Of the 70 000 rhino found in Africa in 1962, less than 5 000 survive today. What can we do about this?
Of the 70 000 rhino found in Africa in 1962, less than 5 000 survive today. What can we do about this?
The Global March for Rhino and Elephants 2014, organised by RU Green and Rhodes Organisation for Animal Rights (Roar), calls for people to come blow their horns and march in solidarity for our vulnerable animals on World Animals Rights Day, Saturday, 4 October.
Of the 101 confirmed cities around the world, Grahamstown will be one of South Africa’s nine, proud participants.
The aim of the march is to increase international awareness against poaching, taking into account South African amendments to its legislation to conform to international law.
This is especially significant following the poaching of the three rhino at Pumba Game Reserve a few months ago, two of which were calves.
Event planning is still in the early stages and there is a lot to be done.
If anyone would like to take part in the march, or help with organisation, email and sign up on: Facebook: http://www.march4elephantsandrhinos.org/#!africa/cuhn – (Grahamstown link). Or email: nathootrisha83@gmail.com
Rhodes Environmental Week
The annual Rhodes Environmental Week will be held between Monday, 28 July and Friday, 1 August. With the culmination of campus environmental working groups such as RU Green, Roar and Galela Amanzi, with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), this year promises an exciting variety of events attracting diverse audiences.
The daily themes vary from promoting sustainable recycling initiatives in Sun City, to the varying water displays featuring SAIAB, Galela Amanzi and Aquaponics.
The contentious issue of energy usage is considered in light of the carbon footprint campaign as well as the possibility of creating a Rhodes’ carpooling system to lower travel costs and benefit the environment.
Lookout for the Cliptivists, and a showcase of possible career choices,which mean that you can be a part of the solution – and be paid.
The week includes something for those with green fingers, too; join Children of the Soil (COTS) in an active, fun-in-the-garden session involving school children.
Legalisation of Dog Racing in South Africa: Will we ever be dogs’ best friend?
The dog-lover in me winced at the blood and gore of the tangled up messes that remain of the dogs in Greyhound racing. Dog-racing has been illegal since 1949, but the outlawed activity continues.
In the proposed Draft National Gambling Norms and Standards in the Government Gazette of 23 May 2014, the Government aims to regulate this by allowing for a proposal to be passed again legalising dog-racing in South Africa.
While arguments have been raised that this regulation allows for safety standards regarding the treatment of dogs, it must be noted that this legislation will primarily regulate the sporting activities of private and licensed race-dog owners.
How will this be effectively regulated, and to whose advantage?
This leaves me wondering where we draw the line between sport, economic benefit and morality. While the panel from the University of the Free State is to follow a rigorous process of analysing the risk and benefits of this “sport” before a final decision is made, I am reminded of Macbeth: “As flies to wanton boys, are we to the Gods”.
When will the Gods draw the line? How soon will we be trading the moral comforts of our pets for socio-economic benefits?
Spar of the Moment: when the sheep hits the fan!
In a bout of madness, the Eastern Cape Butterworth Spar has raised the hackles of many.
In promoting an alcohol promotion, the local Spar had an unusual giveaway – a live sheep tied to the shelf. With no freedom of movement, food and water, the animal surrendered waiting to be “won”.
While this strategy left some amused, it left others horrified, and all remained confused as to the link between the sheep and the alcohol.
On a more serious note, this caused the NSPCA to lay a charge against the Spar, whose promotion caused many a bleat.
Executive Power: an environmental choice?
In bypassing an unhappy Congress to further environmental agendas, US President Barak Obama has declared a large part of the Pacific Ocean, controlled by the US, a safe haven for many marine animals.
While the expansion of this marine sanctuary has not been geographically measured, the finalisation of this proposal rests in the decisions made by Obama later on this year.
While it is possible that this is a symbolic gesture by the President ,because the area remains almost uninhabited, this action and its call to reduce the commercialisation of illegal fishing in the area, is laudable.
This political manoeuvre is an example of how a financial incentive can be of environmental benefit.
It is hoped that this will reduce illegal tuna fishing in the area, giving stocks a chance to replenish.
The added advantages include being able to control the fishing boats smuggling guns and other illegal substances through the area.
The proposal could create the world’s largest marine sanctuary.
Nikki Köhly: n.kohly@ru.ac.za, 046 603 7205 | Jenny Gon: j-gon@intekom.co.za, 046 622 5822 | Ruth Krueger: g10k2679@campus.ru.ac.za, 076 295 8045 | Nick James: nickjames@intekom.co.za, 082 575 9781 | Philip Machanick: p.machanick@ru.ac.za, 046 603 8635 | Strato Copteros: strato@iafrica.com, 082 785 6403
