South African Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vietnam’s Minister of Agricultural and Rural Development, Dr Cao Duc Phat, with the aim of combating the scourge in rhino poaching.
“South Africa continues to vigorously implement various interventions in a bid to curb rhino poaching. We believe that this latest development is crucial for South Africa to effectively deal with the current scourge of poaching, and the illegal hunting largely driven by the international demand for the rhino horn,” said Molewa.
“The signing of this MOU adds to our arsenal against rhino poaching and increases the number of roleplayers working towards curbing it,” she continued.
Co-operation between Vietnam and South Africa will range from the exchange of visits of experts and delegations to undertaking collaborative projects. Each country will appoint a co-ordinator to implement the MOU, whichwill remain in force for a period of five years, after which it may be extended with the consent of both countries.
“It is envisaged that the co-operation with Vietnam will not only aid in curbing rhino poaching but will also further the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts and aid its fight against other environmental crimes,” concluded the Minister.
To access the latest rhino poaching and arrests statistics, follow the link below:
http://www.environment.gov.za/?q=content/updaterhino_poachingstatistics…;
