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.
New environmental management system won't rely solely on EIAs - Minister
By: Esmarie Swanepoel 24 Nov 08
South Africa would make use of more instruments than just environmental-impact assessments (EIAs), as it develops a new environmental-impact management (EIM) system, Environmental Affairs and Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Monday.
He said the EIM would still use an EIA where it is the most appropriate instrument, but that the new system would move away from its sole reliance on EIAs to a system based on “true integrated environmental management”.
“…we have realised that one of the shortcomings of the current system is the sole reliance on EIAs,” he told delegates at a EIA conference, in Somerset West.
The EIM also would seek to make use of strategic spatial instruments, such as strategic environmental assessments, bioregional planning, spatial development frameworks and environmental management frameworks, Van Schalkwyk said.
Meanwhile, he said that South Africa would publish amendments to its environmental legislation for a last round of public comments by mid-January.
The amendments, which seek to streamline the EIA system, were approved by Parliament last week, and followed the promulgation of new EIA regulations in terms of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema) in 2006.
“The law reform process has also yielded another very important achievement with the inclusion of mining activities in the Nema EIM regime. This decision makes mining part of the system, meaning that an environmental authorisation will be required as a precondition for a mining permit. Mining will accordingly be subject to the same processes as other activities,” he said.
A backlog in processing EIAs has been blamed, in the past, for delaying investment in South Africa.
A capacity audit has revealed that about 44% of all EIA positions on a provincial and national level were vacant for the past three quarters, and staff turnover was very high.
“Although the vast majority of EIA officials were highly qualified, very few had more than two years experience in their current position,” Van Schalkwyk said.
In an effort to improve its human resources capacity, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Deat) has trained more than 350 officials.
Industry regulation has also been a big issue in the past, and Van Schalkwyk took the opportunity to announce that a general qualification, with the assistance of the South African Qualifications Authority, had been agreed upon.
“I am also expecting an application for the establishment of the first registration authority for environmental professionals in this country, before the end of the year.”
Van Schalkwyk added that it was envisaged that a registration authority would be in place towards the middle of 2009. “This will be followed by steps to enforce the compulsory use of registered practitioners.”
To assist in the public and private sector keeping track of the EIA developments, Deat has also implemented a national environmental authorisation system, which was a web-based system that tracked all EIA applications.
This system had now been implemented in all nine provinces for the capturing of applications.
“I am confident that by the end of the financial year, all Nema EIA applications will be captured on the system. By July 2009, any applicant, environmental practitioner, or member of the public will be able to track the process. This includes obtaining information such as the location, nature of the application, contact details of the assessment practitioner, and details of the case officer from the Deat, and where possible, the provincial website.”
Deat statistics have revealed that in the ten years since the department had been implementing EIA regulations, about 57 000 applications had been received, of which 27 000 were EIAs.
“This comes down to more than 5 000 applications a year, or 400 a month. These figures emphasise the fact that the implementation of the regulations have made a positive contribution to the economy and created many hundreds of jobs in both the private and public sector.”
Carol Booth is requesting info on effectiveness of sport hunting for pest animal control.
Please forward any ideas to her at carol.booth@gmail.com
The Invasive Species Council (Australia) is looking for information on the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of hunting for sport as a means of controlling pest animals.
Recreational hunting is often justified as beneficial for conservation, but there appear to be many examples of hunting proving ineffectual or only worsening problems.
The Victorian environment department is proposing to subsidise the recreational hunting of deer on private lands ostensibly for this reason (story below).
Please let me know of any relevant references or anecdotal information.
Thanks for your help.
Carol Booth
Policy Officer, Invasive Species Council
Hunting park offer to farmers
http://www.theage.com.au/national/hunting-park-offer-to-farmers-20081121-6e5b.html?page=-1
* Peter Ker
* November 22, 2008
VICTORIAN farms could be transformed into hunting zones for deer and birds under a State Government plan to boost farmers' income and expand the shooting of animals for sport.
The Department of Sustainability and Environment said it wanted to "increase the hunting opportunities" for Victorians, and has asked farmers to come forward if they are willing to allow recreational shooting of animals on their property.
Dubbed the "property-based game management" project, the scheme offers farmers financial incentives to turn their farms into "game parks".
The plan has infuriated conservationists.
