In September 2014, the world will hear the voices of the youth speaking out against rhino poaching and the decimation of other endangered species at the inaugural
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WORLD YOUTH RHINO SUMMIT
21-23 September 2014 (incorporating World Rhino Day)
Centenary Centre, iMfolozi Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.youthrhinosummit.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthRhinoSummit
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WYRhinoSummit
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SCT/FINAL/10/7/14
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Wildlife crime is the fourth most profitable illegal trade in the world after drugs, arms and human trafficking,
About the World Youth Rhino Summit
Wildlife crime has exploded in recent years to meet the increasing demand for rhino horn, elephant ivory and tiger products, particularly in Asia. The rhino poaching crisis affecting South Africa and other African and Asian rhino range states is now recognised as a worldwide wildlife emergency. The brutal killing of rhinos - particularly in South Africa - is being driven by global criminal syndicates, many with links to international terrorism and narcotics cartels.
estimated at US$19 billion
Equally as important as fighting the front-line battles, improving anti-poaching operations and global law enforcement efforts to counter wildlife crime, is the need for a critical mass of support that will drive informed global awareness of the value of rhinos, not just economically but also their value to Africa’s and Asia’s heritage and biodiversity in the decades to come. This is taking shape and significantly: tens of thousands of young people in South Africa, other African states and internationally are calling for rhino poaching to be stopped.
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The inaugural World Youth Rhino Summit will bring together 130 young people aged 15-17years from South Africa, other African countries affected by wildlife poaching, consumer countries in Asia and other parts of the world. The delegates and their teacher-chaperones will interact with conservation leaders in the symbolic iMfolozi Game Reserve – known internationally for its role in saving the white rhino from extinction previously - to directly address the current rhino poaching crisis and develop resolutions needed to stop burgeoning wildlife crime.
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The World Youth Rhino Summit’s goal is to engage future leaders
OUTCOMES:
in rhino/wildlife conservation & protection strategies and
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To Sound: A world-wide call to
action by the youth to save the rhino from extinction, led by Africa’s young conservation leaders – emanating from KwaZuluNatal, South Africa
empower delegates to become local, national and international Ambassadors for wildlife & conservation, and influence policy at local, state, national and international levels.
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OBJECTIVES:
1. Nurture understanding of and commitment to the values of conservation amongst the youth, particularly for rhino and other endangered species affected by illegal poaching and wildlife crime
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To Send: Key ‘hearts and minds’
2. Educate tomorrow’s leaders on the growing problem of international wildlife crime and its threats to biodiversity and wider issues such as national security
3. Gain youth perspectives on rhino poaching, wildlife crime, demand-reduction, and economic value of endangered species
4. Connect young conservation leaders with current conservation, political, tribal and business leaders and foster knowledge-sharing between generations
5. Advance the theme of the Summit by providing tools to support the youth in the classroom and in their communities
6. Develop an international network of concerned youth leaders 7. Signing of a World Youth Wildlife Declaration that is acknowledged by eminent global bodies such as the United
Nations, IUCN and CITES
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Watch the introductory video:
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The Delegates
The delegates are being selected based on their future leadership potential in business, government and society. They are being drawn
from the Rhino Art – Let the Children’s Voices be
Heard campaign. Through the American International Schools network, the sons and daughters of international diplomats and business leaders from 9 African countries will mingle with exceptional youth from rural communities close to rhino poaching hotspots such as the Kruger National Park, northern KZN and the Mozambique
- ‘Rhino poaching war zone’.
- Vietnamese and
Chinese young people will be exposed to the tragedy unfolding in Africa’s game parks, form bonds with their African peers and hear the words of anti-poaching experts at the coal-face of the rhino crisis.
