A PRIVATE rhino and elephant conservation organisation says government should allow private ownership of black rhinos in order to better protect the endangered species.
Conserving Our Valuable Elephant and Rhino (Cover), a conservation organisation affiliated with the Next Generation Conservation Trust and founded by prominent Namibian professional hunter Jofie Lamprecht, said privately owned farms only have white rhinos, making their mission to protect black rhinos impossible.
“Black rhinos are currently only owned by the Namibian government. Cover only has access to protect white rhinos,” said Lamprecht.
He explained that the organisation has outlined the legalisation of private ownership of black rhinos as part of their mission. The organisation has also had to continuously fend off suspicions that they are operating as a secret anti-poaching group and being mercenaries, which Lamprecht vehemently denied. Additionally, he denied accusations that his organisation has been soliciting money through questionable means.
“Funding for Cover has all been secured privately and taken the form of goods rather than money. Generous individuals have graciously supported us,” he said.
However, environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said black rhinos are a public asset and if Cover or any private organisation want them they can only have them as custodians.
The organisation has the backing of Namibian businessman Lazarus Jacobs, whom they describe as a “passionate Namibian who cares deeply for its people and wildlife”. Cover is also enjoying support from Security Solutions Africa, a South African-based company, in their quest to curb Namibia’s poaching problem.
Cover opened a case against Next Generation Conservation Trust with the Anti-Corruption Commission in June this year, accusing them of misusing and failing to account for public funds meant for conservation purposes. “Bearing in mind, we are obligated as a matter of due diligence and proper accounting to ensure that funds which are solicited from the public, through the medium of conservation related projects and fundraisers are properly dispensed and dealt with,” he said.
“The paper trail of such funds must be traceable and transparent accounting of all such proceeds must at all times be a priority. If any disbursement is made or any payment received such must be accounted for in order to ensure that the objectives of the trust and the larger ideal relating to rhino conservation are maintained and not unduly tarnished,” he said.
The organisation declared that although they are not partnering government in their quest to protect rhinos and elephants, both the minister and deputy minister are aware of their mission and operations.
Lamprecht critisised government for “sitting on a huge stock of rhino horns” when they should use them to generate money that can be used to protect the species. As part of their mission to curb poaching, the organisation invited anti-poaching trainer and president of Wildlife Angel Sergio Lopez who has just completed a two week training course in equipping local troops. Currently the organisation says it is not offering training to government conservationists.
“We are more than willing to train government conservationists but we have not been given that opportunity yet,” said chairman of HornNam Jaco Muller, a partner of Cover.
