Hi again,
Herewith, some snippets from various sources.
I appeal to you to send me items to distribute to our members for the Cleft Stick, the Game Ranger magazine and to be posted on the web site. These are your magazine and website, so ensure it gets the news that you would like to see in it.
Please let me have any changes to your physical address, phone no. or e-mail address to keep the database up to date.
Thanks to all of you who have made the effort. Please will any of you who know of members who do not get this electric Cleft~Stick, & have access to e-mail, pass their address along to me.
Don Yunnie
7 Chalet Drive, Hilton, 3245, South Africa Local Tel & Fax (033) 343 1534 Int. Tel & Fax (+2733) 343 1534 cell 082 377 7562 E-mail dyunnie@xsinet.co.za.
If you do not wish to receive this e-mail newsletter please send a blank e-mail to me at the above address with the word unsubscribe C~S as the message heading.
Tropicana Charcoal
Here's a brief resume on the charcoal.
Greg Sinovich of Namib Chacoal CC as joined the GRAA as a Corporate member.
In return he has been granted the right to print the GRAA logo with the wording: "supporting the Game Rangers Association of Africa".
In addition to his membership, Greg has generously agreed to pay a "commission" of R 1-00 per bag for every bag of charcoal sold/introduced by GRAA members to NEW customers (ie. outlets where he does not presently have representation) on an ongoing basis.
This represents a HUGE opportunity for ALL members to make a contribution to raising funds for the GRAA. Greg Has allocated a "reps" code to the GRAA.
The wholsale prices are as follows: CHARCOAL 5kg R 11-70
CYCLE RACES IN PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL PROTECTED AREAS:
Please complete the following enquiry, by request of Honorary Members Paul Dutton and Jim Feely, and send your responses to them at i_dutton@tiscali.co.za and jimfeely@xsinet.co.za.
Why not circulate a YES or NO response enquiry to all members of the GRAA on the appropriateness of cycle racing in provincial and national protected areas. The final vote can then be sent to all those charged with the administration of our protected areas. - Paul Dutton.
GRAA members are requested to express their positions by a NO or YES response regarding the desirability or otherwise of allowing cycle or any other competitive type of sport in our protected areas.
| MEMBERS NAME | YES | NO |
|---|---|---|
Samburu Game Rangers
Dear Editor:
Last year, in May, I revisited the Samburu Game Reserve. During this visit I met a gentleman from a renowned wildlife organization that was conducting a survey and needed too ascertain how the game rangers were treating me. It appears that there were some complaints by tourists that the game rangers were not tourist friendly. I totally disagree and would like to offer my own personal opinion regarding this matter. Please find below my thoughts and feel free to show the letter if you deem it worthy.
----
In May 2005, I revisited the Samburu Game Reserve and during my last night at this wonderful and exciting Reserve a gentleman from a renowned wildlife organization stopped by my campsite and asked me to participate in a survey he was conducting.
After I completed the survey we had a discussion and it appears that some tourists have filed complaints basically stating that the Game Rangers were not tourist friendly.
These brave and dedicated professionals risk their lives everyday they step out the door of their homes. There are many dangers that lurk within this Reserve, as well as others. Their job, and they know it well, is to ensure that we, the tourists, have a safe and memorable visit. They are willing to place themselves in harm's way if it is necessary to protect the tourists. You may not see them as often as you would like because they patrol a vast territory. Just knowing that these brave men are around should be comfort enough. I offer a few suggestions to my fellow tourists that I hope will help with defusing any more complaints:
I have never any problem with any Game Ranger at any Reserve or Game Park that I have visited.
They have always passed through my campsite and have been very courteous and tourist friendly. I wish all the Rangers, in Africa, the best and hope they have a long and safe career.
Harold Hedin
Tampa, Florida
USA.
funding to get to the IRF congress
Mike Marshall kindly sent in this info for anyone looking for funding to get to the IRF congress.
There are contacts in most of the African countries. If you cant get to the website let me know & Ill send a copy.
If you have space in Cleft Stick, can you put in the web site for British Embassies at www.fco.gov.uk and the GEF Small Grants Programme
http://sgp.undp.org/index.cfm?module=SGP&page=ContactRegion&RegionID=RBEC
Individuals wanting to attend Congress may find a source of funds from either of these organisations -
British Embassies have 'local' funds at the discretion of Embassy staff.
I can then help out with any necessary letters of invitation to the Congress, etc.
Also please include the website for the Congress www.ranger-irfc.com/scotcover2006
Many thanks.
Mike
Copied from Bateleur Newsletter
Early in January 2006 we received a flight request from Rob Stegmann of the East London Coast Nature Reserves (ELCNR), asking for help with a third aerial survey of illegal developments within the coastal conservation area of the Wild Coast. This photograph shows the team who conducted the survey: (from left) Rob Stegmann (ELCNR), Brigette Maingard (photographer), Paul Dutton (Bateleur pilot), and Alexander Mbayo (Assistant to Rob).
