What is humanity doing to combat the poaching scourge?
02FEB
THE INVESTEC RHINO LIFELINE PROJECT
I was delighted to see a billboard outside Investec’s Sandton HQ this morning advertising their Rhino Lifeline campaign. Having not noticed it before, I thought I’d look it up.
The campaign was actually started back in 2012, so I’m admittedly a few years behind the curve. But the information on their website states that the Rhino Crisis “is the most significant conservation issue faced by the country and time is running out. In 2012 Investec established Investec Rhino Lifeline to respond to this crisis.”
They then go on to outline the aim of the project which is threefold:
To build awareness
To raise funds
To support carefully selected education, rescue and prevention initiatives.
Having read through all the information on their site, I was left delighted at the fact that a big South African corporate has embarked on such a thorough and well thought out project against the Rhino crisis.
Key to the project is establishing relationships with credible partners who are experts in their fields, and focussing on projects that are different and have a meaningful impact.
To date they’ve adopted an impressive list of partners to help them address each one of their aims in the Rhino Crisis fight:
Dr William Fowlds – Awareness
Well known for his work in the field, Dr Fowlds is a deeply passionate wildlife vet involved in a wide range of conservation initiatives, but for whom the Rhino Crisis is a particularly important one.
Anyone who followed the heart-wrenching story of the Kariega Game Reserve’s Themba and Thandi will have doubtless seen Dr Fowlds’ impassioned plea to take the story of the two Rhino’s to the world – see video below at 1:20 in.
The good Dr dedicates his time to championing the plight of the rhino through his veterinary and awareness initiatives, while exposing the desperate reality of poaching attacks to the global stage.
Has worked successfully over 40 years in many countries, from its base in South Africa, to protect wildlife and wilderness in partnership with local communities. They continue their work each year against wildlife crime and combating poaching in to play their part in the Rhino Crisis.
The Wilderness Foundation have partnered with Investec to help them raise funds and to act as expert advisors as to how those funds are allocated to legitimate and effective programmes.
Is a program started in Botswana 10 years ago, that targets 10-11 year-olds and has extended into South Africa as well as the USA. Since inception in 2004, over 6000 children have participated in the program, acquiring an understanding of conservation challenges and the Rhino Crisis.
The mission of Coaching for Conservation is to ‘Inspire Kids Who Care’ and the aim is to positively impact their core values.
Saving the Survivors with SAVA (South African Veterinary Association) and the University of Pretoria care for and treat rhino that have survived poaching incidents.
Between 80 and 120 rhino are estimated to survive poaching incidents every year. Investec aim to support Drs Johan Marais and Gerhard Steenkamp (leading authorities on rhino anatomical research and maxilla-facial surgery) in growing their research base and providing medical facilities for these survivors when needed.
So another campaign to fight the scourge that is Rhino Poaching. Investec is a powerful and successful bank with deep resources and having a good understanding of their CSI initiatives and the positive impact they are having on society, I am confident the bright minds there can have the same impact on the Rhino Crisis.
More information can be found on the Investec Rhino Lifeline page HERE
If you'd like to get behind the campaign and TWEET YOUR SUPPORT, make sure you click on the image below