Under Victorian laws, four types of deer, ducks, quail, pheasants and partridges can be shot recreationally, within certain seasonal rules.
The duck season has been cancelled for the past two years because of low numbers. A decision is expected soon on whether the 2009 season will go ahead.
In this week's communique, the department asked farmers: "Does the prospect of receiving a monetary or in-kind payment for providing access to hunters to hunt game species on your property interest you?"
It described the project as a "unique opportunity" for farmers to have vegetation and habitat work carried out on their land "to attract the game out into good hunting positions".
Its biodiversity policy director, Dr Paul Smith, said the primary aim was to help the environment by removing "pest animals" and improving habitats. However, he added: "A secondary benefit is providing an extra potential income source for rural landholders. It does not provide landholders with the opportunity to create commercial game parks."
Animal rehabilitation worker Marcus Ward has waged a long battle against plans to start a hunting park next to his Kyneton wildlife refuge.
He dismissed claims by the department that "increasing biodiversity" was a motivation for the project, and labelled it "sickening".
"That's the worst kind of public relations spin I've ever heard," he said. "It's about making money out of exploiting animals in the most cruel, abhorrent way."
Mr Ward said safety would also be compromised if more people were encouraged to recreationally shoot guns.
Greens MP Greg Barber was also dismayed by the plan.
"Imagine if one of these shooting galleries opened up next to your bush retreat," he said. "What is the Government doing … promoting this?"
Officials from the department met animal welfare groups yesterday to discuss shooting and culling issues, including possible kangaroo culls north of Melbourne.
Environment Minister Gavin Jennings declined to say whether he was a recreational shooter, but said hunting could help the environment.
"When overseen by the appropriate and stringent regulations and policies, hunting can deliver a number of conservation benefits," Mr Jennings said.
STEALTH CAM l550
5 Megapixel wildlife camera
Have you ever wondered what happens in your garden when you're not looking? Are you a frustrated wildlife photographer not getting the shots you want? The answer to these questions, and many more besides, is here - Stealth Cam Motion Cameras. Stealth Cam Motion Cameras have found the way to put you in more than one place at the same time.
The Stealth Cam is used by the BBC Natural History Unit, most recently on a search for miniature hippos. Using PIR (Passive Infrared) Sensor technology, Stealth Cam cameras can start snapping photos from the moment motion or heat is detected - day or night! Whether it is non-invasive wildlife viewing or even commercial and residential security, trust Stealth Cam to call all the right shots. Using cutting-edge multi-patented features, Stealth Cam continues to push the boundaries, offering new digital and specialty camera models.
General Info-
Coverage Area- More and more the sensitivity of the motion sensor is becoming the most critical feature. Stealth Cam’s PIR sensor is Spec’d at 45 degree angle and senses out to 30ft providing the best coverage area possible.
Flash Effective Range- A top quality flash can make or break that great natural shot. Stealth Cam’s 50ft flash range provides crisp, clear night shots.
Burst Mode Advantage- Stealth Cam’s proprietary Burst Mode feature gives you the option of capturing more than one image when game enters the coverage area. Animal movements and behaviour can vary.
Adjustable Resolution- The versatile l550 gives you the option of 3 different image resolution settings or 90 seconds adjustable video.
Long Lasting Battery Life- Time is valuable, don’t waste it checking on your camera’s battery condition. Stealth Cam is engineered to provide superior battery life providing hundreds of images on a single set of batteries.
Downloading Pictures- With the USB Cable provided you can download your images to your personal computer.
Camera Features and Benefits-
5 Megapixel, Built in Internal Memory, 1-9 Picture Burst Mode, Icon Menu Screen,
Expandable SD Memory Card Slot up to a 2GB Card, External LCD Info Screen, Test mode
Flash Control (Off/Auto), 50 FT. Flash Range, Adjustable Video Clips, 1-59 Minute Time Out
Low Battery Indicator, Time and Date, Moon Phase and Temperature Stamping
External Power Port, USB Cable Included, Mounting Strap Included.
Accessories-
12 volt Battery Kit, Weather resistant box with AC Charger and 10ft Battery Cable.
