Category Lobbying for wild animals

4 Apr

COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED NON-DETRIMENT FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES LISTED IN TERMS OF CITES

COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED NON-DETRIMENT FINDINGS FOR CERTAIN SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES LISTED IN TERMS OF CITES Unsustainable use of biodiversity and anthropogenic-induced change in biotic communities represent major threats to species globally. In political and public discourse, the term “unsustainable trade” is frequently conflated with “illegal trade.” However, the absence of standards, procedures, proper oversight and […]

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18 Jan

MYTHS OF TROPHY HUNTING DEBUNKED

MYTHS OF TROPHY HUNTING DEBUNKED Every year, tens of thousands of wild animals worldwide are killed by trophy hunters with the aim of acquiring body parts of target animals as trophies for example full body mounts, tusks, horns or skins. Rarer species are typically more expensive to shoot. Trophy hunters even target endangered and strictly […]

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8 Jan

UNDER SIEGE RHINOCEROSES IN SOUTH AFRICA

UNDER SIEGE RHINOCEROSES IN SOUTH AFRICA In 2009 Michele Pickover from Animal Rights Africa, published a special Report titled Under Siege Rhinoceros in South Africa, at the time, in response to a Parliamentary question by the Democratic Alliance on the 7th August 2009, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs said that the current estimated […]

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21 Nov

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT TOPS REGULATIONS AND TOPS LISTINGS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN 2023

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT TOPS REGULATIONS AND TOPS LISTINGS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS IN 2023 “For the reasons set out above, our client is disappointed that the Draft Regulations remain firmly within an anthropocentric “sustainable use” paradigm. Our client strongly objects to the fact that the hunting of TOPS is still permitted in the Draft Regulations as is […]

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17 Nov

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT POLICY POSITION OF THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT POLICY POSITION OF THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS 17 November 2023 The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute delivered their submission to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2. While we acknowledge the merits of many policy interventions, we wish […]

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19 Oct

PERPETUATING THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF CRUELTY AGAINST BABOONS IN THE OVERSTRAND

PERPETUATING THE ENDLESS CYCLE OF CRUELTY AGAINST BABOONS IN THE OVERSTRAND A 30 Day Study of Incidents in Pringle Bay During September and October 2023

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3 Oct

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTS ON THE WESTERN CAPE ANNUAL SPORT HUNTING NOTICE FOR 2024

Cullinan and Associates, lawyers acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation, by invitation, provided inputs and comments on Cape Nature's Annual Hunting Notice 2024. In summary, the EMS Foundation objects to the procedure Cape Nature follows in publishing annual Hunting Notices on the following grounds: CapeNature as the trustee of biological diversity in the Western Cape bears the onus of establishing scientifically that the hunting of each of the species listed in the annual Hunting Notice in the numbers specified is justified from a conservation perspective. The onus should not be on the public to motivate why the contents of the Notice are not not scientifically justified;

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28 Sep

Video of the Shooting of Baboon with a Catapult in Pringle Bay Recorded in Accordance with the Overstrand Municipality Published Baboon Hotline Directive

The Overstrand Municpality recommends that videos and images are taken of incidents where baboons are harmed, and that all the relevant additional information provided to the Overstrand Municipality will be passed onto Cape Nature to investigate.

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20 Sep

TOWARDS FREEDOM THE SANBI EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NZG15052023/1

The EMS Foundation and Shambala have generously offered to fund the expertise required to guide and prepare Charlie for his evacuation from the National Zoo in Pretoria. They are on standby to begin the process of building him a state of the art release and rehabilitation boma. He will receive the best possible care and expert support for the remainder of his natural life. They are immensely grateful to all the many experts who have committed their expertise and experience to assisting Charlie.

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15 Sep

OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY CHOOSES TO RELY UPON BIASED, INACCURATE AND UNSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Presently the Overstrand Municipality, unconstitutionally and stubbornly refuses to meet with representatives from the Pringle Bay or Betty's Bay community or the volunteers and civil society entities who are working altruistically and tirelessly to assist this villages. Instead, the Overstrand Municipality has chosen to rely upon outdated questionable data from HWS and the few residents who want baboons eradicated from the conservancy. Due to the enormous amount of money that was spent on the services of Human Wildlife Solutions baboon management in the Overstrand Municipality, the EMS Foundation has taken the firm position that an independent oversight authority needs to be consulted one with an independent legal mandate to investigate the merits of the call for a 106 forensic investigation.

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29 Aug

PRINGLE BAY BABOON MANAGEMENT AN URGENT REQUEST FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION

According to the content of the letter addressed to the Mayor and Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality Cullinan and Associates are of the opinion that the decision making process with regard to baboon management in the Overstrand Municipality needs to be more transparent and must allow for interested and affected parties to put forward their points of view. Furthermore, it is urgently requested that the Overstrand Municipality arranges an open meeting for all residents in order that an agreed upon, open and transparent process for baboon management decision making can be established.

