No decision on legal rhino horn trade

© Marietjie Opperman – 123RF.com

"If we come up with measures that completely eradicate poaching we may not need to look at trade. We are not looking for money. We are looking at war. This is a war we must win. If there is a solution we may not have to look at possible trade," Molewa told delegates on the sidelines of the 6th World Parks Congress which was held in Sydney, Australia, on 13 November 2014.

Outlining the interventions by the South African government, and conservation bodies, to combat rhino poaching, Molewa said actions at international level will further strengthen efforts to not only address rhino poaching, but the illegal wildlife trade in general. South Africa recognised that the work being done required continued adaptability to meet changing dynamics.

Poaching escalated

"Unfortunately the threat of poaching has continued to escalate while various multi-faceted interventions are being implemented by South Africa. We are concerned that poaching is part of a multi-billion dollar worldwide illicit wildlife trade. Addressing the scourge is not simple," she said.

The multi-disciplinary responses included the creation of intensive protection zones, translocation of rhino to safe havens within rhino range states, the introduction of new technology, and investigating the possibility of a feasible rhino trade, or not.

She emphasised that no final proposal has been compiled, or decision made, regarding the future legal trade in rhino horn as an additional intervention to reduce the levels of poaching. This means no final proposal has been compiled regarding the future legal trade in rhino horn as an additional intervention to reduce the levels of poaching.