About Project Rhino
Project Rhino is an association of leading conservation agencies, state and community game reserves, rhino owners and anti-poaching specialists working together to conserve South Africa’s wildlife.
Protecting rhinos through collective action
Project Rhino brings together like-minded organisations with a shared commitment to eliminate rhino poaching and secure white and black rhino populations in KwaZulu-Natal.
Founding Statement
“Project Rhino is an association of like-minded organisations, facilitating rhino conservation interventions aimed at eliminating rhino poaching and securing the white and black rhino populations of KwaZulu-Natal. The members of Project Rhino recognise that the work in conserving and protecting rhinos from the threat of poaching is symbolic of the broader threat faced by all wildlife and that all wildlife will benefit from actions taken by Project Rhino. The association is also aware that the poaching of rhino is symptomatic of the overall, bigger environmental crises facing South Africa and its neighbours.”
Vision
Forever free, forever secure
What motivates us daily is the dream of both White and Black rhino species thriving in KwaZulu-Natal and far beyond - forever free, forever secure from poaching, well managed and protected. Today we strive to protect the world’s last remaining African rhino species, so that tomorrow they will still continue to play their vital role in our continent’s irreplaceable and beautiful ecosystems.
Goal
Zero tolerance to rhino poaching
Continually decrease the rate of poaching every year in South Africa.
Themes and Priorities
A proactive and reactive approach
Project Rhino’s collective approach to rhino anti-poaching is both proactive and reactive, focused around four practical priorities.
Coordination
Connecting members, priorities, resources and intelligence so that anti-poaching efforts remain focused and aligned.
Ranger and Reserve Support
Supporting the people, technology, training and field operations that help protect rhino on the ground.
Wildlife Youth and Leadership Development
Educating and empowering youth and wildlife communities to become current and future conservation champions.
Supporting a Conservation Economy
Building responsible use landscapes that create local job opportunities and support small business development.
Purpose and Scope
Founded on World Rhino Day
Founded on World Rhino Day, 22 September 2011, Project Rhino brings together organisations with a common vision and goal, identifies synergies through an integrated, common approach and collectively is a representative body which carries powerful leverage ability.
Key Aims
Securing rhinos for current and future generations
To secure all rhinos in KwaZulu-Natal from the threat of poaching so that their numbers continue to increase and contribute to the national and global rhino populations.
- Prevent duplication of projects
- Consolidate resources for maximum impact
- Create a common vision
- Create credibility with the general public
- Educate the public and rural communities bordering KZN game reserves
- Collaborate, support and promote Project Rhino members
- Ensure collaboration, coordination and communication
- Create a space for information sharing and a community of learning
- Create a credible platform for fundraising and partnerships
- Provide a centralised communications hub to media, public, government and global like-minded organisations
- Maintain records of activities and actively engage with each member
- Conduct reviews, benchmark successes and identify shortfalls in poaching interventions
Project Rhino Members
Project Rhino Donors
Partners & Ambassadors