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26 Aug

URGENT LEGAL OBJECTION TO THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY THREAT OF THE FORCED REMOVAL OF BLUE TAG BABOON FROM PRINGLE BAY

URGENT LEGAL OBJECTION TO THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY THREAT OF THE FORCED REMOVAL OF BLUE TAG BABOON FROM PRINGLE BAY On Saturday 26th of August 2023 the EMS Foundation was forced to instruct Cullinan and Associates to issue an urgent letter to Mr Dean o’ Neill, the Municipal Manager of the Overstrand Municipality in response to […]

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1 Aug

THE NEED TO CREATE COST EFFECTIVE HARMONIOUS HUMAN-BABOON COEXISTENCE IN THE OVERSTRAND

THE NEED TO CREATE COST EFFECTIVE HARMONIOUS HUMAN-BABOON COEXISTENCE IN THE OVERSTRAND On the 27th of July 2023, Mayor Rabie on behalf of the Overstrand Municipality published an announcement stating that the issue of the four problem male baboons in Pringle Bay has been discussed with Minister Bredell on the 15th of May 2023 and that Minister Bredell has undertaken the […]

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30 Jul

LET’S PICK UP THE PIECES AND START AGAIN THE MONKEY HELPLINE REHABILITATION AND SANCTUARY CENTRE

The EMS Foundation has provided a substantial contribution for the procurement of land in KwaZulu Natal which will provide Monkey Helpline primate sanctuary with longevity the security that they require.  Steve Smit started Monkey Helpline in 1995, he has successfully lobbied Ezemvelo Wildlife KZN, to adopt a management policy for all captive primates in KwaZulu Natal. Habitat destruction and modification has negatively effect on all primates in South Africa, humans have annexed territories that primates inhabited for many generations.  Steve Smith and Carol Booth are continuing to raise funds to rebuild the Monkey Helpline Primate Rehabilitation and Sanctuary Centre.

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25 Jul

REQUEST FOR AN INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO TENDERS AWARDED BY THE OVERSTRAND MUNICIPALITY

Mayor Rabie in her response written within on the same day, to the EMS Foundation letter of concern, alluded to the fact that a full S106 investigation into the awarding of the baboon management tenders was done by the Office of the MEC for Local Government in early 2021. This information was not provided to the EMS Foundation by the municipality in any response to our PAIA requests.

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18 Jul

TOWARDS FREEDOM ELEPHANT CHARLIE’S RETIREMENT AND EVACUATION FROM THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS IN PRETORIA

The EMS Foundation and Shambala Private Game Reserve have offered to relieve SANBI, the South African government and the hard pressed South African tax payer from any further financial obligation towards Charlie’s care. Charlie has been offered the very best possible chance at rehabilitation, to live in a natural protected system and the opportunity of meeting, living and integrating with other elephants, some of whom have been successfully rewilded from a captive situation, if he so chooses.

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19 Jun

COMMENTS ON SANPARKS REVISED DRAFT ON THE TOKAI AND CECILIA MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK

The EMS Foundation provided comments on the 19th of June 2023, the revised draft of the SANParks plan for the management of the Tokai and Cecilia areas will determine how SANParks and its "stakeholders" will manage these sensitive areas over the next five years. The area is described as a complex and contested space and finding a solution that is holistic and inclusive is complicated. The EMS Foundation concern for the ancestral residents of the Table Mountain National Park, the Chacma baboon, is highlighted throughout the submission.

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30 May

CONCERN AND REQUEST FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH REGARD TO THE OVERSTRAND STRATEGIC BABOON MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION

CONCERN AND REQUEST FOR TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY WITH REGARD TO THE OVERSTRAND STRATEGIC BABOON MANAGEMENT PLAN AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION

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11 May

EMS FOUNDATION AND THE CLIMATE JUSTICE CHARTER MOVEMENT APPEAL THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION PROVIDED TO TEEPSA FOR THE EXPLORATION WELL DRILLING IN BLOCKS 5/6/7 ON THE SOUTH WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA

EMS FOUNDATION AND THE CLIMATE JUSTICE CHARTER MOVEMENT APPEAL THE ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION TO TEEPSA FOR THE EXPLORATION WELL DRILLING IN BLOCKS 5/6/7 SOUTH WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA

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11 May

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT MARINE SECTOR PLAN

The National Development Plan South Africa’s socio-economic development blueprint to create a better life for all citizens in an inclusive society. Operation Phakisa was launched in 2014 to help implement the National Development Plan. An initiative to address issues such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality. Operation Phakisa enjoys presidential status as a project launched by and housed within the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa during the Zuma administration. Phakisa is a most ambitious project which includes a prominent maritime component. The use of oceans in the pursuit of political, economic, and social agendas reflects a history only second that of land. Such use unfortunately entails a destructive side.

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13 Apr

PETITION TO LIST THE LONG-TAILED MACAQUE AND SOUTHERN PIG-TAILED MACAQUE UNDER THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

In our ongoing quest for the protection of primate species around the world, the EMS Foundation proudly supported the detailed scientifically orientated petitions drawn up by Dr Lisa Jones Engel from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals organisation, also known as PETA, which were delivered to the Secretary of the Interior and the Director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service yesterday.

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31 Mar

CAPE PENINSULA BABOON STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

The EMS Foundation is a member of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum of South Africa, we have submitted comprehensive comments on the Draft Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan. We request a moratorium on the killing of baboons while this plan is being amended.

