Move to Investigate Viability of Trans-Frontier Conservation Scheme. (9 December, 1996)

Joint trans-frontier conservation schemes between South Africa and neighbouring countries moved a step closer last week following the appointment of a leading conservationist to investigate its viability. World Wide Fund for Nature South Affrica President, Dr Anton Rupert, said current WWF Chief Executive Dr John Hanks would take up the full-time post on February 1 next year. He would be charged with investigating cross-border conservation ventures.

Hanks would be replaced as WWF Chief Executive by Dr Ian Macdonald, currently WWF-SA's Director of conservation. 'Southern Africa's parks have the potential to make an enormous economic contribution to the region as a whole,' Rupert said. 'It is important that we seize this opportunity and contribute to similar initiatives that are already under way in neighbouring countries.' This was a reference to the recent announcement by the World Bank that it had made R45-million available for the establishment of three trans-frontier parks in Mozambique. Two of these will be in co-operation with South African conservation agencies. These are the connecting of Tembe Game Reserve in northern KwaZulu--Natal with Maputo Elephant Reserve and the so-called shadow Kruger Park into the Gaza Province of Mozambique. Staff reporter. Courtesy of The Star.