A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between South Africa and Mozambique is expected to pave the way for co-operation between the two countries and boost anti-poaching operations. However, it remains a broad document and specific protocols around joint operations between the two countries are yet to be finalised.
Albi Modise, Spokesperson from Environmental Affairs, told Tourism Update the MoU would be followed by an action plan, which was expected to be finalised within the next two months.
According to Modise, while the MoU does not allow for hot pursuit (the pursuit of suspects across the Mozambican border), it allows for a mechanism for collaboration on anti-poaching operations between the two countries. “There would be a system that would permit the South African authorities to raise the alarm with the Mozambican authorities,” he said. “The sovereignty of the Mozambican government would remain,” Modise added.
Hot pursuit has been suggested as a method of preventing poaching, particularly in the Kruger, by Johan Jooste, Commanding Officer: Special Projects for SANParks , according to Defence Web.
William Mabasa, GM Communications and Marketing, told Tourism Update that SANParks would like to see hot pursuit included in the action plan. “We would like to be able to follow these people to wherever we can catch them without having to be stopped by a boundary,” he said, adding that the authority’s duty was to implement the decisions taken by government.
According to Modise, the protocols for joint co-operation would be detailed further in the action plan and hot pursuit is likely to be discussed while drafting this plan.
The MoU was signed last week by Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, and the Mozambican Minister of Tourism, Carvalho Muária.
The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs said the MoU would strengthen relations between the two countries and enhance the protection of endangered species, including rhino, while working towards a common and co-ordinated management approach for the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park (GLTP).
The MoU calls for co-operation in the areas of biodiversity management, conservation and protection. It also allows for the exchange of information, intelligence, best practice and research as well as joint technology innovation, development and enhancement.
The MoU also allows for the promotion of “sustainable use” as an integral part of conservation of species and ecosystems. “It is important to note that the Department of Environmental Affairs was authorised by Cabinet to explore a model for trade in rhino horn,” Molewa said at the signing ceremony.
Molewa added that a panel of experts had been appointed to assist the Inter-Ministerial Committee appointed by Cabinet to deliberate on matters relating to a possible trade. “The 10-member Panel is chaired by Fundisile Mketeni, the Deputy Director-General: Biodiversity and Conservation and will report to the Inter-Ministerial Committee before the end of the year.”
South Africa has committed R24.9 million from the R252 million Swedish and Dutch Postcode Lottery donation secured by the Peace Parks Foundation to Mozambique to assist with anti-poaching efforts.
Molewa welcomed the enactment of the Conservation Areas Act in Mozambique earlier this month, saying it showed commitment to fight wildlife crime.
The Act, which criminalises actions against wildlife and nature conservation, allows for mandatory sentences for offenders ranging from eight to 12 years as well as other monetary penalties.
Afonso Madope, the National Director of Conservation Areas in the Ministry of Tourism in Mozambique, said the Act would significantly benefit anti-poaching operations. He says most Mozambicans involved in poaching were aware that small penalties applied to wildlife crimes, whereas under the new law heavier sentences will be applied.
Madope also welcomed the signing of the MoU between the two countries. “The MoU will boost the level of co-operation among both countries, providing a clear window for anti-poaching joint operations,” he said. According to him, exchange of information related to poaching activities and seizures of traffic wildlife products was especially significant.
According to Molewa, since 2008 more than 2000 rhino have been poached in SA, with 1004 rhino killed during 2013. So far this year, 294 rhino have been poached. This week roughly 40 rhino horns were stolen from the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency. The horns are believed to be worth millions of dollars.
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