ISAP on top of anti-poaching game

SINCE its founding three years ago, the non-profit organisation Intelligence Support Against Poaching (ISAP) has committed effort to reducing the high levels of poaching in Namibia and has established itself as an elemental part of the country’;s anti-poaching task force.

The focus of Isap is firstly to foster and maintain a dependable intelligence network to get information on environmental crimes and sharing it with authorities.

Isap also works closely with the government and other partners to support anti-poaching efforts.

“Rhino, elephant, lion, pangolin, fresh water fish, rosewood forests – are all targeted by poachers. They are easy to get, have high value, and there are few legal ramifications for those caught,” Tinus Hansen, Isap chief operating officer said.

The poaching epidemic is driven by a number of factors, including cumbersome legal systems, corruption and increased levels of poverty, he said.

Hansen says although poaching is unlikely to be completely eradicated, with concerted efforts and funding a significant dent can be made to “keep endangered species numbers sustainable.”

The third aspect of Isap’;s mission is commitment and understanding of the importance of working in partnership with communities, who live with the wildlife and vegetation species targeted by poachers.

Hansen says the organisation has undertaken several rural development projects aimed at uplifting communities and fostering trust and cooperation.

“The reciprocal spin-off is increased trust and credibility of Isap among rural communities, which supports the informant networks.”

Getting communities aboard through programmes enhances the understanding of the value of natural species and how to protect them against human-wildlife conflict, and also lessens the lure of easy money to be earned through poaching at the command of syndicates and Namibian middlemen.

Hansen said the link between rural communities and the environment they live in cannot be ignored, and should be used as a valuable anti-poaching tool.

“Local communities know the animals – they understand how they move, how they think and how important they are for the Namibian and global ecosystems. They are key to protecting precious species by being our eyes, ears and hands,” says Hansen.

“Without the custodianship of rural communities, saving wildlife from poaching will be in vain, and it is therefore critical to consider our wildlife and our people as inseparably linked.”

As part of Isap’;s community development programme, the NGO partnered with a United Kingdom- based outreach programme, Friends from Ireland (FFI), which sources funds to be used in specific projects with the help of volunteers. The volunteers also offer services on the ground by imparting skills.

In 2018, Isap’;s first community programme will place at the De Rust community located along the Ugab River, home to some of Namibia’;s famed desert adapted elephant and lions.

The project is aimed at upgrading water supply and storage facilities, to ensure safe water supplies for humans and livestock, as well as providing water for local wildlife. This rural intervention is scheduled to start in November.

Recently, Isap fostered an orphaned white rhino male calf and managed to source more than 8 000 litres of fat-free milk and a large consignment of lactose from donors to keep the calf healthy. Through Isap, a high-tech intelligence and surveillance software, Cmore – with which anti-poaching rangers can communicate, as well as create a database of information – will be rolled out in national parks, conservancy areas, private reserves and other areas in need of proactive anti-poaching efforts.

The Waterberg Plateau National Park is already using this software.

Several other projects are underway to strengthen anti-poaching efforts in Namibia, driven by Isap’;s understanding that the government cannot win the war against poaching on its own.

Funding for non-profit organisations such as Isap is crucial, as a recent agreement with Nedbank Namibia shows. “Without local support there would be no private organisational support for anti-poaching efforts in Namibia,” Hansen stressed.

– Nedbank Namibia.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.