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 magazines 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. Remember this is the address we will send your Game Ranger Magazine to.
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” as the message heading.
Please feel free to write to express your views on the content or the subject of any of the articles in this magazine – to the address above.
---
A Ranger Shot during Patrol in Virunga National Park/ DRC
26 May 2008, By Jean Pierre Jobogo Mirindi, E.mail:jmirindi@yahoo.com
BUZARA HABIMANA a park ranger from Virunga National Park Eastern DRC 29 years old and father of 3 was killed on Monday 26th May 2008 during a field patrol. The team was leaded by KASONGO NYARUBWA, a 55 years old experienced ranger who witnessed and reported the event.
The rangers fall in an ambush of 80 militias called May from PARECO group when they were after a herd of buffalos. The poachers were heavily armed and spotted the rangers before, the rangers were progressing in a single file through an open savannah dominated with acacia trees, suddenly they heard many gunshots around and quickly they took their cover to observe before repost.
Poachers surrounded the area while exchanging heavy fire, the patrol leader had no choice than giving order to withdraw from the range since the 12 rangers could not resist with them, by that time Ndivito and Buzara were in the middle still firing on defensive, unfortunately they run out of ammunition. Ndivito managed to escape while his colleague was already wounded after he was shot on the leg, he was then captured live and tortured badly before he was finally cleared.
The body was buried the next day at Rwindi H/Qs at the same place reserved for Hero Rangers. Sean Wilmore arrived the same day from Australia via Uganda, he participated at the funeral ceremony together with Virunga rangers. Sean was coming to assess the needs of assistance to the widows whose partners lost their lives during the course of duty.
After the burial, Sean met with the DRC Executive Director of ICCN (Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation) with whom he discussed his project. On behalf of IRF (International Ranger Federation) he presented the deep compassions and condolences to all rangers killed for the cause of conservation. He realises that because of the prolonged political crisis, DRC has a big number of rangers killed as compare to the rest of the world.
He finally saluted the courage of the rangers working under risk conditions to save the nature and promised that “Thin Green Line Foundation” will start the project in Uganda and DRC where assistance to widows and orphans is highly needed. Sean is finalising his film on rangers risk, he will visit gorillas in Kahuzi Biega Park before he returns to Uganda on his way to Australia.
2 June 2008
Dear Member,
STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP
The African Committee of the GRAA will conduct a Strategic Planning Workshop on the 12 July 2008 in Johannesburg, RSA. This decision to hold this Workshop was based on the assumption that the GRAA is faced with the challenges to adapt to change in order to maintain relevance and fulfil its role in Conservation in order to survive as an NGO.
Please read through the following five questions and you are invited to forward your contribution to Arrie Schreiber at arries@sanparks.org on or before the 1 July 2008.
World Environment Day 2008
World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.
The World Environment Day slogan for 2008 is Kick the Habit! Towards a Low Carbon Economy. Recognising that climate change is becoming the defining issue of our era, UNEP is asking countries, companies and communities to focus on greenhouse gas emissions and how to reduce them. The World Environment Day will highlight resources and initiatives that promote low carbon economies and life-styles, such as improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation and eco-friendly consumption.
The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2008 will be held in New Zealand.
UNEP is honoured that the city of Wellington will be hosting this United Nations day (read the press release).
The day's agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future.
When did it all begin?
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
How can you celebrate World Environment Day?
The World Environment Day Alphabet - 80 Ways to Celebrate
World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways, including street rallies, bicycles parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance political attention and action.
Heads of State, Prime Ministers and Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for the Earth. Serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and economic planning. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.
On this World Environment Day, let us examine the state of our environment. Let us consider carefully the actions which each of us must take, and then address ourselves to our common task of preserving all life on earth in a mood of sober resolution and quiet confidence.
A Global Energy Update
Where: Country Club JHB, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
When: 10 June 2008
Time: 18:30 for 19:00
Dress: Smart Casual
Cost: R 40.00 talk only for CCJ/EWT members, R 45.00 for non-members (R 138 incl. dinner for CCJ/EWT members, R 143.00 for non-members)
Dr John Ledger, Chairman of the Sustainable Energy Society of Southern Africa and former EWT Director will give an illustrated talk about rapidly changing perspectives on global climate change, energy, biofuels and electric vehicles. With the oil price now above US$120 a barrel and possibly heading for $200, what are the prospects for future individual transport?
RSVP: 6 June 2008 - click here events@ewt.org.za to contact Puleng Thabaneng or phone on (011) 486 1102
Rare rhinos cross countries
29 May 2008
Black rhino conservation yesterday received a boost after five of the rare animals were flown to Zambia yesterday as part of an agreement between Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.
