EIA Comments on the Draft Biodiversity Management Plan for Black Rhinoceros and White Rhinoceros in South Africa

EIA remains alarmed by the ongoing rhino poaching and rhino horn trafficking affecting white and black rhinos in South Africa and throughout the rest of their range in Africa, and we therefore welcome the production of this draft Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP).

As the BMP rightly recognizes, organized criminal syndicates are responsible for rhino poaching and trafficking rhino horn from Africa to meet consumer demand in Asia, and it is this poaching and rhino horn trafficking that pose the greatest threat to the continued survival of white and black rhinos. It is therefore deeply concerning that a central tenet of the BMP appears to be the promotion of commercial rhino horn trade – both domestic and international.

EIA strongly urges DFFE to amend the draft BMP so that all rhino horn trade-related objectives and actions instead promote demand reduction and the strict restriction of trade in order to protect white and black rhinos from the main threat to their survival: poaching and illegal trade in rhino horn. Proposals to enhance and otherwise pursue domestic and international trade should be removed from the BMP.