Following this mission, we asked DEAET if they would like The Bateleurs to perform regular monitoring missions over this area in 2006. Our approach elicited the following response from Div de Villiers of DEAET in the Eastern Cape -:
"Thank-you for the telephone call this morning and the great news that The Bateleurs will assist with a monthly flight along the Wild Coast for the duration of 2006. I received some footage from Paul Dutton following last week's flight and I expect more from Rob Stegmann before the end of the week.
The illegal development that is taking place is frightening and one only appreciates the magnitude thereof when one sees it from the air. It takes our ground staff ages to get to these illegal activities and quite often we only stumble across the illegalities by chance because the areas along the Wild Coast are so inaccessible.
The flights will also enable us to establish where other environmental crime is occurring. The indigenous forests along the coast are being cleared for roads, crops, muthi and dagga. Poaching is also rife. The flights will help enormously to locate where such activities are occurring. Our ground staff can then take action.
Rob Stegmann has been assigned the task of aerial surveillance and will be the official who will accompany the pilots on most of the flights. If we need assistance with other environmental operations we will motivate them separately
On behalf of all the Environmental Officers who are working the Wild Coast I would like to extend our gratitude to you and to The Bateleurs for the assistance that you have given us thus far and for the generous offer of assistance with other environmental work that requires aerial surveillance too. We look forward to more joint operations in 2006."
This photo shows some serious unknown type of development taking place above the Mzamba River within the restricted one kilometer No Development Zone, near the Wild Coast Casino.
This view of the Wild Coast shows an illegal road leading to a collection of illegal cottages. Follow-up action will be taken by Div De Villiers of DEAET in the Eastern Cape
Request for Lion advice
Can anyone offer some sensible advice to these chaps?
----- Original Message -----
From: Claudio Sillero
To: People Wildlife Googlegroups
Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 12:45 PM
Subject: P&W: Safety issues when working close to lions
Hi
If anyone got some sensible advice please contact Dave Turton directly (but you may want to copy to P&W if you think input is of wider interest.
Thanks
Claudio
----Original Message----
-
From: Dave Turton [mailto:turton@khartoum.oilfield.slb.com]
Sent: 07 March 2006 12:48
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am an operations supervisor for a seismic survey company. We are currently working in Southern Sudan and have recently come across a lone lion. Our job is very labour intensive and stretches over approximately 15 square kilometres. In this area are up to 150 strong labour force burying sensors into the ground to record seismic energy. The labour force usually work in pairs but could easily be alone at certain times in the day. I am seeking advice as to the amount of danger these workers could be in, and what precautions can be taken if the amount of danger is unacceptable. I would appreciate any advice that you could give so that we can be no threat to the lion and they see us as intruders rather than a source of food.
Hippo and Crocodiles/Human Conflict
If anyone can assist please send responses direct to Matt Fletcher
I'm working on a BBC TV documentary series looking at culturally-rich ethnic groups in remote and extreme environments around the world. The premise of the programme is that our presenter, and a small (team? - ed), live with a community for up to 6 weeks sharing in the activities and issues that shape their lives, and learning about their intimate relationship with an often harsh environment.
Before Christmas we made three films in the Omo Valley, southern Ethiopia. The peoples there lived in close proximity to both crocodiles and hippo, and in piece of the programme's commentary we want to highlight the potential risks from both creatures across Africa. Are their any statistics on the number of people killed by wild animals in Africa? It's also common place to hear people say that hippo kill more people in Africa than any other creature, but I would like to find some statistics to back this up or disprove it.
Any help with this would be gratefully received.
Best wishes,
Matt Fletcher
Researcher, Tribe, Rm 4020, BBC Broadcasting House , Llandaff , Cardiff CF5 2YQ
tel + 44 (0)29 203 23493 mbl + 44 (0)780 181 6222, email matt.fletcher@bbc.co.uk
Action urgent to protect species, biodiversity
conference told
Globe and Mail (Canada) , 24 March 2006
Rio de Janeiro - Countries around the world must turn talk into action if they are to halt the loss of thousands of plant and animal species each year, mostly because of human activity, Brazil's Environment Minister said Monday..../"For a long time, I have been expressing my concern about the growing number of multilateral environmental agreements that are approved but aren't implemented," Ms. Silva told the eighth Conference of Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, known as COP-8.
