensor based technology. It is however for use in specific places and will not suit all parks/reserves. The RAP sub-committee will make a list of available technology and make recommendations on the use thereof (with support from CSIR) . Initiative A9: For selected servitudes: Apply appropriate electronic surveillance based technologies Escalate the need for (temporary) restrictions Implement sporadic control points SANParks and some private reserves have tested and are using specific electronic surveillance-based technology. Presentation was made on the control points utilised on the roads around the Waterberg in Limpopo and the benefits and lessons learnt. The needs from other provinces will be brought to the RAP sub-committee and roads prioritised for similar interventions. SOURCE:

Initiative A14: Roll out CMORE at national scale Initiative A11: Develop a scalable access control package that includes: trained and integrity tested officials; canine systems; technological applications Different access control systems of the different parks are being addressed to the sub-committee. The next meeting will focus on best practice and a needs assessment will begin which also looks at which parks should be prioritised. The funding requirements will also be determined Initiative A12: Utilise semi-permanent/ limited mobile self-contained 'mini bases' in accordance with the grading of security requirements Relevant specifications / logistical information provided by SANParks to other provinces (Further discussions still required to begin implementing initiative) Initiative A14: Roll out CMORE at national scale Command and control – CMORE (a platform to enable information sharing and collaboration between national and provincial conservation authorities) is now being used by SANParks, three provincial conservation authorities and some private nature reserves. The further roll out plan will be extended to other provinces in supporting command and control / tactical operations. DEA and SANParks are engaging with CSIR for support. SOURCE:

Initiative A15: Establish an APU for each government protected area with rhino population and use KNP and U+B5mfolozi as operating models and examples A sub-committee, Rhino Anti-Poaching (RAP) of Mintech Working Group IV was appointed to implement and facilitate the standardization of documents, procedures and guidelines relating to setting up of Anti-poaching Units in all parks/reserves with rhinoceros populations. The Committee comprises of officials from provincial conservation authorities of Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, SANParks and the Department of Environmental Affairs. The RAP sub-committee facilitating for each provincial conservation authority to set up a fully functional anti-poaching unit.. Initiative A16: Implement employee health and wellness programme at all protected areas with APUs, or leverage the SAPS health and wellness professionals and programmes Ranger Health and Awareness – Kruger National Park have a functional programme for Ranger Health and Wellness that is working well and the sub-committee. The RAP sub-committee to facilitate for others to learn from such. Further engagement planned to involve SAPS Wellness unit for potential support. SOURCE:

Initiative A17: Issue SAPS instruction (with NPA input) governing the investigation process following fatalities that occur in the line of duty of EMI law enforcement officials The issue will be taken up with the South African Police Service by DEA on behalf of the RAP sub-committee. Initiative A18: Create awareness and application of appropriate technology to support effective proactive anti-poaching operations Discussion still underway on how CSIR can support this initiative. Dedicated funding is required to retain the capability at CSIR. SOURCE:

SAPS STRATEGY LAW ENFORCEMENT

Initiative 1 Improving law enforcement, supported by the whole of government and society, to effectively investigate, prosecute and adjudicate wildife trafficking as a form of transnational organised crime. PROGRESS Additional capacity and resources applied to combat wildlife trafficking – Operation Rhino 8 (Mission Area Joint Operational Command). Increased investigative capacity through the Stock Theft & Endangered Species unit. Additional forensic capacity is also being implemented focused on environmental crime. Forensic Intelligence used to determine if poaching cases are linked or linking with other crime categories. Links communicated to investigating officials Crime scenes investigation improved and identification of suspects increased Arrests made towards “trafficking” in comparison to previously only poaching Regional court established at Skukuza, Kruger National Park Addressing reporting process: establishing an integrated reporting platform (database) with DEA Crime codes adjusted to improve statistical information

Initiative 2 Increasing the government’s ability to detect, prevent and combat wildlife trafficking in South Africa and beyond PROGRESS Working groups created to address specific issues such as forensics and technology Training programme being rolled out (linked to joint operations) at ports of entry and exit focused on illicit wildlife trade SOP for ORTIA to improve ability to secure integrity of forensic evidence on seized material related to wildlife trafficking Development of materials to support training programmes and operational work focused on wildlife specimens Increase in law enforcement visibility – joint operations involving SAPS, SARS, SANDF, DEA, SANParks, provincial conservation authorities – for example, INTERPOL’s Operation Thunderbird

