Becky Overy-Owen
The Waterberg Trust alongside Save the Waterberg Rhino
Fundraising for The Waterberg Trust
Story
The Waterburg Trust is a U.K charity that helps combat the pandemic HIV/AIDS in a corner of rural South Africa, supporting established and healthcare projects in the Waterburg. The Trust has branched out to provide a means of supporting a number of projects - for example, raising funds for the training of local nurses and auxiliary nurses to give vital support to the many who need caring for. As an RGN myself, I understand how essential the training is and how challenging it can be to maintain the care of individuals in need when there is a lack of ongoing support.
Worldwide just five species of rhino remain, of which the black and white rhino are the two species that roam the plains of Africa. However, rhino populations throughout Africa have been deciminated with 90% of the world rhino now remaining in South Africa. With so few numbers left and the increasing number of rhino being poached, the rhino is rapidly heading for extinction.
By the end of 2014 over 4,000 rhinos had been illegally killed by poachers in South Africa alone. More than 1,000 rhino a year are cruelly slaughtered in the most inhumane ways. Poaching is being carried out by well organised syndicates. These groups are heavily armed with automatic weapons and backed by wealthy individuals. The demand for rhino horn is mainly from Asian countries particularly Vietnam where it is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its illegal state, rhino horn is sold openly in the streets of Vietnam as a rejuvenating & detoxifying beverage following indulging in rich foods, alcohol and drugs.
The Waterburg is one of the most significant conservation areas for rhino in South Africa and the habitat is suitable for white and black rhino and is historically an important place for the recovery for the species. The Waterburg Trust is at the forefront of trying to save this last frontier for the rhino and provide for it's security and protection.
Worldwide just five species of rhino remain, of which the black and white rhino are the two species that roam the plains of Africa. However, rhino populations throughout Africa have been deciminated with 90% of the world rhino now remaining in South Africa. With so few numbers left and the increasing number of rhino being poached, the rhino is rapidly heading for extinction.
By the end of 2014 over 4,000 rhinos had been illegally killed by poachers in South Africa alone. More than 1,000 rhino a year are cruelly slaughtered in the most inhumane ways. Poaching is being carried out by well organised syndicates. These groups are heavily armed with automatic weapons and backed by wealthy individuals. The demand for rhino horn is mainly from Asian countries particularly Vietnam where it is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its illegal state, rhino horn is sold openly in the streets of Vietnam as a rejuvenating & detoxifying beverage following indulging in rich foods, alcohol and drugs.
The Waterburg is one of the most significant conservation areas for rhino in South Africa and the habitat is suitable for white and black rhino and is historically an important place for the recovery for the species. The Waterburg Trust is at the forefront of trying to save this last frontier for the rhino and provide for it's security and protection.