Rhino Protection Programme

Donors/Funders: 
Dutch Postcode Lottery, Reinet Foundation, African Wildlife Foundation
Implementers: 
South African National Parks; Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation; South African Department of Environment Forestry and Fisheries, Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife; National Administration for Conservation Areas (Mozambique)
Objectives: 
(1) To counter and ultimately stop the killing of rhinos by enhancing protected area support on the ground, with a specific focus on disruption through technology; (2) To stop the trade through harmonisation of policies, legislation and counter-trafficking activities; and, (3) To reduce the demand through awareness and behavioural change campaign.

The project works closely with the South African government and its conservation management authorities, South African National Parks (SANParks) and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (Ezemvelo), as well as with Mozambique’s National Administration for Conservation Areas, to develop and implement practical, well-considered methods through which to address issues at various critical points along the so-called ‘poaching supply chain’, namely Protected area enforcement support, investigations and disruption of trafficking supply chains, and demand management within the consumer countries. 

 The programme investigates, develops and pilots a multitude of methodologies that hold potential to assist in stemming the tide of rhino poaching with particular focus on technology as a force multiplier. 

Sub-projects include:

- Intensive Protection Zone establishment
- Entrance Gate automation and movement control
- Development and deployment of the MEERKAT Wide Area Surveillance System 
- Support to Joint law enforcement structures, including Greater Kruger Environmental Protection Foundation law enforcement coordination support, Joint Security structures support
- Poison use study
- Smart Park establishment and the use of tech in law enforcement operations
- Intelligent camera traps
- K9 unit establishment
- Investigatory support
- Risk and Threat management unit establishment and operational support

PAs: 
Limpopo NP, Greater Libombos Conservancy (MZ); Kruger NP (ZA)
Specific Area (Village, Town, District, Province): 
KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanaga Provinces (SA); Gaza Province (MOZ)
HQ of the Initiative: 
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Timeframe: 
2014 to 2022
Is the timeframe likely to be extended?: 
Yes
Elaborate on likelihood to extend: 
Project still has incomplete deliverables and COVID-19 related delays may require an extension.
Budget: 
14000000.00
Currency: 
EUR
Thematic Focus: 
Policy & Leg frameworks, NR Protect & Mgt
1st Contact Name: 
Doug Gillings
1st Contact Email: 
2nd Contact Name: 
Gillian Rhodes
2nd Contact Email: