|
Conservation Report July 2010:
By Peter Konigkramer
Where to from here?
“No matter what system you use, I recommend having a goal and putting it into action. I read once that people that write down their new years resolutions have a greater chance at achieving them than those that don’t”.
It was with these thoughts in mind that the Conservation Portfolio was tackled entering 2010.
The Association recognizes the need for furthering conservation initiatives in this province and further a field. However, in the development of systems to further these objectives, work remains to be done.
2010 goals and objectives:
The objectives for 2010 revolve around systems of consolidation and communication. In noting the importance of conservation and the role it must play within the future of the Association, a decision was taken to take a fresh look at where the Association is, has been and wishes to be in the future.
The approach has been to (re) define the essence of the Associations Conservation Portfolio, which is seen to translate into 3 key elements:
1. A conservation framework
2. With conservation initiatives
3. Both contributing toward a conservation footprint.
In recognition of these key components, work has commenced to explore the Associations conservation ambitions and communicate these to members and public alike.
Mid year achievements:
Developing a conservation framework:
Key to any conservation framework is “to develop a meaningful wildlife vocabulary” .
In acknowledgement of the importance of defining one’s conservation vocabulary some time has been spent in interrogating the existing definitions of the Associations key phrases, being “Hunting” and “Conservation”.
This process has resulted in an expanded definition for “conservation”, which upon approval via the necessary structures, will be assumed and websites etc updated accordingly.
A conservation committee is in the process of being formed to facilitate the development of a conservation framework. Such framework will incorporate the Association’s conservation goals, conservation principles and broad objectives. As a working document, the framework is intended to guide the Associations conservation initiatives rather than provide “nice and commendable” literature to appease anti-hunting lobbies and the like. Members with suitable backgrounds, formal or other are encouraged to get involved to facilitate the development process and content of this important source document.
Defining conservation initiatives:
In accepting the importance of communicating the Associations contribution toward conservation in KZN and further a-field, current conservation initiatives have been grouped into 4 key areas:
1. Community projects
2. Education and youth development
3. Biodiversity management support
4. Annual conservation electives.
Such grouping is intended to communicate our conservation intentions to our membership and to encourage a contribution from all our branches by simplifying an understanding of the 4 keys areas within which the Association operates.
Developing a conservation footprint:
In years past the Associations conservation initiatives, whilst considerable and commendable, have not been sufficiently focused, for an Association of significant stature, to make a meaningful, considered and targeted contribution toward conservation.
The Associations many branches, spread across all KZN and further a-field, make co-ordination imperative to prevent duplication and ensure that primary objectives are achieved. As one of the largest Associations of its kind in Southern Africa, a concerted effort is required to consolidate our initiatives and plan toward succeeding with those of critical importance.
All branches, via their chairman, are encouraged to formulate a summary of their respective conservation initiatives and submit these to the Associations Head Office for consideration.
This will facilitate the creation of a database of combined initiatives, to which rank and importance might be attached. Thereafter, an interactive web-based footprint of KZN will be created, upon which the initiatives of utmost importance will be posted. This not only serves as a reminder to the Associations members, but also educates the broader public as to what the Association is doing rather than trying to do!
Plans are advanced in moving toward this consolidated approach, toward a meaningful, calculated, conservation portfolio. The culmination of which, in the not too distant future, will take the form of web-based interactive information components, including descriptions of the “why & how?” of our initiatives and how to get involved.
In conclusion:
The Association is perhaps at a turning point in its long history. The increased pressure placed on fragile and dwindling natural resources are like seldom seen before. Combined with society’s often-misguided response to mankind’s consumption, enormous pressure will be brought to bear on wilderness, biodiversity, and importantly, the role that the hunter/conservationist plays within the natural environment.
To exist within such circumstance, response mechanisms, whilst strategic, must be well planned, yet retain the flexibility to adapt within a context of ongoing re-evaluation.
|
