eco-nexion

Balancing the connection between Nature and People, brought to you by the Wilderness Foundation

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Rodney Visser - rhino anti-poaching

On 19 July we spoke to Rodney Visser who heads up the anti-poaching units for the Shamwari Group. Rodney spent 27 years as part of the South African Police Services and headed up the organised crime unit before moving over to anti-poaching.

He has a passion for the wilderness as well as almost three decades of experience in combating some of the most sophisticated crime syndicates in the country.

One of the major issues highlighted in the context of anti-poaching is the lack of human resources. “On average 42 people are killed every day in South Africa. The poaching stats currently sit at two rhino per day. The physical resources needed to investigate these crimes are just not available,” says Rodney.

In terms of the selling of rhino stockpiles to “flood the market”, Rodney has reservations that this tactic would work. “As it stands, only approximately 10% of rhino horn products for sale are authentic. The rest of the 90% is fake – ground up buffalo horn etc. So if you look at the currently supply of rhino horn, and compare it to the demand, it doesn’t seem like this would be an effective measure.”

One of the issues raised with the dying of horns is that – although a deterrent – it is not a preventative measure. It is still a costly exercise to tranquilise and dye the horns of rhino.

A similar issue is raised in terms of cutting off the horns. The horn re-grows within five years, requiring multiple tranquilisations and potential trauma to the animal over its lifetime. The costs as well as the potential health risk are not a long term solution.

Some scientists also believe that cutting off the horn of the rhino may affect its natural behaviour.

Rodney assured the public that much is being done behind the scenes to curb the crisis, and encouraged listeners to contribute by offering their skills, time or knowledge. Those wishing to assist can contact the Wilderness Foundation on 041 373 0293 or the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative tip off line on: 078 696 9494.

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One of the most inspiring individuals to have graduated from Umzi Wethu, Danny Sauls is a testament to the power of positive thinking, overcoming life’s greatest challenges and never giving up on your dreams. He was part of the first intake for the pilot Umzi Wethu hospitality project in 2005.

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Chatting to graduate, Danny Sauls

On 12 July we chatted to Umzi Wethu graduate, Danny Sauls about his inspiring journey. He was part of the first Umzi Wethu intake in 2006 and has used the skills he learned to build a career for himself in the hospitality industry. 

Check out more of Danny's story here: http://umziwethu.co.za/student-success-stories/160-danny-sauls-umzi-1

He also believes that the mentoring programme at Umzi Wethu helped contribute towards his success. “My mentor believed in me. He encouraged me to get my driver’s licence, and even gave me my first couple of driving lessons. His final gift to me was a bible. This was one of the best gifts ever!”

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Lincoln Meyer talks about CoalitionWILD and WILD10

On 28 June we chatted to Lincoln Meyer – academy manager at the Wilderness Foundation’s Umzi Wethu Conservation Academy.

He will be presenting at this year’s World Wilderness Congress (WILD10) in October. He is also part of the new CoalitionWILD movement which will be launched at this year’s event.

Coalition Wild - a social movement of people under 30 creating a wilder world.

The CoalitionWILD movement to create a wilder world will launch at the 10th World Wilderness Congress (WILD10) in Salamanca, Spain from October 4-10, 2013.

Wild 10 - Since the first World Wilderness Congress (WWC) in 1977, each WWC has convened up to 3,000 delegates from nearly 75 nations with diverse participation and wide-reaching practical accomplishments for wild-nature.

Each Congress is a critical venues for education, training, networking, and information exchange across diverse groups. To build this global wilderness community, several WWC delegates have shared their personal experiences for the WWC Chronicles!

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Lincoln Meyer, academy manager at the Wilderness Foundation's Umzi Wethu Conservation Academy, chats to Gareth Burley from Kingfisher FM about the upcoming Coalition Wild.

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Ian McCallum talks about Tracks of Giants journey

On 7 and 14 June, we chatted to Dr Ian Mc Callum about his adventure with the Tracks of Giants expedition.

Starting on the Namibian coastline on May 01, 2012, the journey has seen a team of conservationists travel across southern Africa through Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa where the two team leaders Ian Mc Callum and Ian Michler met with conservation ‘giants’ in each area.

The “two Ians” undertook the entire journey without the use of motorised transportation. They have walked, cycled and kayaked in the historical tracks of migrating elephant clusters in order to highlight the need for corridor conservation, transfrontier parks, and promote more understanding about the coexistence of humans with wild animals. They were  supported by a backup team, and joined by various sponsors and environmentalists along the way.

http://tracksofgiants.org/

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On 7 and 14 June, we chatted to Dr Ian McCallum about his adventure with the Tracks of Giants expedition.

Tracks of Giants, the epic conservation trek over 5000 kilometres through six southern African countries came to an end on Monday, September 03 along the KwaZulu Natal Coast, but the impact of the expedition will have a lasting effect for years to come.

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Visit Original Link

On 7 and 14 June, we chatted to Dr Ian Mc Callum about his adventure with the Tracks of Giants expedition.

Tracks of Giants, the epic conservation trek over 5000 kilometres through six southern African countries came to an end on Monday, September 03 along the KwaZulu Natal Coast, but the impact of the expedition will have a lasting effect for years to come.

[econexionsa-blog]

Visit Original Link

On 7 and 14 June, we chatted to Dr Ian Mc Callum about his adventure with the Tracks of Giants expedition.

