Rhino horn trade (Conference paper)

To: Committee of Enquiry Premised that: Rhino horns stockpiles destruction does not seem to be an effective anti-poaching strategy, yet trading the horns by governments would, in a way, legitimize the trade of illegally obtained horns. For many economists, destroying a valuable resource is hard to justify and some, in the name of bias economic statistics and unrealistic solutions [e.g. price control], propose that Rhino horn trade should be legalized to save the five extant species. Divergent argument is that governments should have a contra attitude toward legalization of whatever [wildlife trading included] is harmful to society. Besides, it would be an offence to the many families that lost their dearest for Rhino protection. Given that: A. Narco-Terror-Wildlife connection is a matter of facts. The same illegal products that fund the attacks on civilized society also destabilize democracies across the globe, undermine culture and they all represent a clear and present danger to world’s security; B. The international response to the wildlife trafficking problem has been somehow predictable and based on defense rather than attack; C. The syndicates are always approaching people, recruiting under any circumstance, illegal or legal; D. Legal trade of other wildlife [e.g. ivory] has definitely proved to be a failure or even counterproductive. A STRATEGY TO STOP RHINO POACHING This proposal is to upgrade wildlife trafficking to the rank of narco-terror crimes. By focusing on priorities: Adding value to Intelligence collection; Developing international cooperation; Accepting international responsibility; Deploying special Army units. To capitalize on this unique opportunity in history in which the international community is looking to South Africa for consistent, dynamic and timely leadership in going after the omnipresent criminal organizations that traffic in wildlife, by such means as: 1. Drastically reduce corruption; 2. Sell all stockpiles [circa 20 tons] on a one-off basis. The proceeding [at least half billion dollars*] to go entirely for Rhino protection and conservation programs. [E.g. Significantly increase the number of people involved in Rhino protection]. Sale possible if other conditions are met, otherwise present the horns to world natural history museums. 3. South Africa to lead an International States Coalition [Viet nam and China in primis], to stop the syndicates: poachers – middlemen – importers; 4. International States Coalition to heavily sanction the offender Countries; 5. International States Coalition to fund intelligence, repression and control, on same management and financial scale alike anti drugs trafficking and counterterrorism Agencies. 6. At the appropriate time CITES to move White rhino to Appendix I to avoid any possible trading besides the present stockpiles. * Price too low will merely create access to new consumers hence increase the demand. The task is to protect key habitats and Rhino populations in viable numbers and long enough for generational attitudes to change in China and its neighbors. These actions to be carried on simultaneously, in cooperation and coordination. I appeal each of you to be unyielding and inflexible in your opposition to legalize Rhino horns trade and not to fall into the tempting, ill-fated and back firing trap to permit that deception. Yours faithfully, Francesco Nardelli Member IUCN/SSC AsRSG Roma, 19/03/2015

This document represents my own views and not necessarily those of IUCN