ISAP receives 'Protector'
The private-sector-funded anti-poaching organisation ISAP has taken ownership of a light aircraft donated by Namibia Breweries.
Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) this week handed over a two-seater Piper Super Cub aircraft, nicknamed 'The Protector', to the organisation Intelligence Support Against Poaching (ISAP) in an effort to curb poaching in Namibia.
NBL managing director Wessie van der Westhuizen said rhino poaching was no longer just a Namibian or SADC issue, but was at the centre of the world's attention.
“We need to understand that not only does losing one single rhino cause an ecological imbalance, but the impact it has on our economy, in particular the tourism industry, is enormous. We simply cannot ignore this inhumane act and watch our beautiful endangered species become extinct. We need to act now,” Van der Westhuizen said.
For the past two years, NBL has supported ISAP's operations with an annual sponsorship of N$100 000 through its Windhoek Lager brand.
“We are excited to further strengthen ISAP in its quest to curb this sad act. The plane that we are handing over is not just another sponsorship from NBL, but is testimony to our passionate commitment to really making rhino poaching a thing of the past,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Official poaching statistics released by the environment ministry indicate that 216 black and white rhinos have been killed over the past four years.
Poachers killed 63 rhinos in 2016, 91 in 2015 and 61 in 2014. Elephant poaching has also proven to be a great concern in the country, with 266 elephants killed by poachers since 2013.
The ministry's records show that elephant poaching skyrocketed last year with 101 cases reported in 2016 compared to 49 in 2015, 78 in 2014, and 38 in 2013.
The minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, said rhinos were part of the country's tourism potential.
He stressed that the tourism sector was doing well at the moment because of the unique features it offered.
“The tourism sector plays a critical role on the economic front of Namibia and contributes immensely to the national coffers. This sector provides jobs for thousands of Namibians and feeds thousands of families. The impact of this sector on Namibia's economy is tremendous.”
Shifeta said failing to address a major threat to the future of the tourism sector would worsen unemployment and poverty.
“And it starts with confronting, addressing and confiscating our current biggest threat - the sad and despicable act of poaching.”
Shifeta applauded ISAP for its remarkable work in addressing poaching. He further commended the O&L Group, in particular NBL, for taking the lead in corporate Namibia to address the issue.
According to ISAP's director of operations and marketing, Tinus Hansen, 'The Protector' will be used for tracking collared animals, providing air support for ISAP operations, locating carcasses and patrolling national parks and private reserves.
NBL managing director Wessie van der Westhuizen said rhino poaching was no longer just a Namibian or SADC issue, but was at the centre of the world's attention.
“We need to understand that not only does losing one single rhino cause an ecological imbalance, but the impact it has on our economy, in particular the tourism industry, is enormous. We simply cannot ignore this inhumane act and watch our beautiful endangered species become extinct. We need to act now,” Van der Westhuizen said.
For the past two years, NBL has supported ISAP's operations with an annual sponsorship of N$100 000 through its Windhoek Lager brand.
“We are excited to further strengthen ISAP in its quest to curb this sad act. The plane that we are handing over is not just another sponsorship from NBL, but is testimony to our passionate commitment to really making rhino poaching a thing of the past,” said Van der Westhuizen.
Official poaching statistics released by the environment ministry indicate that 216 black and white rhinos have been killed over the past four years.
Poachers killed 63 rhinos in 2016, 91 in 2015 and 61 in 2014. Elephant poaching has also proven to be a great concern in the country, with 266 elephants killed by poachers since 2013.
The ministry's records show that elephant poaching skyrocketed last year with 101 cases reported in 2016 compared to 49 in 2015, 78 in 2014, and 38 in 2013.
The minister of environment and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, said rhinos were part of the country's tourism potential.
He stressed that the tourism sector was doing well at the moment because of the unique features it offered.
“The tourism sector plays a critical role on the economic front of Namibia and contributes immensely to the national coffers. This sector provides jobs for thousands of Namibians and feeds thousands of families. The impact of this sector on Namibia's economy is tremendous.”
Shifeta said failing to address a major threat to the future of the tourism sector would worsen unemployment and poverty.
“And it starts with confronting, addressing and confiscating our current biggest threat - the sad and despicable act of poaching.”
Shifeta applauded ISAP for its remarkable work in addressing poaching. He further commended the O&L Group, in particular NBL, for taking the lead in corporate Namibia to address the issue.
According to ISAP's director of operations and marketing, Tinus Hansen, 'The Protector' will be used for tracking collared animals, providing air support for ISAP operations, locating carcasses and patrolling national parks and private reserves.
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