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10 Mar

WHERE ARE THE NAMIBIAN ELEPHANTS?

The EMS Foundation was reliably informed that wild caught Namibian elephants, part of a commercial transaction were transported from a temporary holding facility in Gobabis in Namibia loaded onto a Fly Pro Moldovan Cargo charter flight and flown to the UAE in March 2022. Some of these elephants were sold to Al Ain Zoo but have never been seen since.

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8 Mar

THE RECLASSIFICATION OF WILD ANIMALS AS FARMED ANIMALS SUCCESSFULLY CHALLENGED IN THE HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development reclassified several wild animal species in 2016 and 2019 which allowed for the "breeding, identification and utilisation of genetically superior animals" effectively managing these species as livestock. The Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) successfully challenged the decision made by DALRRD to include 33 wild mammal species in the AIA in the North Gauteng High Court.

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6 Mar

CHARLIE EXPERT BEHAVIOURAL AND MEDICAL ASSESSMENTS COMPLETED

The Members of the Pro Elephant Network (PREN) and the EMS Foundation have submitted Expert Assessment Reports of Charlie, the solitary Elephant at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria, to the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Barbara Creecy.

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3 Mar

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY

Cullinan and Associates, environmental lawyers acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have sent an urgent letter to the Overstrand Municipality, the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, Cape Nature Overberg and Human Wildlife Solutions with regard to their decision to move the baboon troops from Pringle Bay

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23 Feb

OUR KIN DISCARDED SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF NON HUMAN PRIMATES

The fourth instalment of the Extinction Business series of Reports focuses on South Africa's inhumane, unsustainable and discreditable trade in non-humane primates and their body parts. Researched, written and published by the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading.

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24 Jan

33 ORGANISATIONS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AT CITES CoP19 HELD IN NOVEMBER 2022

EMS Foundation joins thirty-two organisations who have expressed concern about the role of the European Union at CITES CoP19 held in November 2022 in Panama City, Panama.

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17 Jan

SUBMISSION TO THE UNITED STATES FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICES ON THE PROPOSED REVISION TO THE RULE FOR THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT

We are grateful to the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the opportunity to submit comments to the proposed revision of the rule for the African elephant promulgated under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as headed to increase the protection for African elephants.

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17 Jan

AN AFRICAN PERSPECTIVE ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS OF THE COLONIAL STYLED COMMERCIALISATION OF ENDANGERED WILDLIFE SPECIES ADVERTISED AT THE JAGD UND HUND EUROPES LARGEST HUNTING FAIR IN DORTMUND, GERMANY

The EMS Foundation signed an open letter written to the Mayor of Dortmund by the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa which has also signed by members of the Pro Elephant Network and endorsed by a number of wildlife conservationists, wildlife veterinarians, politicians and lawyers from around the world.

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24 Dec

REQUEST TO SUSPEND THE DECISION TO REMOVE MALE BABOONS FROM THE PRINGLE BAY TROOP

Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, acting on behalf of the EMS Foundation have, today issued an urgent communication which is addressed to the Executive Mayor of the Overstrand Municipality, representatives of the Baboon Management Joint Task Team, Cape Nature and Human Wildlife Solutions.

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7 Dec

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIA REPORT FOR TOTAL ENERGIES – ESIA FOR PROPOSED EXPLORATION IN BLOCK 5/6/7 OFF THE SOUTH WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA

On the 7th of December 2022 comments were submitted by Cullinan and Associates, environmental lawyers acting on behalf and by special instruction of the EMS Foundation to SLR Consulting South Africa.

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7 Dec

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT EIA REPORT FOR TotalEnergies – ESIA FOR PROPOSED EXPLORATION IN BLOCK 5/6/7 OFF THE SOUTH WEST COAST OF SOUTH AFRICA

ON THE 7th of DECEMBER 2022 COMMENTS WERE SUBMITTED BY CULLINAN AND ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF AND SPECIAL INSTRUCTION OF THE EMS FOUNDATION TO SLR CONSULTING SOUTH AFRICA EXCERPT FROM THE SUBMISSION: “27. Our client’s submissions and comments on the draft ESIA, in summary, are that the Competent Authority should find that: 27.1.  the Public Participation Process […]

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23 Nov

COMMENT – DRAFT AMENDMENTS TO SOUTH AFRICAN MEAT SAFETY ACT

"Our client does not support the development of the game meat industry, which we assume this amendment seeks to facilitate. Our client has recently submitted to the Department of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries a comprehensive comment on the Draft Meat Strategy for South Africa. The essence of our client's objection to the Draft Strategy is that the development of a game meat industry has serious risks and direct negative ramifications for public health, biodiversity, ecological restoration and animal well-being. The intensive breeding for commercial purposes of any wild fauna should be prohibited, not promoted."

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11 Nov

COMMENT ON REVISED DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BIODIVERSITY

The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute submitted joint comments on the Revised Draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa's Biodiversity on the 11th November 2022.