Tracks of Giants, the epic conservation trek over 5000 kilometres through six southern African countries came to an end on Monday, September 03 along the KwaZulu Natal Coast, but the impact of the expedition will have a lasting effect for years to come.

[econexionsa-blog]

Visit Original Link

On 7 and 14 June, we chatted to Dr Ian Mc Callum about his adventure with the Tracks of Giants expedition.

Tracks of Giants, the epic conservation trek over 5000 kilometres through six southern African countries came to an end on Monday, September 03 along the KwaZulu Natal Coast, but the impact of the expedition will have a lasting effect for years to come.

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Celebrating World Environment Day with collaboration between conservation and creativity

On 31 May we were joined in the studio by Robyn from the Ron Belling Art Gallery which hosted an exhibition aimed at rhino awareness during the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. 

The Ik-stingkt exhibition aims to raise awareness and funds for the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative through a partnership between the Wilderness Foundation and the Ron Belling Art Gallery, proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola Sabco and Investec.

The exhibition will take place in two parts. The first is in line with World Environment Day on 5 June 2013, where artwork from primary school youth will be showcased. The second phase will take place in September with the gallery’s Spring School of Art for high-school learners, culminating in the Ik-stingkt exhibition showing in November.  

Dr Ian Player, iconic environmentalist and founder of the Wilderness Foundation was at the launch of the first phase of the exhibition, on 4 June, 2013. “This artwork shows how we can oppose the evil of poaching through the good of our children. We all need to stand together to overcome this scourge.”

Throughout history, nature has permeated the creative arts. It inspired Stone Age hunters to immortalise their expeditions on rock. Ancient Egyptians built elaborate temples to animal-headed gods. In the middle ages, mythical beasts adorned valuable manuscripts. In the 17th century, paintings were dominated by hunting scenes, while 18th century artists revelled in the beauty of natural habitats.

Recognising the impact of nature on every aspect of the art world, Ik-stingkt is a conscious collaboration between Conservation and Creativity in an effort to help save one of our country’s most symbolic natural heritage icons – the rhino.

According to world renowned conservationist Dr Ian Player, this “remnant of the dinosaur age” will be wiped out within the next decade if the poaching crisis is not addressed through a collaborative, national and international rescue campaign. Dr Player also pointed out that if it weren’t for the drive to preserve rhinos in the 1950’s, there wouldn’t be any national parks in South Africa. “It is because of the white rhino that we have our national parks where tourists can learn about the soul of Africa. Nature is in our souls.”

Through an educational outreach initiative, Ik-stingkt has helped to showcase the voice of the youth on the poaching crisis. Artwork produced by students at local government schools is displayed at the Ik-stingkt exhibition together with pieces by acclaimed Cape Town artist, Nix Davies.

Scholars throughout Nelson Mandela Bay have been invited to take part in this unique collaborative exhibition merging Conservation and Creativity, and to take a stand against a crisis that could see the disappearance of this iconic African species.

The first phase of the exhibition is registered as a fringe event on the Grahamstown National Arts Festival calendar, and will run from June 27-July 07, 2013. 

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Visit Original Link

On 31 May we were joined in the studio by Robyn from the Ron Belling Art Gallery which hosted an exhibition aimed at rhino awareness during the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. 

The Ik-stingkt exhibition aims to raise awareness and funds for the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative through a partnership between the Wilderness Foundation and the Ron Belling Art Gallery, proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola Sabco and Investec. 

[econexionsa-blog]

Visit Original Link

On 31 May we were joined in the studio by Robyn from the Ron Belling Art Gallery which hosted an exhibition aimed at rhino awareness during the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. 

The Ik-stingkt exhibition aims to raise awareness and funds for the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative through a partnership between the Wilderness Foundation and the Ron Belling Art Gallery, proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola Sabco and Investec. 

[econexionsa-blog]

Visit Original Link

On 31 May we were joined in the studio by Robyn from the Ron Belling Art Gallery which hosted an exhibition aimed at rhino awareness during the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. 

The Ik-stingkt exhibition aims to raise awareness and funds for the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative through a partnership between the Wilderness Foundation and the Ron Belling Art Gallery, proudly sponsored by Coca-Cola Sabco and Investec. 

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles supports Forever Wild

On 17 May we were joined in the studio by Matthew Norval, heading up the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative at the Wilderness Foundation as well as Matt Genrich from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The company has given much support to the Forever Wild initiative including the sponsorship of Amarok vehicles for the anti-poaching teams. Listen to what Matt had to say about the company’s support of the initiative.

The Wilderness Foundation’s Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative provides Volkswagen Amaroks  to anti-poaching teams that are active in a number of parks and reserves across the country. The rugged and reliable Amaroks are invaluable to the teams as they cover thousands of kilometres every year during patrols and anti-poaching operations.

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Visit Original Link

On 17 May we were joined in the studio by Matthew Norval, heading up the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative at the Wilderness Foundation as well as Matt Genrich from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The company has given much support to the Forever Wild initiative including the sponsorship of Amarok vehicles for the anti-poaching teams. Listen to what Matt had to say about the company’s support of the initiative. 

[econexionsa-blog]

Visit Original Link

On 17 May we were joined in the studio by Matthew Norval, heading up the Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative at the Wilderness Foundation as well as Matt Genrich from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The company has given much support to the Forever Wild initiative including the sponsorship of Amarok vehicles for the anti-poaching teams. Listen to what Matt had to say about the company’s support of the initiative.