News Archives - EMS Foundation

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 Instead, the Overstrand Municipality has chosen to rely upon outdated questionable data from HWS and the few residents who want baboons eradicated from the conservancy.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.

21 Mar

BREAKING GROUND THE NEW HOME OF THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB

The EMS Foundation broke ground at the Hermanus Waldorf School on the 18th of March 2023 for the construction new premises of the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club. Coach and Founder of the well known club, which has produced national champions, is delighted as are the many boxers who attend the club.

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

21 Feb

OUR KIN DISCARDED, SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF (NONHUMAN) PRIMATES

Part Four of the Extinction Business series of investigations and reports published by the EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading South Africa

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.

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.

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.

3 Jun

INVESTING IN EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

The EMS Foundation recognises the fact that there are many talented young people who can achieve world-class results if given the correct opportunities. The foundation has discovered that there are schools in the regions in South Africa where the organisation is actively working are offering quality education, these deserving institutions are receiving our support.

1 Jun

THE IMPACTS ON LEVELS OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS SINCE THE CLOSURE OF CHINA’S DOMESTIC TRADE IN IVORY

The problem of stockpiling ivory remains. The disjunct between online ivory sales data and seizure data had indicated that organised criminal groups were likely stockpiling ivory for various reasons. We suspect that this was because they were ‘banking on extinction’ - literally funding poaching to create private ivory stockpiles, which they could then drip feed to the market once elephants had become extinct, or a legal trade reignited (or both). Domestic ivory bans should therefore be indefinite and complete. Unfortunately, if range states keep talking about selling their ivory, the incentive for stockpiling remains.

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.

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.

26 Nov

CONTROVERSIAL SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Operation Phakisa focused on unlocking the economic potentials of South African oceans. Offshore oil and gas extraction was one of the four areas where this potential was identified. President Jacob Zuma said that the ocean around the southern tip of Africa could contribute around a million jobs via shipbuilding and mineral resource extraction by 2033.

11 Nov

EXTINCTION BUSINESS REPORT USED IN EVIDENCE IN HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

The EMS Foundation and Ban Animal Trading gathered extensive information whilst investigating South Africa's big cat industry and South Africa's Lion Bone Trade which resulted in the first Extinction Business series of reports. The evidence in this report was used, amongst other, in a South African High Court matter.

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, […]

3 May

GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA

The EMS Foundation, represented by Environmental lawyers Cullinan and Associates, submitted comments on the Draft Guidelines for the Transportation of Live Animals by Sea to the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development in South Africa on the 30th April 2021.

25 Mar

A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY

Since at least as far back as the late 1990s, various NGOs have warned your department about the harmful and negative effects of breeding lions (and other big cats) in captivity. Yet, the South African government has done nothing to slow the growth of the captive lion breeding industry, nor has it given any indication of wanting to do so. This letter lays bare the facts and calls for immediate action. First, it details the risks embedded in captive lion (and other big cat) breeding and why the industry should be terminated.

1 Apr

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa

TROPHY HUNTING IN BOTSWANA Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February […]

22 Feb

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation

Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa is a coalition of twenty-six South African wildlife NGOs. We implore the government of Botswana not to implement the recommendations handed to the President on 21st February 2019. Image Credit: https://www.grahamsalessafaris.com/elephant-hunting-botswana/ © Copyright EMS Foundation 2019. All rights reserved.

31 May

The Culling of Hippopotami

10 Apr

Appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa for Urgent Actions Against the Criminal Rhino Horn Syndicates Required

We respectfully urge you to publicly denounce the syndicates responsible for South Africa’s rhino poaching crisis and allocate adequate resources to investigate and prosecute these criminals to the full extent of the law. By taking swift action South Africa can overcome the immense challenges threatening the continued survival of the rhino and once again save […]

15 Feb

Supporting Efforts to Save the Critically Endangered Vaquita in Mexico’s Gulf of California

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/population-vaquita-porpoises-has-dwindled-to-ten-but-rebound-isnt-out-of-question-180980068/ Scientists say there may now be fewer than 30 vaquitas left. According to the Center For Biological Diversity, vaquitas are about the size of small humans, topping out at about 5 feet long and 120 pounds, with black borders around their expressive eyes and rounded mouth. They’re known to be shy and elusive — but […]

30 Jan

Treatment of Animals at Rangunan Zoo

11 Jan

Sign-on letter to CNN – U.S. Regarding the Documentary Trophy: January 2018

We understand CNN – U.S. will be airing a pre-recorded interview with the CEO of Born Free USA, Prashant Khetan, on January 11 and a live conversation between Mr. Khetan and Philip Glass, a hunter featured in Trophy, on January 12. We are respectfully asking you to please reconsider airing this “shockumentary” on your esteemed […]

11 Jan

Letter to Zimbabwe President regarding the export of baby elephants to China: January 2018

https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/24/africa/zimbabwe-elephant-trade-intl/index.html The EMS Foundation signed a letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging him to immediately halt the further capture and export of young, wild elephants from Zimbabwe’s parks to captive facilities overseas. © Copyright EMS Foundation 2018. All rights reserved.