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10 Sep

COMMENTS ON DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S BIODIVERSITY

THE EMS FOUNDATION AND THE WILD LAW INSTITUTE JOINTLY SUBMITTED COMMENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE INVITATION TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT WHITE PAPER ON THE CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF SOUTH AFRICA'S BIODIVERSITY

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26 Aug

COMMENTS ON DRAFT SOUTH AFRICAN ‘GAME’ MEAT STRATEGY

The EMS Foundation is a South African social justice NGO. Our key purpose is to alleviate and end suffering, raise public awareness, empower, provide dignity and promote the interests of vulnerable groups, including wild animals. The EMSF also has a special interest in biodiversity. We support the five interrelated principles of social justice, namely: equity, access, diversity, participation and rights.

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26 Aug

NOMINATIONS FOR A MINISTERIAL LION TASK TEAM

On the 21st and 22nd of August 2018 a colloquium titled Captive Lion Breeding for Hunting in South Africa: Harmful or Promoting the Conservation Image of the Country was held in the Good Hope Chamber in Parliament in Cape Town. The Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Technologies of the People's Assembly, Mr Mohlopi Philemon Mapulane, acted as Chairperson of the colloquium. Michele Pickover, the Executive Director of the EMS Foundation and Dr Smaragda Louw, the Director and Chairperson of Ban Animal Trading presented a synopsis of the Extinction Business Report that the Colloquium.

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21 Aug

COMMENTS ON THE DRAFT AFRICAN PENGUIN BIODIVERSITY MANAGEMENT PLAN

the research has indicated that penguins who undergo rehabilitation have a very low reproductive rate so, although we appreciate the care for individual animals that are rescued, rehabilitated and released, increasing rehabilitation capacity will not improve the conservation of the species. Scientists have indicated that this species of penguin could be functionally extinct by 2035.

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29 Jul

SANBI ANNOUNCES THE DECISION TO RETIRE CHARLIE THE ELEPHANT FROM THE PRETORIA NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN

the-pretoria-national-zoological-garden/ The EMS Foundation commends the ground breaking and forward thinking decision reached by SANBI and Minister Barbara Creecy with regard to Charlie. We will continue to offer our unwavering support as we continue our nineteen month transparent process with SANBI to establish the best possible future for Charlie with the support of the elephants experts from the Pro Elephant Network.

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6 Jul

JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

THE EMS FOUNDATION OPPOSES TROPHY HUNTING AND THE ASSOCIATED TRADE IN TROPHIES AND ASSERTS THAT “KILLING TO CONSERVE” IS NEITHER AN ETHICAL NOR A SUBSTANTIAL APPROACH TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.

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6 Jul

JOINT POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

THE EMS FOUNDATION OPPOSES TROPHY HUNTING AND THE ASSOCIATED TRADE IN TROPHIES AND ASSERTS THAT “KILLING TO CONSERVE” IS NEITHER AN ETHICAL NOR A SUBSTANTIAL APPROACH TO WILDLIFE CONSERVATION.

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5 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTS ON TEEPSA BLOCK 567 SCOPING REPORT

Environmental lawyers, Cullinan and Associates, provided general overarching comments on the Draft Scoping TEEPSA Block 567 Report which should be considered during the preparation of the ESIA on behalf of the EMS Foundation.

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20 Jun

COURT APPROACHED TO RELEASE THREE ELEPHANTS FROM THE JOHANNESBURG ZOO

On Monday 20th June 2022, an application to the High Court of South Africa in the Gauteng Division, Pretoria, was lodged to release three Elephants known as Lammie, Mopane and Ramadiba from the Johannesburg Zoo. These Elephants are currently being held in conditions unsuited to their basic needs.

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20 Jun

EMS FOUNDATION TOWARDS FREEDOM PROJECT

On Monday 20th June 2022 an application to the High Court of South Africa in the Gauteng Division, Pretoria, was lodged to release three Elephants known as Lammie, Mopane and Ramadiba from the Johannesburg Zoo. The application is brought by Animal Law Reform South Africa (ALRSA), the EMS Foundation and Chief Stephen Fritz, represented by environmental law firm, Cullinan and Associates, against the Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), and other governmental respondents involved with the Zoo.

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18 Jun

COMMERCIAL ZOOS – LOCKING UP CITES THE POTENTIAL TO BAN THE COMMERCIAL TRADE IN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED SPECIES

The intention of CITES has always been to ensure that the trade in endangered species is tightly regulated, including a requirement that critically endangered species cannot be traded for commercial purposes. Despite this clear intention, commercial trade in critically endangered animas continue by simply eternising purées code Z (which applies to zoos), rather than purpose code T (which applies to commercial transactions).

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16 Jun

ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORISATION APPLICATION TO UNDERTAKE EXPLORATION WELL DRILLING IN AN OFFSHORE AREA BETWEEN CAPE TOWN AND CAPE AGULHAS

Well-functioning terrestrial and marine ecosystems are crucial for regulating the climate. These systems currently absorb roughly half of all human created carbon emissions. positive role of megafauna such as whales in climate change resilience is the subject of peer reviewed studies. 

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27 May

COMMENTS ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLIMATE CHANGE BILL

In this document we propose various amendments to the Bill and explain why they are necessary. Annex A contains the current version of the Bill which we have marked-up to show the amendments that should be made in order to give effect to the proposals in this document. We have done so in order to facilitate the finalisation of the Bill.

