Policy Position on the Conservation of and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros.

Aligned with the Policy Framework of the White Paper, this Policy Position on the Conservation of and Sustainable Use of Elephants, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros is a nationwide sectoral document aiming to underscore the importance of promoting biodiversity conservation, sustainable use, equitable access, and benefit sharing. It emphasizes the environmental duty of care principle and aims to address practices within the sector that have negatively impacted South Africa's reputation as a leader in biodiversity conservation. The Policy Position primarily targets (i) correcting unsustainable practices; (ii) promoting conservation and sustainable use; (iii) enhancing the well-being of the mentioned five key species; (iv) guiding international commercial trade concerning these species. The document outlines the following 3 main conservation and sustainable use objectives to improve species management (1) Lions: Terminate the commercial keeping of lions, close captive lion facilities, cease intensive breeding in controlled environments, and end the exploitation of captive and captive-bred lions; (2) Rhinoceros: Gradually phase out the intensive management and captive breeding of rhinoceroses for commercial purposes, focusing on bolstering wild populations; (3) Leopards: Ensure the sustainable use of leopards, incentivizing and enhancing their conservation in the wild. Additionally, the Policy Position specifies 3 objectives related to international commercial trade, they are (1) Export of Species: Promote the live export of the five species exclusively to range states or other suitable habitats within the African continent; (2) Rhinoceros Horn Trade: Collaborate with range states and destination countries to support international commercial trade in rhinoceros horn from protected wild rhinoceroses for conservation purposes when conditions permit; (3) Elephant Ivory Trade: Consider international commercial trade in elephant ivory only when favorable conditions arise. Each objective includes activities to ensure responsible, legal, and sustainable practices that promote animal well-being. By implementing these objectives, the Policy Position aims to transform detrimental wildlife industry practices, enhance conservation, and promote sustainable biodiversity use, particularly for these species. This will bolster South Africa's status as a megadiverse country and a leader in conserving and sustainably using iconic species. The strategic impact of this Policy Position lies in offering clear guidance for the conservation and sustainable use of these five species. It also establishes a foundation for reviewing relevant legislation when necessary. The White Paper outlines broad objectives for its four goals, indicating that specific policy directions, legislative measures, and other mechanisms will be needed to implement these goals concerning the five species fully.
The strategic impact of this Policy Position lies in offering clear guidance for the conservation and sustainable use of these five species. It also establishes a foundation for reviewing relevant legislation when necessary. The White Paper outlines broad objectives for its four goals, indicating that specific policy directions, legislative measures, and other mechanisms will be needed to implement these goals concerning the five species fully. For example (i) conservation: biodiversity management Plans will be required for each species; (ii) sustainable use: norms and standards may need to be established for the hunting of these species; (iii) human-wildlife conflict: a separate Policy Position or National Strategy may be needed to address and mitigate conflicts; (iv) sector transformation: to promote transformation, big-five value chains that benefit local communities and previously disadvantaged individuals should be developed as part of a Framework on Transformation and the National Biodiversity Economy Strategy.