South Africa sets up Rhino Fund to combat poaching

The South African Department of Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the National Treasury, is to establish a National Rhino Fund to coordinate the financing of anti-poaching initiatives in South Africa.

Government, business, international funders, local NGOs and individuals will be able to contribute to the fund, which will then ensure "that funding is distributed successfully to state and privately owned rhino anti-poaching initiatives, including conservation, safety and security, skills development and research," the department said on Monday.

At the same time, the fund's autonomy would enable legitimate funding needs to be identified and met quickly, rather than be caught up in red tape.

Original article: http://allafrica.com/stories/201309170308.html