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26 May

COMMENTS ON THE BIODIVERSITY OFF-SET GUIDELINE

The concept of biodiversity offsetting does not recognise the right of the individual components of ecosystems to exist and of ecosystems to remain intact and functioning. The Guideline is silent on how the welfare of individual animals is to be protected when a decision is made to authorise the destruction of a habitat, based on offsetting.

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25 May

HUNTING FOR ANSWERS

The EMS Foundation sent in extensive written proposals to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. However, subsequent to doing this - via a Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) response from the department to the EMS Foundation - we have discovered that there may be procedural unfairness and possible bias in this stakeholder process as South Africa’s position may have already been decided and this consultation may likely therefore be merely a ‘box-ticking ’exercise, particularly since South Africa’s proposals need to be sent to CITES by 17 June 2022.

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25 May

EMS PROPOSALS TO DFFE FOR CONSIDERATION FOR CITES CoP19 2022

We are in the midst of an extinction crisis that could unravel life as we know it. Wildlife exploitation is the leading driver of marine species loss and the secondary driver of terrestrial species loss.

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7 Apr

CHARLIE THE ELEPHANT HELD IN CAPTIVITY IN THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

This statement details the timeline of the critical engagement process initiated by members of the Pro Elephant Network (PREN) and representatives of the EMS Foundation with Barbara Creecy, Minister of Forestry Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa. 

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26 Mar

DEVELOPING WELFARE PARAMETERS FOR AFRICAN ELEPHANTS IN FENCED RESERVES IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa has many fenced reserves harbouring small to medium populations of African elephants most of whom have been translocated. Elephants on fenced reserves may be exposed to various management interventions and practices such as translocations, hunting, darting, high tourism impact, contraception programs and disruption due to infrastructure maintenance.

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22 Mar

OBJECTION TO THE ISSUING OF PERMITS FOR KEEPING, EXHIBITING AND TRANSPORT TO CAPTIVITY OF ELEPHANTS

Objection to the issuing of permits of keeping, exhibiting and transport permits for elephants by CapeNature to a life of captivity

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15 Mar

NAMIBIA’S LIVE TRADE IN AFRICAN ELEPHANTS CAPTURED FROM THE WILD

Phasellus enim libero, blandit vel sapien vitae, condimentum ultricies magna et. Quisque euismod orci utet.

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5 Mar

NAMIBIAN WILD ELEPHANTS SENT INTO CAPTIVITY IN THE UAE: THE CITES TREATY – A PAPER TIGER AND AN ACTIVE ENABLER OF CRUELTY

A Legal Opinion obtained by the EMS Foundation, found that it would not be lawful for the Namibia CITES Management Authority to issue an export permit under either Appendix I or Appendix II of CITES, nor for a country outside of the range states for Loxodonta Africana to issue an import permit, particularly because Appendix II does not apply to the export and the available evidence indicates that exporting the Namibian wild caught elephants to an ex situ programme cannot meet the requirements of Article III for trade in Appendix I species, particularly the non-detriment criterion.

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13 Feb

THE EMS FOUNDATION URGES THE NAMIBIAN GOVERNMENT TO COME CLEAN ABOUT THE CAPTURE, ISOLATION AND SALE OF WILD ELEPHANTS

The EMS Foundation obtained a Legal Opinion which stated that it would not be lawful for the Namibian CITES Management Authority to issue an export permit under either Appendix I or Appendix II of CITES and that, similarly, it would not be lawful for a country outside of the range states for Loxodonta Africana to issue an import permit. 

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27 Dec

ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU

The EMS Foundation Pays Tribute to Archbishop Desmond Tutu - An Unwavering Voice of the Voiceless and a Messenger for Compassion, Courage, Hope and Justice

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22 Dec

WHERE HAVE ALL THE RHINOS GONE?

WHERE HAVE ALL THE RHINOS GONE? The EMS Foundation has produced a Retrospective Research Report, a compilation of, and expansion on, the work previously carried out by researchers and investigative journalists over the past two decades. On the 22nd of September 2021−World Rhino Day−the acting head of South African National Parks, Dr Luthando Dziba, said that there […]

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2 Dec

DINOKENG GAME RESERVE PLANS TO KILL A MATRIARCH

THE EMS FOUNDATION INFORMATION STATEMENT BACKGROUND Dinokeng Game Reserve is a 21000 hectare wildlife reserve in the Gauteng province, South Africa. It was officially opened on the 22nd September 2011 by the Gauteng Provincial Government to promote ecotourism and job creation involving more than 170 landowners. The government owns 4000 hectares of the reserve.  Dinokeng is situated one hour from […]

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11 Nov

THE NINETEEN YEAR REUNION: SAFARI CLUB INTERNATIONAL AND THE GRATUITOUS INFLUENCE ON AFRICA’S TROPHY HUNTING POLICIES

Research shows that trophy hunting is not an effective tool for conservation in Africa - the trophy hunting industry is rife with mismanagement and corruption, harmful to animal populations, is grounded in in colonial systems that have marginalized, and continue to marginalize local African populations.  This comprehensive research combines the knowledge of anthropology, ecology, economics, ethology, history, indigenous studies, literature studies and political science. 

