The world is currently grappling with the worst public health emergency in recent memory. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases - those transmitted from animals to humans - and wildlife trade into sharp focus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 61% of all human … [Read more...]
Large illegal logging operation uncovered in Mozambique
In October 2019 a successful security operation led to the arrest of several suspects involved in a large illegal logging operation in Mozambique’s Coutada 4, a hunting concession that lies on the northern border of Zinave National Park. After hearing what sounded like chainsaw operations in an area where logging is strictly prohibited and having suspicions confirmed by … [Read more...]
West Coast rock lobster court ruling “historic”
WWF has welcomed the Cape High Court's historic ruling on West Coast rock lobster, after many attempts over several years to engage with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The court has upheld WWF's view that the decision to set last season’s Total Allowable Catch for West Coast rock lobster at an unsustainably high 1 924.08 tons was irrational, … [Read more...]
Notorious Russian vessel detained for illegal trawling
Following the detention of the Russian-flagged trawler the “Oleg Naydenov” by the Senegalese national navy on charges of illegal fishing, Greenpeace reiterates its support to the government of Senegal for the enforcement of fisheries legislation and calls on the President and his government to remain firm on its commitment to put an end to illegal activities by such … [Read more...]
Offenders pay the price for illegal dumping
Earlier this month, The City of Cape Town issued fines totalling R105 700 in a multi-agency, city-wide operation targeting dumping, environmental crime and other by-law contraventions. The areas covered included the Philippi Horticultural Area, Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, Harare, Vrygrond, Khayelitsha, Baden Powell Drive, Muizenberg, Brackenfell, Elsies River and … [Read more...]
A contribution to rhino anti-poaching considerations
Despite all the money and efforts being spent on anti-poaching, the rhino death toll is escalating at a rate that threatens the survival of the species. What was the tipping point leading to the increased demand for rhino horn and how can this trend be reversed? The latest rhino poaching statistics for South Africa released by the South African Government Department of … [Read more...]
Reversing the plight of the oribi
The Endangered Wildlife Trust Threatened Grassland Species Programme (EWT-TGSP) has entered into an exciting partnership with the South Africa Community Action Network (SA CAN) that will assist the EWT in combating illegal hunting with dogs, especially when threatened species such as Oribi are targeted. The Oribi, a highly specialised antelope inhabiting Africa’s temperate … [Read more...]
Rainbow Warrior Day 1: What happens at sea?
First night on the Rainbow Warrior swinging like a piece of washing in the wind – is she trying to jump the rainbow? Falling around in my cot I don’t sleep much, but listen to the swishing of waves breaking off the ship - a constant reminder that I’m not dreaming. I am indeed on this legendary boat, sharing the story with our readers. This is the third Rainbow Warrior – … [Read more...]
Well done to SA’s seafood consumers
'Congratulations to South Africa's seafood consumers. By insisting on sustainably harvested fish and seafood you are significantly driving change.' This is the message from Dr Samantha Petersen, project manager of the Nedbank Green Trust-supported Sustainable Fisheries Program. Pressure from South African consumers on the seafood retail market over the past couple of years … [Read more...]
