South Africa reiterates commitment to feasible model for trade in rhino horns

The South African government on Thursday reiterated its commitment to working in partnership with stakeholders and experts to ensure a feasible model for trade in rhino horns. "The South African government believes trade must be seen in the broader context of a myriad of interventions being implemented to address the scourge of rhino poaching," the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) said. But the government does not view trade as a panacea for the on- going scourge, but is part of a number of measures implemented, the DEA said in a statement. The latest development came after efforts failed to stem the on- going scourge of rhino poaching which has to date seen a total of 480 rhinos killed for their horns since the beginning of this year, according to the latest official statistics released on Thursday. South Africa, which is home to over 73 percent of the worlds' rhino population, bears the brunt of rhino poaching. The SA cabinet recently approved that South Africa prepares and submits a rhino trade proposal for consideration at the 17th Conference of Parties (COP) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016. All views expressed by interested and affected stakeholders involved in rhino conservation will be considered, according to the DEA. The trade proposal, the DEA said, should take into account numerous aspects, including the appropriate model for trade; the anticipated changes in the markets and the demand for rhino horn; the additional control measures and requirements to be introduced; and potential trade partners. "The decision to table a proposal at the next CITES COP was not taken lightly. It followed an extensive public consultation process, nationally and internationally," the DEA said. Currently, international trade in rhino horn for commercial purposes is prohibited and this prohibition can only be lifted, if agreed by the COP. To ensure that the parties to CITES are able to make a decision relating to this matter, a proposal must be submitted for consideration by the COP.