We can all relax... the UN is launching a "new fund". ~ Alan



Africa: New Fund to Protect elephants Launched at UN-Backed Forum

Geneva — A UN-backed meeting of global conservation experts has concluded in Geneva with important decisions to protect a number of endangered species, including the launch of a trust fund to ensure the long-term survival of the African elephant population.

Several countries have already contributed to the multi-donor technical trust for the implementation of an African Elephant Action Plan, and more were encouraged to do so by the participants of the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

"We expect that donors will hear the urgent needs of Africa and support the implementation of the African Elephant Action Plan," said John E. Scanlon, Secretary-General of CITES, whose secretariat is administered by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

"The target is to raise US$100 million over the next three years to enhance law enforcement capacity and secure the long-term survival of African elephant populations," he added.

Elephant conservation and new financial mechanisms were among several issues on the agenda of the week-long meeting, in addition to measures to reduce current levels of poaching of rhinos, tigers and other big cats, illegal trade in mahogany and other timber species, the fate of sturgeon and the caviar trade, and the sourcing of reptile skins used in the leather industry.

The committee considered recent findings concerning African and Asian elephants, poaching levels and illegal trade in ivory.

It also recognized rhinoceros poaching and illegal trade in their horns as a major challenge that requires innovative approaches, with one delegation describing the situation "as almost out of control."

All populations of rhinoceroses are suffering from poaching, particularly those in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), India, Mozambique, Nepal, South Africa and Zimbabwe, with the illegal trade in rhinoceros horns appearing to be the main motive.

According to a report submitted by the South African Government, a total of 174 rhino have been illegally killed in South Africa alone during the first six months of 2011. Poaching levels in South Africa have risen dramatically in recent years: 13 rhinos poached in 2007, 83 in 2008, 122 in 2009 and 330 in 2010. A total of 122 suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in South Africa since January 2011, 60 of them in the Kruger National Park, which is the protected area that has suffered the biggest losses.

The committee also reviewed efforts by Peru in establishing reliable timber verification systems, and new rules for introducing marine species from international waters, among other topics.

Some 175 States have joined CITES, an international agreement that entered into force in July 1975 and aims to ensure that global trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.

Ah, now I know where I can send my excess cash! Really hope that at least SOME of these do-gooders realize that it is elephant habitat that should really be protected. But most likely the money will mostly be spent on ineffective birth control measures in areas where the already excessive numbers of eles are destroying their own habitat!

quote:

Originally posted by Alan Bunn:
We can all relax... the UN is launching a "new fund". ~ Alan



Africa: New Fund to Protect elephants Launched at UN-Backed Forum


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According to a report submitted by the South African Government, a total of 174 rhino have been illegally killed in South Africa alone during the first six months of 2011. Poaching levels in South Africa have risen dramatically in recent years: 13 rhinos poached in 2007, 83 in 2008, 122 in 2009 and 330 in 2010. A total of 122 suspected rhino poachers have been arrested in South Africa since January 2011, 60 of them in the Kruger National Park, which is the protected area that has suffered the biggest losses.

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Although these numbers are alarming, they should be compared to the number of legal hunted rhino!

Andrew McLaren

100 million - that should just abou9t cover the administrative fees

Better spent keeping China out of Africa!!!!

Wonder if this project can be considered "shovel ready"?

If they really cared, the 100 million would be spent on shutting down and aresting the sellers of rhino horn products in SE Asia and for culling Ele's that are destroying habitat.....okay going back to my dream world now....