Rewild
an Acre
"Along with maintaining ample production of needed goods, enterprises have to give serious thought to the multifaceted impact of industry on the environment and devise ways to achieve a harmonious balance."
Konosuke Matsushita Founder of Panasonic
REWILD AN ACRE CREATE A LIVING LEGACY FOR OUR ECO-SYSTEM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY By restoring the wild flora and fauna of more than 400,000 acres of designated landscapes in Africa we can sustain precious ecosystems for large mammals that are so severely endangered and who are the keystone to the survival of so many other species. Protected wild landscapes are the cornerstone to successful environmental and conservation efforts. Maintaining populations of keystone species within those areas remains a constant challenge e.g. Africa's black rhino population has dropped from circa 100,000 in the 1950's to just 5,500 today. Across the planet, protected areas are failing to mitigate human threats to large mammal populations and the future for wildlife and their habitat, without international support, looks very bleak indeed. In Sub-Saharan Africa the human population is expected to double to 2 billion by 2050. (United Nations World Population Prospects – 2019)
Across the globe displacement of low-income rural households and incompatible land use surrounding protected areas will increase the probability of encroachment and degradation, severely impacting environmental sustainability for iconic wildlife species.
A SOLUTION IN NATURE Nature-based solutions are emerging as one of the key ways to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss and pollution and waste. They are rooted in locally appropriate actions that provide human well-being and biodiversity benefits, by protecting, sustainably managing and restoring ecosystems. “Despite the recognition of the value of biodiversity and the role protected areas play in securing the world’s natural capital and ecosystem services and in mitigating the impacts of climate change, a massive funding gap exists for management and biodiversity conservation. Well-funded, socially inclusive and competently managed protected areas are the most effective tools to conserve biodiversity.”
The World Bank
WHY SHOULD PANASONIC BE INVOLVED? DELIVERS ON BRAND COMMITMENT TO CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY
Sustainable Development Goals 13, 15 & 17 are immediately achieved through the Rewild an Acre project. SDG 13 - bringing back a balance between human activities and biodiversity. SDG 15 - Protecting life on land, not just for humans but all life. SDG 17 - by Panasonic joining the many partnerships in this project. All are focussed on one goal - to protect the planet, biodiversity and life on land.
Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4 & 6 are achieved through the financial support generated by the project will enable conservation charities such as Helping Rhinos to support local communities who are an integral part of the solution.
At COP26 it became clear that there is a drive to identify KEYSTONE companies. The World Benchmarking Alliance (a subsidiary of the UN) are looking to the top 2000 companies to lead the way in implementing the SDGs. These companies are seen as the Keystone organisations that will create a ripple effect down through other organisations.
“If working apart we are a force powerful to destabilise our planet, surely working together we are powerful enough to save it”
Sir David Attenborough COP 26
EMPLOYEE ATTRACTION, ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION An organisation such as Panasonic has a massive global environmental impact and whilst many changes to both production and processes can be implemented to mitigate some of this damage, the overriding contribution can be achieved by each and every individual being part of the journey………… But HOW? So often in large organisations, the opportunity to contribute to global goals such as sustainability feel very far from an individual’s day job. Whilst updating an organisation on for example the latest CO2 reduction in a factory is of course great news, it’s not an emotional engagement that necessarily contributes to employee engagement. Most employees may be trying to reduce their carbon footprint at home but how do they do this within an office environment where they are just one amongst many? What opportunities does the company offer them to contribute? The next generation is looking to big business to secure their future on this planet – and that’s the sort of organisation they want to work for! No-one can have missed the news that our planet’s environment and nearly every species (apart from ourselves of course) are under threat and reducing at an alarming rate. With that reduction comes an erosion of our survival on this planet – by looking after Nature we look after ourselves………….
HOW CAN PANASONIC HELP? Panasonic Group CEO Yuki Kusumi quotes Panasonic’s founder Konosuke Matsushita’s words that “a company is a public institution of society”. Kusumi san continues this point by saying that as such Panasonic must step up “to take actions to counteract the effects of climate change on this planet and restore the promise of a prosperous, fulfilling life for future generations”. Kusumi san goes on to say that he sees “the need to fulfil a tremendous responsibility” and says that at the same time “I see the potential to do a great deal more”.
REWILD AN ACRE For every acre that is restored, rewilded and protected, there is a positive impact on all wildlife that share that territory, the habitat itself and the livelihoods of local people. £100 will Rewild an Acre of a designated Stronghold landscape. For example, one rhino needs around 800 acres to roam freely. You can help to Rewild an Acre by giving a one-off gift or better still, a regular monthly donation to create a living legacy for wildlife.