Main countries sending delegates to the World Y o uth Rhino Summit
The Rhino Art – Let the Children’s Voices be Heard campaign is led by modern-day
African explorer Kingsley Holgate in partnership with Project Rhino KZN. It has already reached over 125,000 young people throughout southern and central Africa with a rhino conservation message that encourages them to voice their thoughts about rhino poaching. The results are astonishing; not only is it very clear that young people in both urban and rural communities are fully aware of the rhino poaching crisis and feel deeply about it, but they are also aware of the long term impact it will have on their African heritage and the global world they stand to inherit. Their graphic pictures show cognizance of widespread corruption and criminal forces at work and their heartfelt pleas for rhino poaching to stop make hardened rangers weep.
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The Rhino Art campaign was part of the launch of the President Joaquim Chissano Wildlife Crime Initiative in Maputo, which aims to implement tougher wildlife crime laws in Mozambique. It has now reached Vietnam in partnership with WildAct, Saving Rhinos (UK), the Freeland Foundation and ENV.
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The Programme
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Delegates will be divided into Regiments of 10 named after endangered African animals and will convene after busy days for ‘Tribal Council’ around a central fire where conservation experts and antipoaching leaders will impart their knowledge.
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African culture and heritage and its
inherent link to not just rhinos but all African wildlife and wild spaces will be a major theme running through the Summit; the aim being to re-ignite in these young minds, the deep connection b e t w e e n m a n a n d t h e n a t u r a l environment. Zulu culture will play a lead role in this education with cultural
experts from Shakaland adding
knowledge, colour and dance to the
Summit. David ‘Quadasi’ Jenkins – the
22-year old, award-winning Masakandi singer will also attend; he has dedicated his song Obhejane to the World Youth Rhino Summit. All other cultures represented will be respected, and delegates will come prepared to share their own traditions.
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‘Rhino Experiences’ will give delegates a
direct understanding of conservation efforts to ensure that the rhino is saved from extinction yet again. These include:
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iMfolozi’s ‘Operation Rhino’ Museum Guided visits to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s bomas Game drives/walks to view rhinos in the wild Simulated rhino security exercise involving the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing and ground anti-poaching teams
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The academic part of the programme has been developed by the American International School network. Delegates will preresearch and debate 6 provocative themes that cover not just rhino poaching, but also burgeoning global wildlife crime. On the final day, the Summit delegates will hold a Press
Conference with conservation experts (‘Rhino Elders’) fielding
questions and debating issues that the delegates have identified as important. Local and international media will be present. The Summit will culminate in the signing of a World Youth
Wildlife Declaration that will be presented to local and
international government, conservation and cultural leaders at a
VIP grand finale event.
6 Provocative Themes
1. Commercialization of Wildlife
(rhino economics, farming, trade, eco-tourism, hunting)
2. Demand Reduction - culture and society
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‘Rhino Elders’ & Conservation Leaders
Delegates will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with recognised conservation experts. ‘Rhino Elders’ that will field delegate’s questions on the final day include:
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Dr Ian Player (world renowned rhino conservationist) Dr William Fowlds (world renowned wildlife/rhino rehabilitation Vet) Dr Paula Kaumba (Kenya - elephant expert and global activist against wildlife crime) Steve Galster (USA - founder of the Freeland Foundation, global expert in wildlife and human trafficking) Dr Bandile Mkhize (CEO Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife) Chris Galliers (Chairman of the Game Rangers Association of Africa) Ted Reilly (Swaziland – CEO of Big Game Parks, helped shape Swaziland’s wildlife crime laws) Kingsley Holgate
Other conservation experts that will engage with the delegates will be drawn from 18 members of the Project Rhino KZN association and include game reserve managers and anti-poaching unit members, scientists and rhino security experts who will share their extensive knowledge of conservation and wildlife crime with delegates.