The attached wildlife cameras would likely be good (although I have yet to try it) for capturing anyone setting snares if they can be hidden well enough. This information was sent to me by a friend who is selling the cameras here at R1822 each, so if anyone is interested in using this camera to follow the movements of wildlife (non-invasive) or to catch poachers, let me know .thanks,
Kaz. Email imfene@xnets.co.za]
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
Technical Advisor - Sioma Ngwezi National Park, Zambia
(Three-year fixed-term contract)
The incumbent will provide technical support to the management team in the Sioma Ngwezi National Park in Zambia. As head of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), he/she will work within the structures of Zambia Wildlife Authority and the Steering Committee (SC) for the implementation of project activities.
Key responsibility areas will include co-ordinating the implementation of technical activities to achieve the project objectives, as well as ensuring that the Annual Project Implementation Plans are compiled, together with other members of the PIU. Duties: • Management planning and implementation: * Assist in strengthening park administration, financial management and procurement of equipment * Develop an updated management, tourism and business plan for Sioma Ngwezi National Park * Plan and execute resource management activities such as problem animal control, fire management and road alignment • Infrastructure development planning, execution and maintenance: * Draft development plan * Oversee the construction of the Park Headquarters, sector posts, entrance gates, visitors centre, etc * Assist with construction of roads • Manage law enforcement: * Assess current capacity, skills and effectiveness * Training and skills development * Liaison and information * Cross-border collaboration • Wildlife monitoring, • Ensure liaison with affected communities: * Ensure that effective community liaison structures are in place * Oversee agreements with NGOs with regard to the implementation of community development projects.
Requirements: • Bachelor's degree or similar qualifications in Natural Sciences, Project Management, Business Administration or equivalent • A minimum of 7 years’ work experience in a similar environment in a senior management position • Ability and willingness to live in remote conditions is a prerequisite • Good interpersonal and project management skills are essential • Relevant practical exposure to planning and development of conservation areas • Experience in management of large Protected Areas as well as large staff complements and budgets • Experience in procurement and management of consultants and contractors • Experience in management of tourism concessions • A successful and verifiable track record.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position, as well as a Curriculum Vitae, with the contact details of 3 references. These should be submitted by 19 December 2008.
A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.
Applications should be submitted to: Mr Arrie van Wyk (Project Manager), Peace Parks Foundation, Millennia Park, PO Box 12743, Die Boord, Stellenbosch, South Africa, fax: +27 (0)21 887-6189 or e-mail: lrobertson@ppf.org.za
Short-listed candidates will be contacted to attend an interview
POSITION(s) AVAILABLE
POSITION(s) WANTED
From: terry@thincweb.com [mailto:terry@thincweb.com]
Sent: 25 November 2008 08:36 AM
To: andreb@ewt.org.za
Subject: Possible Opportunity?
Hi Andre ... LD van Essen suggested I contact you ..
I wonder if you could possibly point me in the right direction .. I am currently working at the Southern African Wildlife College but my contract expires at the end of 2008 and I am looking for employment opportunities for 2009 - preferably in Southern Africa. I am currently emailing from my personal email address.
I've taken the liberty of attaching a copy of my CV as I'm hoping you will forward it to the correct person for me.
Thanks and best wishes
Terry Harnwell (ms)
If you have something for her you can contact her directly for her CV or ask me to send you a copy – ed
Tailpiece
1. The roundest knight at king Arthur's round table was Sir Circumference.
He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island;
but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
3. She was only a whisky maker;
but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class
because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder
and got a little behind in his work.
6. No matter how much you push the envelope,
it'll still be stationery.
7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road
and was cited for littering.
8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in
Linoleum Blownapart.
9. Two silk worms had a race.
They ended up in a tie.
10. Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.
11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall.
The police are looking into it.
12. Atheism is
a non-prophet organization.
13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway.
One hat said to the other, 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger.
Then it hit me.
15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said:
'Keep off the Grass.'
16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital.
When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was,
a nurse said, 'No change yet.'
17. A chicken crossing the road
is poultry in motion.
18. It's not that the man did not know how to juggle,
he just didn't have the balls to do it.
19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was
a small medium at large.
20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
21. A backward poet
writes inverse.
22. In democracy it's your vote that counts.
In feudalism it's your count that votes.
23. When cannibals ate a missionary,
they got a taste of religion.
24. Don 't join dangerous cults:
Practice safe sects