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9 Nov

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTARY ON THE PROPOSED 2021 ELEPHANT TUSK HUNTING QUOTA

In the Draft Quota itself the proposed quota for elephant is set out in a single sentence: “The annual elephant export quota for 2021 is maintained at 300 tusks from 150 animals.” It does not set any criteria for how or from which animals the proposed tusks should be harvested. As with leopard and rhino, there is absolutely no reason given for setting the quota at this level for 2021. It is therefore virtually impossible to make any meaningful comment on the proposal.

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9 Nov

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTARY ON THE PROPOSED 2021 BLACK RHINO HUNTING QUOTA

The African Black Rhino remains Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and there is no room for complacency. There is an urgent need for them to be protected not killed. It is counter intuitive therefore, to suggest a hunting quota for black rhino in South Africa especially while private rhino owners and the government are seeking ways to lobby for funds locally and abroad in order to protect the last remaining South African black rhino.

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9 Nov

EMS FOUNDATION COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED LEOPARD, BLACK RHINO AND ELEPHANT TROPHY HUNTING QUOTAS FOR THE 2021 CALENDAR YEAR

The EMS Foundation has provided comment on the proposed hunting and export quota for elephant, black rhinoceros and leopard for the 2021 calendar year which was published for public consultation in terms of section 99 and 100 of the National Environment Management: Biodiversity Act, Act 10 of 2004 (NEMBA) and sub regulation3 (2)(k) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Regulations, 2010.

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21 Sep

WORLD RHINO DAY 2021

In addition, the EMS Foundation’s retrospective report Where Have All the Rhino Gone includes familiar names of people involved in the game breeding industry, ex policemen and veterinarians who have been arrested and charged with wildlife crimes over the past two decades.  This information demonstrates that the illegal killing of rhino in South Africa for their horn has not only been carried out by anonymous individuals. 

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31 Aug

THE EMS FOUNDATION GIVES RED CARD TO FAITH MUTHAMBI’S APPOINTMENT

Broadly speaking, the mandate of the committee is to consider and process any legislation referred to it; exercise oversight over the Department and entities reporting to it; consider international agreements referred to it; consider the budget vote of the Department and its entities; facilitate public participation on its processes; and to consider all other matters referred to it in terms of legislation and the Rules of Parliament. 

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12 Aug

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2021

Elephants Killed for Trophies in the Kruger National Park System, South Africa The EMS Foundation has confirmed, via an access to information request to the Limpopo government (LEDET), that in 2020 four male elephants were killed for trophies in an open system with the Kruger National Park – the Balule Reserve. In addition, in 2020, […]

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10 Aug

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH WILDLIFE BREEDING AND AGRICULTURALIZATION OF WILD ANIMALS

Tuesday 10th August 2021  A NEW STUDY FINDS THAT A MINORITY OF ANIMALS HOST THE MAJORITY OF ZOONOTIC VIRUSES The EMS Foundation remains concerned about the devastating the negative effects of the COVID-19 global pandemic; and the growing risk of new pandemics which can be scientifically linked to the trade and consumption of wild animals. […]

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28 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION AND WILD LAW INSTITUTE STATEMENT ON THE SUBMISSION TO DFFE

MEDIA STATEMENT: A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE SUBMISSION TO DFFE REGARDING THEIR POLICY POSITION ON THE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCEROS South Africa 28TH JULY 2021 The EMS Foundation and the Wild Law Institute, both NPOs, jointly submitted written comments to Minister Barbara Creecy’s (GN 566 published in Government […]

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28 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION AND WILD LAW INSTITUTE COMMENTS ON DFFE DRAFT POLICY POSITION 28TH JULY 2021

THE CONSERVATION AND ECOLOGICALLY SUSTAINABLE USE OF ELEPHANT, LION, LEOPARD AND RHINOCERO Please read the full submission: Concluding Comments of the EMS Foundation and Wild Law Institute DFFE Submission: Humanity has overstepped the planetary boundary in respect of biological diversity and consequently has entered a “danger zone” where it will be negatively affected by sudden events […]

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24 Jul

GUIDELINE FOR COMMENTS ON DFFE DRAFT POLICY POSITION

Upon request, the EMS Foundation has provided useful information for interested individuals who want to get involved with the important decision making processes which concern us all in South Africa.

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19 Jul

A HOLISTIC FRAMEWORK TO RESOLVE HUMAN AND WILDLIFE ISSUES IN THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT SECTOR

The EMS Foundation commends the Honourable Minister for her commitment to ending inhumane and irresponsible practices in the wildlife industry which greatly harm the reputation of South Africa and to ending the captive lion industry so that South Africa does not captive breed lions, keep lions in captivity, or use captive lions or their derivatives commercially.

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3 May

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE CoP19 RESOLUTION CONSIDERATIONS

The World Health Organisation, the World Organisation for Animal Health and the United Nations Environment Programme have recently made an unprecedented call to governments and national authorities asking them "to suspend the trade in live caught wild animal of mammalian species for food or breeding purposes and to close sections of food markets selling live caught wild animals species as an emergency measure."

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15 Apr

GLOBAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES COVID_19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

In light of the continued devastating effects of the global pandemic, COVID-19, and in order to reduce public health risks associated with the sale of live wild animals for food in live and traditional food markets, the World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have issued a document, “food safety and Covid-19 guidance on actions that national governments should urgently adopt in order to make traditional markets safer and to recognize their central role in providing food and livelihoods for large populations”.