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Venue & accommodation
The Summit will be a truly African experience, un-replicable anywhere else in the world. It is being hosted by the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, world-renowned for its role in saving the southern white rhino from extinction through the work of Dr Ian Player, Magqubu Ntombela and other KwaZulu-Natal conservation pioneers. The delegates will be accommodated in a first-class camp environment, at the Centenary Centre, in unspoilt wilderness to get them in tune with the beating heart of Africa and will be catered for through a bush kitchen. TVG - South Africa’s largest youth-focussed outdoor education and adventure operator will provide experienced youth leaders to supervise the delegates as well as onsite facilities such as the 500-seater Indaba Tent (www.tvg.co.za).
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Post-Summit actions
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The Asian delegates will be hosted by the Wilderness Leadership School (founded by Dr Ian Player) on a 5-day Wilderness Trail immediately after the Summit ends. These have a profound impact on every person who gets to experience the beauty and resonance of being at one with Africa’s unspoilt wilderness.
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The World Youth Wildlife Declaration will be presented to the South African government, other African heads of state, the United Nations, CITES and other global networks to spur greater global and political commitment in 2015/2016.
The Summit delegates will become Youth Conservation Ambassadors in their own countries and develop social networks amongst their peers, to educate and drive awareness of the negative socio-economic impacts of rhino poaching and wildlife crime. Each delegate will be tasked to undertake specific actions in the 12 months following the Summit, in their home countries, including:
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Presentations to schools and youth bodies Enlisting media support (radio and newspaper interviews) Lobbying political and government leaders for greater commitment Lobbying ‘Persons of Influence’ in their home countries to speak out; these could be music and film celebrities, social and sports stars, business personalities and political leaders; Penning blogs and participating in online forums
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A global Youth Against Wildlife Crime network harnessing the power of the youth generation and social media will be established, which will help provide the critical mass needed at an international level to turn public opinion against rhino horn consumption and the illegal wildlife trade.
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Summit Partners
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Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (www.ekznw.co.za) is KwaZulu-Natal’s conservation agency tasked with biodiversity-
conservation and maintaining KZN’s wilderness areas and public nature reserves. It is also primarily responsible for rhino conservation and rhino security in KZN, which has the second largest rhino population in Africa after the Kruger National Park. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is a founding member of Project Rhino KZN and is the state partner in the Zululand Anti-Poaching Wing (www.zapwing.org) – the first aerial anti-poaching partnership between government and private conservation entities in Southern Africa.
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is hosting the World Youth Rhino Summit at the flagship Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, providing the Centenary Centre in the iMfolozi section as the venue at no cost, along with access to the rhino conservation museum and wildlife bomas. Ezemvelo personnel, including section rangers, anti-poaching unit members and honorary officers will play key roles in the Summit, ensuring the safety and security of the delegates and giving them a direct understanding of rhino conservation and anti-poaching efforts.
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Kingsley Holgate Foundation (www.kingsleyholgate.net): Kingsley Holgate is considered one of Africa’s most
colourful modern day explorers. A humanitarian adventurer, author, TV Personality and fellow of the Royal Geographical Society, Getaway Magazine calls him their Explorer in Residence and the most travelled man in Africa.
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In 2013, Kingsley and his expedition team became personally involved in the rhino poaching crisis. Their Izintaba Zobombo expedition to document the Lebombo Mountain Range between South African and Mozambique formed the backdrop to the partnership with Project Rhino KZN and launched the Rhino Art campaign. Kingsley personally spent time in the ‘Rhino War Zone’ along the Mozambique border with the Kruger National Park and his observations of the impact rhino poaching was having on rural Mozambique communities was invaluable to conservationists and law enforcement personnel on both sides of the South Africa-Mozambique border. The Kingsley Holgate Foundation continues to be the driving force behind the Rhino Art campaign.