“This translocation shows that we are committed to regional conservation and are not xenophobic when it comes to creating more habitat for Africa’s endangered species,” said Kruger Park’s managing executive, Bandile Mkhize.
Four of the five rhinos came from the Kruger National Park.
The initiative was a result of an agreement reached last year between the Zambian Wildlife Authority, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism, and the South African National Parks (SANParks) that will see the relocation of black rhino subspecies increased across the southern African region.
Last year, 12 rare desert or south-western black rhino subspecies from Namibia went to parks and reserves in the semi-desert area of South Africa.
South Africa is sending seven south-central black rhino to Zambia this year, including the five that left yesterday.
The other two, that have been exchanged for four white rhinos, will be delivered to Zambia later this year.
A further five rhinos from the Eastern Cape parks will be relocated to Zambia next year.
Namibia will receive plains game from Zambia in exchange for the 12 rhinos that were delivered to South Africa last year.
Four of the animals that were translocated yesterday come from the Kruger Park and the other from Marakele Park.
The rhinos, two bulls and three cows, will be settled in North Luangwa National Park in Zambia, with support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society of Germany.
When this translocation project is concluded, 13 of the 20 rhinos in North Luangwa National Park would have been supplied by SANParks.
“This shows that we are definitely committed to conservation projects in our entire region and not just South Africa,” Mkhize said.
Sandra F Snelling
Specialized Corporate Services
SANParks
Tel: +27 13 735 5109
Fax: +27 86 688 1213
Cell: +27 82 908 3053
e-mail: sandras@sanparks.org
Agriculture and biodiversity conservation: opportunity knocks
• Ken Norris
Correspondence
Ken Norris, Centre for Agri-Environmental Research (CAER), School of Agriculture, Policy and
Development, University of Reading, Earley Gate, PO Box 237, Reading, RG6 6AR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)118-378-6535 ; fax: +44 (0)118-378-6067. E-mail: k.norris@reading.ac.uk
Abstract
The fact that the expansion and intensification of agriculture has been the major driver of past biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation globally is beyond dispute. It is highly likely that these trends will continue through the 21st century, unless action is taken to design effective management strategies for biodiversity in agricultural landscapes. To do this, we first need to recognize that some biodiversity is retained in farmland, and that it is the degree of biodiversity retention that we need to understand and effectively manage. We need to understand which biodiversity components are retained as a natural ecosystem is converted to agriculture and why; how community dynamics affect biodiversity retention; and how we can effectively manage biodiversity retention. These questions are being addressed, but much remains to be done; and we have to accept that progress will be contentious. Challenging as these questions are, conservationists cannot address them in isolation. Multifunctional ecosystem science and policy linked to human well-being is the ultimate goal. While the goal seems distant and daunting, integration between relevant research disciplines is happening, research funding is beginning to recognize the need for better integration and policy has to respond. Conservation science has a key role to play and must be ready to meet this challenge.
POSITION(s) Wanted
Position Wanted in marine conservation
Good afternoon,
I am hoping that you may know about any marine conservation positions currently available in Southern Africa. I am an experienced manager with a Master's degree in Marine Management who is preparing to return to South Africa after an absence of 20 years. I would appreciate it if you could forward my CV to anyone you might think would need my skills.
Thank you,
__________________
Michael Honeth, PMP, MMar, BAA
Litigation Management and Resolution Branch
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
honethm@ainc-inac.gc.ca
--- NATURE WORK
Good afternoon,
As per our telephone discussion yesterday, please find subject CV.
In search of a nature related work opportunity outside the city!
Avid nature enthusiast with a wildlife photo portfolio on hand.
Completed a practical field guide assessment - prepared to learn further if job specific (CV shows Non- 'current job' related studies which I undertook for interests sake).
Happy to be an all rounder...
Seek active, on my feet work
Have worked overseas on a fruit farm before and enjoyed the farm dynamic
CV would appear to have a high administrative % and it has. I wish to change this!
Best Regards
Sean Brewis
Freight Co-ordinator
SSA Regional Services (PTY) Ltd
20 Eton Road, Johannesburg, 2193
Direct Phone +27 (011) 381 7639, Direct Fax +27 (011) 482 4815, sean.brewis@dhl.com, www.dhl.com
Tailpiece
Notices - Church Bulletins
They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters.
These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS ) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.
'
The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love.
Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
Potluck supper Sunday, at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday: 'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'