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12 Apr

CONCERN FOR THE ANIMALS AT THE NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS

On Sunday 11th of April 2021, the EMS Foundation received messages, and was repeatedly tagged on various social media platforms, from concerned South African citizens about the conditions at the National Zoological Gardens in Pretoria (NZG)

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23 Mar

THE SOUTH AFRICAN CLIMATE JUSTICE CHARTER

The EMS Foundation is extremely concerned by the fact that it is clearly not safe to exercise our fundamental human rights in defence of our environment in South Africa.  Furthermore, we are devastated to learn that no arrests have been made in either of these assassinations.

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2 Feb

DENIAL AND WHITEWASHING IS PUSHING THE RHINO SPECIES TO EXTINCTION

Minister Barbara Creecy stated: "While the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the battle to beat the COVID_19 pandemic contributed in part to the decrease in rhino poaching in 2020, the role of rangers and security personnel who remained at their posts, and the additional steps taken by the government to effectively deal with these and related offences, also played a significant role."

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18 Jan

Kataza Can Stay in the Cape Province, Has This Been Considered?

For the record, the EMS Foundation is not in agreement with the baboon management protocols which include paintballing, firing bare bangers, the inappropriate relocation, permanent captivity of male baboons or the killing of baboons. “On average for management purposes, we kill about seven baboons a year – habitual raiders - it is a danger to the public to have them in urban areas” -Julia Wood, Biodiversity manager for the City of Cape Town. Cape Town ratepayers have been paying fourteen million rand a year for the services of a baboon management company.

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15 Jan

KATAZA

According to their own statement, on the 12th of January 2021, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA submitted an application to CapeNature for a permit to capture, transport and relocate Kataza/SK11 from the Western Cape to Limpopo. Receipt of such application was not confirmed to the EMS Foundation on the same day by Dr Ernst Baard, Executive Director of Conservations Operations, CapeNature.

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17 Dec

BUA NOI

Zoos cannot provide the amount of space gorillas have in the wild, gorillas roam for large distances.  Zoos do not provide natural habitats and this is particularly true of the Paka Zoo in Bangkok.  The well-being of gorillas is dependent on their environment, Bau Noi lives in unnatural surroundings on her own this could mean that she might have developed physical health problems or anxiety, depression and even psychosis.  Bau Noi was captured from the wild, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on torture in 2011 concluded that solitary confinement for humans beyond fifteen days constituted cruel and inhumane punishment.

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3 Nov

CLEAR AS MUD – The Official Response to Questions Relating to Trophy Hunting in the Associated Private Nature Reserves, the Greater Kruger National Park

On the 6th August 2020 the EMS Foundation wrote an open letter to the Minister of the Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Barbara Creecy, the CEO of SanParks Fundisile Mketeni, the Minister of Tourism Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane and SH Makhubele the CEO of LEDET with regard to our concerns relating to the elephant hunt that took place in the Balule Nature Reserve an associated Private Nature Reserve which joins the Kruger National Park on the 5th December 2019. To date we have not received a response to this letter.

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1 Nov

The EMS Foundation and Animal Law Reform South Africa – Answers to the DEFF High Level Panel Written Questions

The EMS Foundation and Animal Law Reform South Africa made a formal written submission to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment High Level Panel on 15 June 2020, a virtual presentation at the public consultation held by the HLP on 6 October 2020 and answered questions orally.

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30 Sep

DECEASED, A HUMPBACK WHALE, ANOTHER VICTIM OF FISHING EQUIPMENT ENTANGLEMENT SOUTH AFRICA

Dr Hofmeyer also reported a further two incidents in his interview with SABC News. “On the same day that the whale came ashore we also found on the beach a White-chinned Petrel, a type of sea bird, also entangled in fishing gut, and a dolphin washed ashore with a series of parallel cuts on its back which could only have been caused by a vessel propeller. Three animals have been killed here, directly because of human behaviour.”

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7 Sep

WHALE ENTANGLEMENTS AN URGENT REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE MORATORIUM ON THE USE OF NON-MOVABLE FISHING DEVICES

The EMS Foundation hereby submits a formal request for an immediate moratorium on the use of non-movable fishing devices, which include, but are not limited to, crayfish traps. We are extremely concerned by the documented accounts of whale fatalities in South African water which are a result of these devices.

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7 Aug

CALL TO THE G20 TO SUPPORT A BAN ON THE INTERNATIONAL WILDLIFE TRADE AND AN IMMEDIATE PERMANENT CLOSURE OF WILD ANIMAL MARKETS

We, the EMS Foundation and the World Animal Protection - Africa, with the endorsement of the undersigned African organisations, request President Cyril Ramaphosa―as a member of the G20 and as Chairman of the African Union―to support a G20 ban on international wildlife trade and an immediate and permanent closure of wild animal markets.

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5 Aug

UNETHICAL TROPHY HUNTING OF ELEPHANT IN THE GREATER KRUGER NATIONAL PARK

On Monday 3rd August 2020, the Daily Mail newspaper with a readership of over 2.3 million people in the United Kingdom published an article with images and a video which were supplied by the organisation called People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The article is about a Californian trophy hunter called Aaron Raby who, on 5th December 2019, killed an elephant in the Balule Nature Reserve in the Associated Private Nature Reserves (APNR) which adjoins the Kruger National Park in South Africa.

