Rhino Horns – For Soutie

Hi Soutie, I know this is a subject close to your heart, and mine.

http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/Content.aspx?id=162979

I think this chap presents a sensible solution. I particularly agree with this observation:

“Most donor agents appear not to like the idea of a regulated trade; maybe because it is the most likely solution, and a solution is not what they seek?

The public should be cautious about donating money to these agencies. They may be perpetuating the crisis.”

6 thoughts on “Rhino Horns – For Soutie”

  1. I hate the whole idea of the trade in rhino horn, Sipu, but given the practical impossibility of stopping the poachers, it does seem to be a sensible solution.

  2. Hi Ara, I agree. It is ironic, perhaps that professional game hunters are more conservatively minded than most. The thing is they offer practical solutions as it is in their interests to do so. Donor organisations thrive on the fact that problems persist. Rather like Britain’s Commission for Racial Equality. Can you imagine a day when Trevor Phillips of whoever, says, ‘I think we have done our job and it is time to close down the Commission?’.

  4. Hi Bravo, probably not. I think these guys know that all you have to do is to grease a few palms and anything becomes possible. People in this part of the world are so venal! (Actually, that word is even more appropriate than I realised. I wrote it and then looked up the definition to make sure that I was on the right track.)

  5. Good morning Sipu, an interesting article, thanks.

    He’s basically advocating the sale of horn through a CSO from animals which have died naturally, he estimates about 4 tons a year, I don’t think that I have a problem with that (unless of course because horns are now more easily available by the witchdoctors in the East demand increases!)

    Does the CSO work with diamonds? You and I know that the temptations of a government run CSO would be open to all sorts of corruption but let’s say that it works.

    I’ve often advocated a similar policy with ivory of which there is an abundant supply. The proviso has to be that all proceeds go to anti-poaching and park protection, he reckons rhino horn will bring in $75 million, imagine adding tons of ivory to that figure?

Add your Comment