More:
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060321.wdivers0321/BNStory/Science/home
Bird Flu Also Threatens Rare Mammals
Inter Press News Agency , 24 March 2006
CURITIBA, Brazil, Mar 23 (IPS) - The threat of avian flu is looming over a wide range of species, including rare and endangered ones, warned experts attending a two-week international conference on biodiversity here. There is growing evidence that the virus known as "H5N1" can infect and harm rare mammals like leopards, tigers, civets, weasels, badgers and otters, they say. "We are learning very hard lessons from the threatened pandemic," Ahmed Djoghlaf, executive secretary of the conference, told reporters this week. "The impact on biodiversity and on species may be far wider and more complex than might have been initially supposed."
More: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=32623
Are We Winning the Race to Stop Biodiversity Loss?
WWF Newsletter , 24 March 2006
With the natural forest loss rate at 13 million hectares a year - about 25 hectares a minute - the race is on to protect what's left of the world's forests.../As diplomats and environmentalists gather in Brazil this week at a meeting of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to address the rate at which the world's natural resources are being degraded and destroyed, they should look to large-scale, multi-partner conservation initiatives as a way to make it to that 2010-targeted finish line.
More: http://www.enn.com/today.html?id=10121
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
Original Message -----
From: "Harriet Davies" harrietd@ewt.org.za
Subject: [Ewt] Volunteer needed
Hello Everyone
At the risk of becoming swamped with volunteer applications; (I wanted to ask around if anyone new of a good person prepared to volunteer on our wild dog project up at Venetia for 4-6 months starting in early May? The work involves assisting Katherine with her field observations at the wild dog den and will probably be pretty intensive but also rewarding. I won't go into the details here. We are looking for someone who has a keen interest in wildlife and conservation, and particularly research. It would be preferable if they had a related diploma or degree although this is not essential if the level of keenness is high.
We'd be able to help out with accommodation and board, although cannot pay a stipend at this stage.
Please ask any interested people to send a CV together with a motivation letter, to me at harrietd@ewt.org.za.
Many thanks,
Harriet T. Davies-Mostert - DPhil student, WildCRU, Oxford University Working Group Manager -
Carnivore Conservation Group, Endangered Wildlife Trust
P. Bag X11, Parkview, 2122, T +27-11-486-1102, F +27-11-486-1506
M +27-82-507-9223, E harrietd@ewt.org.za, W http:\\www.ewt.org.za
PROGRAMME MANAGER POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE UNIT The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is seeking a suitably qualified person to fill the role of Programme Manager for the Policy and Environmental Governance Unit located in its South Africa office. The position appeals to someone with 5 years experience in the non-profit sector who seeks a challenging opportunity to reinvigorate the work of the Policy and Environmental Governance Unit and thus enhance the policy impact of IUCNs work in South Africa and Southern Africa. The primary role of the incumbent will be to provide leadership in the policy and environmental governance aspects of IUCNs programme in South Africa, as well as IUCNs Regional Programme in Southern Africa. Title: Programme Manager (Policy and Environmental Governance Unit) Location: IUCN South Africa Country Office, Pretoria Length of contract: 2 years, renewable based on availability of funds Duties: Develop, manage and coordinate projects and activities within Policy and Environmental Governance Unit in line with IUCNs national and regional programme priorities o Develop activities and fundraise for priorities within the Unit o Undertake policy related work, including research, drafting policy input, making presentations, etc. o Extract policy findings from projects/programmes underway within IUCN o Support policy engagement with members and partners of IUCN-SA, and the region at large. o Develop policy papers on issues related to the activities of the Unit or projects being implemented by IUCN-SA o Generate a profile for IUCN-SAs, as well IUCN Regional flagship policy initiatives using media and communications tools o Maintain and develop strategic partnerships that support the work of the Unit o Recruit and supervise researchers in the Unit, including interns, students, etc o Report to and liaise with donors Support programme development within IUCN-SA o Contribute to the work of the Programme Development Group o Write proposals and undertake fundraising activities Requirements: A recognised post-graduate or equivalent qualification, preferably with a legal background Five (5) years experience in policy related work Broad knowledge and understanding of environmental issues Understanding of national, regional and international policy processes Excellent skills in policy research, writing and communications 1
Reference: PEGU/0306
2
Experience in fundraising, project coordination and management Ability to work with stakeholders from different sectors including the public sector, NGOs, donors, international agencies and the private sector Networks and contacts in the environmental policy sector Excellent interpersonal skills, strong verbal and written communication skills, proven management, administration and team work abilities Self motivated and results driven individual, excellent time management, ability to prioritise and work on a range of different tasks simultaneously and to perform in a pressurised deadline-based environment Ability to adhere and implement organisational policies and procedures Computer literacy Drivers licence and own transport Important notes: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, with reference number PEGU/0306, that addresses their competencies in the fields required and a resume with 2 references to: Ditse Motlana, fax: +27 (0)86 624 7668, e-mail: ditse.motlana@iucn.org Postal Address: IUCN-SA, P.O. Box 11536, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa Physical Address: 3rd floor, Hatfield Forum West, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa For further information please contact Anthea Stephens, Acting Country Programme Coordinator (anthea.stephens@iucn.org) Closing date: 28 April 2006 Selection will be guided by employment equity principles. IUCN South Africa reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you do not hear from us within one month of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
