Specifically, these parks were selected for this pilot transaction based on their ecological, managerial and financial capacity to achieve rhino conservation outcomes. South Africa is committed to securing nature’s contribution to people through well-managed and expanding Conservation Areas that contribute to inclusive rural economic growth in thriving Biodiversity Economy Nodes,” she said.Ĭonservation investment payments from the WCB allow South Africa to build on established and successful rhino conservation efforts at the AENP and the GFRNR. “We are confident that this will assist in increasing the rhino growth rate and stimulate the development of additional novel, market-based mechanisms to support the objectives of the New Deal for People with Nature. We would like to acknowledge and express our appreciation for the considerable effort by numerous role players over the past few years that has resulted in this much-needed injection of funding into the biodiversity sector,” says Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy. “South Africa is excited to be at the forefront of an innovative new financial instrument aimed at boosting our efforts to protect the world’s largest rhino population. However, black rhinos are critically endangered mainly owing to poaching and habitat loss. This ecosystem contributes to South Africa’s national economy through tourism, job creation and as an important source of foreign exchange. Rhino protection helps other species that share their habitat. “Through the WCB, investors are supporting the financing of activities to protect and grow a critically endangered species with clear conservation targets, contributing directly to biodiversity, and bringing jobs to local communities through the creation of conservation-related employment in a rural and underserved region of South Africa.”

Iconomy nodes