10 Jan

Letter Regarding The Prosecution of Nguyen Mau Chien

LETTER REGARDING THE PROSECUTION OF NGUYEN MAU CHIEN On behalf of the undersigned organisations, we are writing to congratulate you on your government’s commitment to tackle wildlife trafficking. This has been demonstrated by the landmark investigation and enforcement effort that has led to the upcoming first-instance trial of Nguyen Mau Chien and his associates Nguyen […]

29 Nov

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter We wish to express that SAPA’s letter is fraught with inaccuracies, false statements, and a flawed viewpoint that is shaped for the economic benefit of captive lion breeders. We recommend that USFWS maintains their current position which is to ban the importation […]

14 Sep

EU CITES MA Letter – Importation into the EU of hunting trophies from Annex B species

IMPORTATION INTO THE EUROPEAN UNION OF HUNTING TROPHIES FROM ANNEX B SPECIES We therefore request that the European Commission and EU Member States urgently revise Commission Regulation 865/2006 to require the issuance of import permits for hunting trophies from all Annex B species. © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

10 Jun

Joint Letter to Eden Wildlife regarding the export five young live elephants from Namibia

On behalf of the undersigned conservation and animal welfare organizations representing hundreds of millions of people worldwide, we urge you to immediately and permanently halt plans to capture and export five young live elephants from your Namibia property, Eden Wildlife to Safari Park Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS […]

7 Apr

Open Letter Re: Recent Constitutional Court Judgement and its Impact on South African Environmental Issues

The Constitutional Court emphasised that constitutional values dictate a more caring attitude towards fellow humans, animals and the environment in general and that this obligation was especially pertinent because of South Africa’s history. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

30 Mar

NGO Letter to FC Barcelona – Appeal to Urge Rakuten Inc. to Cease All Elephant Ivory Product Sales

We are writing on behalf of our organizations, representing millions of citizens worldwide, to request your support in urging Rakuten Inc. to immediately cease the sale of elephant ivory products.In the midst of a global elephant poaching crisis, we urge you to call for the end of Rakuten’s role in the ivory trade, and to […]

1 Feb

DEA Lion Bone Quota Sign On Letter January 2017

We therefore strongly urge the South Africa government to develop a plan that will explain how each of these implementation and enforcement challenges will be addressed, prior to the captive-bred lion skeleton export quota going into effect. Read the full letter © 2017 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

10 Nov

Letter to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities

EXPORTS OF LIVE ELEPHANTS FROM ZIMBABWE TO CAPTIVE FACILITIES Letter from the Species Survival Network (SSN) to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities. © 2016 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

30 Sep

Objections and Comments on the Published Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals

As part of the public participation process for The Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals in South Africa, please find the following general comments and specific suggestions. Read the full document © 2016 EMS Foundation. All rights reserved.

24 Sep

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How South Africa’s policies are killing Africa’s wild animals

This Report tries to unpack South Africa’s role in a world where Africa’s animals are literally “Under Siege”. We highlight an obvious pattern: legal trade in both ivory and rhino horn is part of the problem and should be prohibited, because it has been used to launder illegal ivory and rhino horn which in turn […]

Category News

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

BREAKING GROUND THE NEW HOME OF THE OVERSTRAND WHALE BOXING CLUB

THE DECISION TO DRIVE THE BABOON TROOP OUT OF PRINGLE BAY

OUR KIN DISCARDED, SOUTH AFRICA’S CRUEL AND GRATUITOUS TRADE AND KILLING OF (NONHUMAN) PRIMATES

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

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

JOINT STATEMENT OF 137 ORGANISATIONS POSITION ON TROPHY HUNTING

INVESTING IN EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA

THE IMPACTS ON LEVELS OF ILLEGAL KILLING OF ELEPHANTS SINCE THE CLOSURE OF CHINA’S DOMESTIC TRADE IN IVORY

COMMENTS ON THE BIODIVERSITY OFF-SET GUIDELINE

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

CONTROVERSIAL SEISMIC OIL AND GAS SURVEYANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

EXTINCTION BUSINESS REPORT USED IN EVIDENCE IN HIGH COURT OF SOUTH AFRICA

WORLD ELEPHANT DAY 2021

GUIDELINES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF LIVE ANIMALS BY SEA

A LOOMING CRISIS – THE CAPTIVE BIG CAT INDUSTRY, COVID_19 AND GOVERNMENT CULPABILITY

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa

Response from Wildlife Animal Protection Forum South Africa to Sub-Committee on Hunting Ban Social Dialogue Report and Recommendation

The Culling of Hippopotami

Appeal to President Cyril Ramaphosa for Urgent Actions Against the Criminal Rhino Horn Syndicates Required

Supporting Efforts to Save the Critically Endangered Vaquita in Mexico’s Gulf of California

Treatment of Animals at Rangunan Zoo

Sign-on letter to CNN – U.S. Regarding the Documentary Trophy: January 2018

Letter to Zimbabwe President regarding the export of baby elephants to China: January 2018

Letter Regarding The Prosecution of Nguyen Mau Chien

The African Lion Conservation Community’s Response to the South African Predator Association’s Letter

EU CITES MA Letter – Importation into the EU of hunting trophies from Annex B species

Joint Letter to Eden Wildlife regarding the export five young live elephants from Namibia

Open Letter Re: Recent Constitutional Court Judgement and its Impact on South African Environmental Issues

NGO Letter to FC Barcelona – Appeal to Urge Rakuten Inc. to Cease All Elephant Ivory Product Sales

DEA Lion Bone Quota Sign On Letter January 2017

Letter to the Minister of Environment, Zimbabwe, regarding potential exports of live elephants from Zimbabwe to captive facilities

Objections and Comments on the Published Norms and Standards for the Management of Damage Causing Animals

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: How South Africa’s policies are killing Africa’s wild animals