Dr Jo Shaw, Manager: Rhino Programme, WWF SA SUCCESSES, CHALLENGES, PITFALLS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR ANTI-RHINO POACHING STRATEGIES Dr Jo Shaw, Manager: Rhino Programme, WWF SA PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COLLOQUIUM ON ANTI-RHINO POACHING, 13th September 2016

4. Trade chain co-operation 5. Demand & Trade 4. Trade chain co-operation 3. Law enforcement support 2. Community Engagement 1. Resilient Populations Committee of Inquiry Biological management Community empowerment Security / Law Enforcement Legislation Demand management WWF SA Five-point strategic framework for rhino conservation

Level of commitment and scale of response shown by South Africa overall Strategic, integrated and innovative approaches Recognition of a broader economic, security threat Building on rhino conservation history SUCCESSES

CoI Escalate response (NISCWT) SAPS, not ranger TOC Decrease in poaching from KNP, in face of increased incursions Increased arrests and not only poachers but higher up the chain Recognition of need to address rhino poaching as part of transnational networks CoI Escalate response (NISCWT) SAPS, not ranger TOC Fall under mandate of SAPS SUCCESSES

Need for long-term funds to support rhino conservation actions for all areas / owners Spread of poaching threat from KNP to other Provinces and Parks Increasing pressure on rhinos in Namibia and Zimbabwe CHALLENGES

Need to address the relationships between rural communities and conservation areas Issues with corruption associated with transnational trafficking networks Alleged diplomatic involvement in trafficking horn Looking OUTSIDE PROTECTED AREAS at bigger drivers COMMUNITIES CRITICAL, ANNETTE WILL RAISE – governance and economic opportunities. CHALLENGES

PITFALLS Divisive debates around sustainable use / demand reduction Threats associated with intensive breeding of rhinos Raising unrealistic expectations within communities PITFALLS

PITFALLS What are we doing? Need increased convictions following from increased arrests in SA Law enforcement response required for illegal behaviour in Mozambique, and consumer countries like Viet Nam and China What are we doing? PITFALLS

CITES to hold countries to account on actions – especially enforcement action in Asia Greater collaboration nationally, regionally and internationally for impact along the illicit trade chain OPPORTUNITIES

THANKS jshaw@wwf.org.za Governance challenges, at scales and for different reasons. Need to address issues for people around Parks, recognise security significant of TOC and enforce at the at level, address illegal behaviour in Asia. WWF role in biological management / science, community involvement and best practise, supporting the right people to address illegal behaviour WHY - Face of rhino conservation changed, possibly forever, and greater threats to other species coming (elephants ivory, lion bones) if not prioritised Without charismatic animals could lose tourists, parks and income. Not just about rhinos as an animal. Depressing, exciting, complex and critical challenge. THANKS jshaw@wwf.org.za