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Project Rhino KZN (www.projectrhinokzn.org) was formed in 2011 by KwaZulu-Natal’s conservation sector to
work collaboratively against escalating rhino poaching and wildlife crime. 18 well-known and reputable organisations make up this provincial association that has pioneered an ethos of working in unity against a common threat between State, private and leading conservation NGOs and breaking the traditional ‘silo’ mentality that previously existed. Supported by well-known conservationists like Dr Ian Player, Project Rhino KZN has forged supportive relationships amongst game reserves on the front-line of the rhino poaching war, and its ethos of partnership has resulted in innovative new anti-poaching strategies such as the Zululand AntiPoaching Wing that provides aerial security support to 26 state and private game reserves in northern KZN (300,000ha of protected area). It also raises funds for anti-poaching needs and plays a leading role in maintaining public support for KZN’s efforts to remain at the forefront of rhino conservation, particularly in the following 5 Priorities:
1) Rhino Security – including ZAP-Wing, provision of anti-poaching equipment and training, support for rhino security operations and maintaining operational networks in Zululand and the Midlands region of KZN
2) Community Engagement, Education & Awareness – includes the Rhino Art campaign, sustainable
conservation-based livelihoods and the World Youth Rhino Summit
3) Legislation & the Judiciary – to improve convictions of rhino poachers and greater success in dismantling organised crime poaching syndicates
4) Lobbying & Strategic Relationships – to build political will to fighting wildlife crimes and engage business and social leadership support
5) Fundraising and Public Awareness – maintaining public awareness, empathy and support, and secure the funding needs of key Project Rhino KZN initiatives.
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American International School of Mozambique (AISM) (www.aism-moz.com)
The American International School of Mozambique is a private, coeducational school for international students that attracts pupils from business, government and diplomat families in Mozambique and neighbouring countries. It is a member of the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA) and the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE). AISM is also recognized and supported by the U.S. State Department Office of Overseas American Schools and provides the IB (International Bacc. Through this school network, the AISM is assisting with identifying 30 worthy World Youth Summit delegates from 9 African countries as well as India and Indonesia. The Principal and two senior teachers are also responsible for the development of the academic elements of the Summit programme, utilising their experience of stimulating intellectual, free-thinking debate at United Nations level amongst students from a wide background of culture and language.
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Summit Sponsors & Supporters
Conservation Organisations supporting the World Youth Rhino Summit:
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African Conservation Trust Big Game Parks Swaziland Black Rhino Range Expansion Project (WWF) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Game Rangers Association of Africa (GRAA)
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Magqubu Ntombela Foundation Phinda Private Game Reserve (& Beyond) Shamwari Game Reserve Space for Elephants Thanda Foundation Thanda Private Game Reserve The Lawrence Anthony Earth Organisation Wildlife & Environment Society of Southern Africa (WESSA) Wildlife ACT Fund Wildlands Conservation Trust Wilderness Action Group Wilderness Foundation & the Wilderness Leadership School Zululand Rhino Reserve Zululand Wildlife Security Initiative (17 private & community game reserves) Midlands Wildlife Security Initiative (7 private & community game reserves)
International:
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Freeland Foundation ENV WildACT Vietnam Saving Rhinos (UK) International NGOs through Project Rhino KZN partnership links: WWF, TRAFFIC & WILDAID US Embassy South Africa
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Sponsors and Partners
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IMake a Difference (sponsorship of Asian and New Zealand delegates) American International Schools Network (Pan-African delegates & programme development) Earth Touch TV (Summit media partner) SPAR Pty Ltd (food and beverage sponsorship) ABI/Coca-Cola (food and beverage sponsorship) The Ventures Group (youth counsellors and catering) Hayward’s Grand Safari Company (tented accommodation) SATIB Insurance Brokers (insurance and medevac support) SATIB Conservation Trust (funding) South African Airways (discounted airfares) Barrows (branding, design and print sponsors) Shakaland (Zulu heritage and African culture) The Wilderness Leadership School (sponsored 5-day Wilderness trail for Vietnamese delegates) Thompsons Africa (transportation) BeBold Consulting (marketing, media & branding) South African Airways (reduced airfares) BP Drakensberg (fuel) Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Honorary Officers (logistics & camp set-up) Barry Leitch (heritage & cultural expertise) & David ‘Quadasi’ Jenkins (award-winning musician)
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