PROGRAMME OFFICER IUCN ROSA REGIONAL PROGRAMME The World Conservation Union (IUCN) is seeking a suitably qualified person to fill the role of Project Officer IUCN ROSA Regional Programme. The Programme Officer will directly report to the Regional Programme Coordinator. He/she will be required to assist in the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of IUCN ROSAs Regional Programme in accordance with the IUCN mission. The duties of the officer will include: Title: Programme Officer IUCN ROSA Regional Programme Location: IUCN South Africa Country Office, Pretoria Length of contract: One year, renewable based on funding availability. Duties: Support the planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the IUCN ROSA Regional Programme activities. Assist the Regional Programme Coordinator in compiling work plans, progress reports and budgets for the regional programme. Assist in monitoring the implementation of the IUCN ROSA quadrennial and annual work plans, and provide back up support as necessary. Provide monitoring and evaluation support to the thematic and country programmes. Assist the Regional Programme Coordinator in the monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the IUCN ROSA annual and quarterly work plans and budget. Receive work plans and progress reports from the IUCN ROSA sub-cost centers and carry out the initial compilation of annual and quarterly work plans and progress reports. Keep track of the IUCN HQ reporting requirements and ensure that these requirements are met. In liaison with the Thematic and Country Programme Coordinators, provide monitoring and evaluation support to projects. In liaison with the Regional Programme Coordinator and Finance Department, monitor the IUCN ROSA contractual obligations on projects with regards to technical tracking and reporting to donors. Assist in the documentation of lessons from the implementation of the regional programme. Administer the Programme Development Committee activities. Provide technical support to PDC and ORD in developing new project concepts. Participate and contribute to project monitoring and evaluation activities. Provide any other assistance as may be assigned by the Regional Director and Regional Programme Coordinator. Requirements: A degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or another relevant discipline Expertise in developing and using the logical framework/performance measurement frameworks, monitoring and evaluation Ability to work at a regional level with government agencies, research institutions and NGOs, as well as working within teams
Reference: PROG/0306
Excellent writing and communication skills Important notes: Applications should be submitted a cover letter, with reference number PROG/0306, and CV with 2 references to: Ditse Motlana, fax: +27 (0)86 624 7668 or email: ditse.motlana@iucn.org Postal Address: IUCN SA, P. O. Box 11536, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa Physical Address: 3rd Floor, Hatfield Forum West, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa For further information please contact Tabeth Chiuta, Regional Programme Coordinator (tabeth.chiuta@iucn.org) Closing date: 28 April 2006 Selection will be guided by employment equity principles. IUCN reserves the right not to make an appointment. If you don not hear from us within one month of the closing date your application has been unsuccessful. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
--- Assistant management couple
I'm looking for an assistant management couple to help us at Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort.
Mountain Splendour is located on a small farm, 220 acres, in the Champagne Valley area of Central Drakensberg. Only a few kilometres from KZN Wildlife Monks Cowl.
We are a family owned and operated resort in the central Drakensberg that caters for camping and caravanning. More information and photo's can be viewed on our website,
www.mountainsplendour.co.za.
A couple is required to assist running the resort.
She must be computer proficient and have a friendly manner. Duties include reception/front desk, admin., basic bookkeeping, monthly staff wages.
He must be practical, hands-on and have at least basic command of Zulu. Responisble for labourers, maintenance, repairs, assisting guests, firebreaks, alien vegetation control, farm animals.
We will provide fully furnished accommodation, including utilities, monthly salary and phone line. No dependants. No pets allowed.
More details about job responsibilities and salary available on application.
Thanks
Iain
Iain Don-Wauchope, Mountain Splendour Eco-Resort, Tel: 036 468 1172, Fax: 0866 11 22 81
Tailpiece-
A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a Minister, if they could discuss his use of the family car.
His father took him into his study and said, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study the Bible a little, get your hair cut and then we'll talk about it."
After about a month, the boy came back and again asked his father if they could discuss his use of the car. They again went into the father's study where the father said,
"Son, I've been very proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you've studied the Bible diligently, but you didn't get your hair cut."
The young man waited a moment and then replied, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that. You know Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair."
The Minister said, "Yes, and everywhere they went, they walked."
.
Matter of Fact
This is an electronic newsletter of the Game Rangers' Association of Africa. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Association, nor of the Editor. This is intended to be an exchange of news snips, ideas and communication between members. Newsletter content may be copied and re-distributed without authorisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the Editor at dyunnie@xsinet.co.za