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27 Jul

RITA MILJO, REMEMBERING THE FEARLESS HEROINE OF BABOONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

n 2002 Nelson Mandela was with her for a release of troop of baboons at Shambala Wildlife Reserve in Limpopo in South Africa. The image above is from that special time, with grateful thanks to the management of C.A.R.E.

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18 Jul

EMS FOUNDATION CELEBRATES MANDELA DAY 2020

In honour of Nelson Mandela, the founder of the EMS Foundation, Elizabeth Steyn has delighted the smallest children in the care of the Non-Government Organisation called Where Rainbows Meet with warm jackets, hoodies and shoes.

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30 Jun

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MEAT SAFETY ACT

We, Animal Law Reform South Africa and the EMS Foundation, welcome the opportunity to provide our comments and hereby do so in relation to the Proposed Amendments to the Meat Safety Act gazetted for public consultation on the 28th February 2020 (“Proposed Amendments”).

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16 Jun

SUBMISSION IN RESPECT OF DEFF HIGH LEVEL PANEL THE EMS FOUNDATION AND ANIMAL LAW REFORM SOUTH AFRICA

Please note that this Submission is non-exhaustive and does not represent all the responses to the issues and matters raised herein. We reserve the right to provide any further or additional information on aspects raised herein.

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1 Jun

THE DEMOCRATIC ALLIANCE FULFILLING IT’S ROLE AS A CREDIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE RULING GOVERNMENT

The EMS Foundation published a report called the Extinction Business in 2018. The report highlighted a two year investigation into South Africa’s Big Cat Captive Breeding Industry which included the concise details of South Africa’s controversial Lion Bone Export business. The publication of this report led to a two-day colloquium held in Parliament in 2018. The Parliamentary Committee recommended that this industry be shut down immediately. Minister Creecy has ignored this recommendation. Judge Kollapen rule in August 2019, in the Gauteng High Court, that the lion bone export quota is unlawful and constitutionally invalid.

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14 May

WILDLIFE ANIMAL PROTECTION FORUM SOUTH AFRICA SUBMISSION TO THE CHINESE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS

Captive wildlife industries in China have experienced unprecedented growth in recent decades. The members of the Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa, in their invited submission to the Chinese government, has chosen to focus on four such industries.

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5 May

DISTRACTIONS ASIDE, CONSERVATION NEEDS RADICAL CHANGE

The realities are uncomfortable. We cannot continue to allow wildlife trade because of the potential public health risks and because it contributes to the degradation of nature. And those who will be most negatively impacted by a degraded planet are the very same impoverished communities that wildlife trade proponents seek to benefit.

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29 Apr

WHO STANDS TO BENEFIT, IF THE WILDLIFE TRADE CONTINUES?

An open letter released by the Lion Coalition called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to “release a formal position statement containing clear advice to governments to institute comprehensive and rigorously enforced bans on live wildlife markets and to close down the commercial wildlife trade which poses a risk to public health.

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27 Apr

“Sometimes it Falls Upon a Generation to be Great” Nelson Mandela

Freedom Day is a public or Bank Holiday in South Africa and commemorates the first democratic post-apartheid non-racial elections that were held on April 27th 1994, which saw Nelson Mandela elected as President. The EMS Foundation assisted three hundred families with food security in Ocean View in celebration of Freedom Day 2020.

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13 Apr

NOW IS THE TIME TO BAN THE WILDLIFE TRADE

The current public health crisis is forcing global leaders to reflect on what went wrong and what can be done to prevent future pandemics. Evidence suggests wildlife trade is responsible for the COVID-19 outbreak. But the question remains, what is the best path forward?

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27 Mar

LOVE AND THE ART OF GIVING DURING THE TIME OF THE COVID_19 GLOBAL PANDEMIC

"A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of" Nelson Mandela

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18 Mar

The EMS Foundation Formally Requests Further Public Consultation on the DEFF Threatened or Protected Species Amended Regulations and Lists

Substantial amendments have been made both to the TOPS Regulations and the List; and five years have elapsed since the last public consultation on the proposed amendments; and that a further consultation with the public is therefore required by law prior to implementation of the proposed amendments.

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26 Feb

IS SOUTH AFRICA’S LION BONE TRADE CREATING HEALTH RISKS FOR WORKERS AND CONSUMERS COVID_19?

In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, likely attributable to the consumption of pangolin meat at a ‘wet’ wildlife meat market in Wuhan, China, the Chinese state has imposed a ban on the sale of wildlife and wildlife products. Even though this move is motivated by a desire to mitigate contagion risk, it is in keeping with China’s desire to portray itself as an ‘ecological civilisation’. An ecologically minded civilisation does not promote the domestication of wildlife to be farmed as mere consumables. South Africa could learn a lesson here.

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6 Feb

THE EMS FOUNDATION BID TO SAVE ELEPHANTS FROM HUNT IN BOTSWANA

Please read our request to the Director of Wildlife and National Parks in Botswana for a revision of the qualifying criteria to enable us to bid on the hunting packages on the 7th February 2020 with the express intention that the elephants in these packages are not hunted should our bids be successful.

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