Denis Opudo
R10-million injection meant to protect the rhinos against horn poachers. The move is vital in the Park ranger’s aim of bringing the horn poaching to an end. It is important to develop a new Smart Park strategy. It should be developed at the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park in KwaZulu-Natal. Huge poaching activity had happened in the 96,000 hectares reserve. The reserve saw the rescue of the world’s last southern white rhinos from extinction. That happened for more than a century back.
KwaZulu-Natal recorded a loss of 222 rhino in the past through poaching. The partnership between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Peace Parks Foundation will reduce poaching. The partnership is aimed at developing strong protection way. Funding of the strategy is done by Swedish and Dutch postcode lotteries and other private donors. Peace Parks chief executive Werner Myburgh said the latest interventions at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi would include Intelligent surveillance systems‚ digital radios‚ and handheld data collection devices.image recognition cameras wild animal tracking sensors‚ improved gate, access control systems‚ new vehicle and aerial response tracking systems are also included.
Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWaN) system with world-class internet connectivity for the integration of smart sensors and the speedy transmission of data are part of the partnership. Local community plays an important role in the war against poaching. Private and public organizations should also come up with new technologies. The new technology will help in fighting the problem through better ways. The poaching group will always find ways of counter-attacking the already set precautions. But the new strategic plan is the game changer.
Ezemwelo organization has directed more than R10.6 million to help in the strategy. The national Rhino Protection Program includes the Department of Environmental Affairs. Department of Environmental Affairs has partnered with South African National Parks‚ Ezemvelo and the Peace Parks Foundation. Critical efforts will put in place will align the counter-attacking and anti-poaching operations. This will include some conservation and law enforcement agencies within provincial boundaries.
The use of technology will improve rapid mobilization of resources. This will ensure security for park rangers and managers. The management will have insight on the activities taking place at the park.
