Donors keep boots on ground

ELLANIE SMIT

WINDHOEK



Despite global economic uncertainty, the Save the Rhino Trust's long-standing donors continued international and national support and kept boots on the ground.

This is according to the organisation's CEO, Simon Uri-Khob, who thanked the SRT team and all partners and donors for their hard work in dealing with the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic during the year.

From April to August, Namibia was in various stages of government-mandated lockdown.

“Throughout this period, our teams continued to patrol the landscape with the aim of collecting population data on the black rhino population,” Uri-Khob said. Compared to last year, 28% more rhino sightings were recorded in the SMART database and rangers logged 88% more kilometres patrolled on foot.

“With the hope that the return to normality will arrive with the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccines, the SRT will continue our collaborations with existing partners and seek out new partnerships with a focus on innovating financing,” he said.

The SRT's plans for 2021 include upgrading the camps that serve as safe shelters for rangers out on patrol.

“The integration of SMART mobile devices into our patrol activities will continue and be supported by training events for Rhino Rangers and SRT trackers on mobile devices.”

Uri-Khob added that whatever 2021 brings, they will continue to work closely with government, conservancies and non-profit partners on various aspects of promoting sustainability in rhino conservation.