The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has released the Draft National Elephant Heritage Strategy (2024-2034) for public consultation. This strategy aims to guide the conservation, management, and sustainable use of elephants in South Africa while balancing ecological, cultural, and socio-economic considerations.
Executive Summary of the Draft Strategy
• The strategy recognises elephants as an important part of South Africa’s natural heritage with ecological, spiritual, and economic significance. It aims to address habitat loss, human-elephant conflict, and fragmentation by promoting landscape-level conservation and connectivity between elephant populations.
• It seeks to enhance community participation and socio-economic benefits, ensuring equitable access and benefit-sharing from elephant conservation and related industries.
• Governance and stakeholder engagement are central, encouraging collaborative decision-making and evidence-based conservation practices.
• The draft strategy aligns with existing biodiversity laws and international agreements, including CITES regulations on ivory trade and sustainable use policies.
We are disappointed to note that no mention of the extreme destruction caused by elephant overpopulation to fragile ecosystems and biodiversity, or a practical plan to implement the culling of elephant for possible community support through meat provision is made.
Why This Matters for Wildlife Ranchers
• The strategy could impact elephant ownership, trade, and management practices on private reserves and game farms.
• It emphasises community involvement, which may affect land use policies and conservation incentives.
• The regulatory framework could influence hunting, eco-tourism, and other economic activities linked to elephants.
Have Your Say
The DFFE is inviting public comments as part of the consultation process. WRSA strongly urges all members to review the strategy and submit their feedback as this policy will shape the future of elephant management in South Africa. WRSA also kindly requests that a copy of all comments be sent to admin@wrsa.co.za. We are ready to assist and guide members with any queries regarding the consultation process.
For submission details and to access the full document, refer to the attached gazette. Access the full DFFE Media Release on their website at dffe.gov.za
Deadline for comments: 27 February 2025
Draft-National-Elephant-Heritage-Strategy-in-SA