Initiative 3 Increasing national, regional and international law enforcement collaboration and cooperation on combating wildlife trafficking PROGRESS Seizures at other countries communicated to South Africa & DNA samples requested: China - Hong Kong (various seizures)\ Malaysia (various seizures) VietNam (various seizures) Mozambique (various seizures) Thailand Singapore Samples from rhino horn seized in Namibia, Zambia, Uganda and Swaziland have also been analysed and included in the Rhodis database - DNA from horns seized in other countries assisting in determining the trafficking routes & process Swaziland alerted RSA on suspects arrested and horns seized. The rest of the horns found at ORTIA RSA. Forensic expert and DPCI testified in Swaziland. Case moved to the High Court & suspects plead guilty. Joint international investigations being conducted following INTERPOL Regional Investigative and Analytical meetings focused on rhino

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

Community Empowerment programme People and Parks Programme Implementation: Combating Rhino poaching prioritised in the People and Parks priority actions People & Parks Youth in Conservation Forum established Facilitating information sharing of platforms with communities to halt poaching amongst other things such as youth and community structures establishing in province Providing/ensuring ownership of wildlife by communities through development of game donation guideline Facilitation of co-management agreements with beneficiation Skills Audit in selected sites on communities adjacent to protected areas Funding support of the 1346 environmental Monitors (inc. Black Mambas) deployed in different provincial conservation institutions SA/Mozambique Draft a Youth Development Strategy developed and submitted to the Joint management Committee(JMC). Activities include Sports based Youth programme Resettlement programme: 486 families from three villages completed the resettlement process and 714 from five villages pending.

BIOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & DEMAND MANAGEMENT

Initiative D1: Improved best practice sharing across all stake-holders Rhino Management Group (RMG) meeting held in February 2017 and the Biological Management focus area was syndicated at this meeting. A list of important annual rhino related meetings that could facilitate sharing of best practices was compiled. A draft rhino calendar was developed based on this list and will be shared with provincial conservation authorities and other rhino owners / managers for planning purposes. The DEA will also engage donors on possible funding opportunities to support these meetings to ensure all relevant rhino managers can attend. A draft Terms of Reference for rhino conservation and management extension officers was also developed and will be refined through a consultation process with provinces. The extension officers will provide support and guidance relating to management interventions and coordinate reporting on among oters the implementation of the rhino Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs). After consultation and refinement, the rhino calendar and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the establishment of rhino conservation and management extension officers will be finalised. Relevant departments, entities, organizations an rhino owners / managers will be invited to nominate officials to participate in the rhino calendar meetings. Key rhino populations have been identified. The next phase will include working with the priority key population owners / managers to develop funding proposals for white and black rhino in collaboration with SANParks

Initiative D2: Research priorities A background document towards the development of the Rhino Research Strategy has been developed A workshop between DEA/SANParks and SANBI took place on 23 June 2017 to discuss and plan the process to develop the Rhino Research Strategy. Based on this discussion, the scope of the research priorities to be addressed through the Rhino Research Strategy was broadened to include all areas of intervention (not only biological management). The aim is to ensure informed decision-making and promote evidence based policy making A framework was developed to guide the review and gap analysis to be done to inform the development of the Rhino Research Strategy. The review and gap analysis will be presented at a stakeholder workshop, scheduled to take place from 4 – 5 October 2017. At this workshop, research priorities will also be discussed. Invitations to the workshop will be distributed in due course Work stream (Bio synthesis) established within the Biodiversity Research and Evidence Indaba to develop a framework for research on alternatives for rhino horn

Initiative D3: Improve regulatory Environment to make life easier for rhino managers Scoring criteria for the website analysis developed. Questionnaire for stakeholder developed and sent to stakeholder to provide requested information. Analysis conducted based on the developed criteria and feedback received from the stakeholders on questions sent to them. Initiative D4: CBO Guidelines (Captive Breeding Operations) A expert workshop took place to initiate the process and a draft was presented to the Rhino Management Group for further processing A draft guideline will be discussed at the Scientific Authority meeting scheduled to take place in September 2017 Support to Rhino Protection Programme Peace Parks Foundation on caring for Rhino Orphans. SANParks alone has rescued 4 orphans in 2017 and presently holds 44 rhino orphans at various facilities. Rhino Guardian Approach: SANParks initiated a new Rhino Guardian project in the Kruger National Park with support from the Peace Parks Foundation and the World Wildlife Fund

Initiative D5: White Rhino and Black Rhino Reporting formats A reporting template for both the black rhino and white rhino Biodiversity Management Plans (BMPs) were developed and presented at the Rhino Management Group meeting that took place in February 2017 The template has been amended based on the comments received and will form the basis for the reporting on the BMPs. This ensures reporting is standardised.

Initiative D6: Securing & growing rhino key rhino populations, by funding holders of key populations Categories of key rhino populations (see table). Key 1 and Key 2 populations identified and further prioritization done based on sub-species representation: 14 provisionally listed and funding needs must be identified for each population. Key Rhino populations identified

RESPONSIVE LEGISLATION

CURRENT SITUATION National legislation that regulates trade in rhino horn – current situation Legal provisions National Environmental Management Act, 2004 (Act No 10 of 2004) Section 56 (1) – list of threatened or protected species White rhino: Protected species Black rhino: Endangered species Section 57(1) – permit required to carry out a restricted activity involving a specimen of a listed species Chapter 7 – Permits, including provision that permits can be issued with conditions Section 87A(3) provides for written agreement by MECs, for the Minister to be the issuing authority for permits usually issued by MEC Section 92A (1)(b) – An issuing authority may refuse a permit if the applicant has been convicted of an offence in terms of NEMBA. Section 88(2)(e) of NEMBA provide that the issuing authority may defer a decision to issue a permit if the applicant is under investigation for the contravention or failure to comply with any provision of NEMBA Threatened or Protected Species Regulations, 2017 – further regulate the permitting system and prescribe marking for rhino horn Norms and standards for the marking of rhinoceros and rhinoceros horn, and for the hunting of rhinoceros for trophy hunting purposes Measurements and markings DNA samples for profiling Database

Initiative E2: Finalise national legislation to provide for effective regulation of domestic trade in Rhino horn Draft regulations published for public comment on 7 February 2017 Draft Regulations for the domestic trade in rhinoceros horn, or a part, product or derivative of rhinoceros horn   Prohibition of the Powdering or Shaving of Rhinoceros Horn, the Domestic Selling or Otherwise Trading in, Giving, Donating, Buying, Receiving, Accepting as a Gift or Donation, or in any way Disposing or Acquiring, of Powdered or Shaved Rhinoceros Horn, and the Export of Powdered or Shaved Rhinoceros Horn and Proposed Amendment of the Invasive Species List And Proposed Listing of Species that are Threatened or Protected, Restricted Activities that are Prohibited and Exemption from Restriction     Comments evaluated, necessary amendments effected and draft subjected to cooperative governance process (WG1, WGIV, WG11, MINTECH) en-route to MINMEC for approval for publication for implementation.

The permit does not authorise international trade in rhino horn CURRENT SITUATION National legislation that regulates trade in rhino horn – current situation Permits issued One (1) permit issued authorising the sale of 264 rhino horn: Ordinary permit number O28640 (online auction). The permit authorising the sale of rhino horn was issued with conditions, including the following: The permit holder can only sell rhino horn to a person who has a permit issued in terms fo NEMBA authorising such buying The permit does not authorise international trade in rhino horn The permit holder must provide the Department of Environmental Affairs with a register of bidders prior to the auction The permit holder must inform the registered bidders that they must apply for a permit to buy in terms of NEMBA After the auction, provide a list of successful bidders to the Department of Environmental Affairs The permit holder must grant an official of the Department of Environmental Affairs access to the website for an online auction.

7 permits issued to buy rhino horn (at auction – link to O28640): CURRENT SITUATION National legislation that regulates trade in rhino horn – current situation Permits issued 7 permits issued to buy rhino horn (at auction – link to O28640): Permit numbers: O29851; O29852; O29854; O29855; O29856; O29859; O29860. The permits authorising the sale of rhino horn were issued with conditions, including the following: The permit authorise the person to buy only rhino horns authorised to be sold through ordinary permit number: O28640 and through the auction taking place from 23 – 25 August 2017 The permit does not authorise the possession or transport of rhinoceros horn The permit does not authorise the export or re-export of rhino horns.

Initiative E3: Centralise stock piles PROA developed the draft centralised depository model. Proposed model still in consultation amongst PROA members