CONSERVATION STRONGHOLDS Helping Rhinos goal is to secure, restore and where possible expand wild spaces and local community engagement is integral to the success of these Strongholds. For example, effective conservation initiatives bring employment opportunities leading to sustained livelihoods. Working with in-country partners Helping Rhinos also engages local people in wildlife conservation through education programmes and initiatives that improve livelihoods. Conservation Strongholds will strengthen and protect rich biodiversity and healthy ecosystems that benefit a wide variety of both fauna and flora species. The areas will have scope to increase in size through the restoration of degraded habitat and the dropping of fences between already established wildlife areas. These Strongholds will provide the best possible security for critically endangered species such as rhino and elephant and reduce the risk of poaching. Each area within the programme needs to be large enough to allow these animals to demonstrate their natural behaviours, including migration between territories and genetically diverse breeding, without the need for hands-on intervention by humans. As the world watches on, a team of scientists from Germany endeavour to secure a future for the Northern White Rhino. With only 2 northern white rhino species remaining on this planet as a result of massive poaching in the 70’s and 80’s, the only hope is through human intervention and innovation. But what’s the point of saving a species if they are then threatened with extinction once more?
PROVING THAT THE CONCEPT WORKS Through protection of special conservation areas and educational initiatives that demonstrate the benefits that can be derived from a sustainable co-existence between local communities and wildlife, Helping Rhinos believes the survival of rhino and other endangered species can be assured. Helping Rhinos and their partners plan to invest in a series of wildlife conservation areas in Africa with a specific remit and purpose, to protect the unspoilt natural habitat and indigenous wildlife of the area and safeguard it for future generations.
CASE STUDY In 1993, Helping Rhinos' partner in the field, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in Laikipia, Kenya had a population of 20 critically endangered (IUCN Red List) black rhino. After three decades of conservation, dedication and international support, the population has grown to over 150. In addition, the conservancy is home to 39 southern white rhino and the last two northern white rhino on the planet.
Through collaborative partnerships, the natural environment of each area will be held sacrosanct and protected for wildlife - a living legacy for wildlife. Through public and private support, Helping Rhinos aims to secure funding to put into effect sustainable management programmes for the restoration, rewilding and long-term protection of designated eco-systems. Regular assessment will determine the carrying capacity of rhino and other key species and special significance will be awarded to exemplar sites whose populations flourish. Local community education and engagement will be included as part of the enterprise. “Wildlife is contracting at an alarming rate and yet Africa still has the chance to show the world that economic development does not need to come at the expense of its unique wildlife and natural environment. Creative partnerships are crucial now more than ever before”
Simon Jones CEO, Helping Rhinos
Appendices
HELPING RHINOS 10TH ANNIVERSARY AMBITION Helping Rhinos' goal is to restore and rewild over 400,000 acres in three major rhino conservation areas; Laikipia in Kenya; Eastern Cape, South Africa; Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa (See maps). Scientists believe we have just 8 years or 96 months to cut carbon emissions by more than half if we are to halt the extinction crisis and avoid an all-out ecological collapse. Helping Rhinos cannot wait another 10 years!! With your help we can create a living legacy for wildlife. With your support as well as many different species it is anticipated there could be up to 500 black and white rhinos able to roam freely in their natural habitat.
"If I could share one piece of wisdom it would be to constantly ask the question, ‘What is it we can do together?' I spent a lot of my time in Africa, and in South Africa they have a word: ubuntu. It’s the idea that I’m only human if I recognise the humanity in you. There’s this collective notion of life which I think we have lost.”
George Alagiah Broadcaster 3rd January 2022
WHERE WILL YOUR ACRE MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR RHINO? As part of Helping Rhinos' Rhino Strongholds initiative, we have identified three locations across Africa as initial focus areas for our habitat rewildling and restoration projects: Eastern Cape, South Africa Laikipia, Kenya Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa Each of these locations have an established rhino conservation project at their core, with a proven track record of protecting rhino in their natural habitat. In partnership with our project partners and with your support, we will expand the protected areas to include degraded land, drop existing fences and create greater areas for rhino and all wildlife to roam freely.
EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA Existing protected area: 44,000 acres Habitat to be restored and rewilded: 101,000 acres Proposed New Protected Landscape: 145,000 acres
101,000 acres Proposed Protect Area
21,000 acres Existing Protect Area 23,000 acres Existing Protect Area
LAIKIPIA, KENYA Existing protected area: 90,000 acres Habitat to be restored and rewilded: 37,000 acres Proposed New Protected Landscape: 127,000 acres 37,000 acres Proposed Protect Area
90,000 acres Existing Protect Area
KWA-ZULU NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA Existing protected area: 57,000 acres Habitat to be restored and rewilded: 81,500 acres Proposed New Protected Landscape: 138,500 acres
OUR PROJECT PARTNERS
HELPING RHINOS VISION To provide secure and sustainable environments for all species of rhino to thrive for generations to come.
MISSION IN THE FIELD Establish secure rhino strongholds through the creation of innovative protection strategies, sustainable land management operations that ensure a rich, biodiverse ecosystem and inspire local communities to proactively engage in rhino conservation.
AROUND THE WORLD Ensure sustainable long term rhino conservation by developing a community of interested and engaged people and donors through international education programmes. Develop an innovative, entrepreneurial approach to funding rhino conservation. "It's an enormous honour to act as a Trustee and Financial Advisor to Helping Rhinos, who have achieved a fantastic growth trajectory over the last 10 years, raising more than £2million for rhino conservation." Duncan Finch Managing Director, Legal and General (retired)
OUR WORK HAS BEEN FEATURED IN:
For more information about Rewilding an Acre, please contact Jill Inglis at:
jill@helpingrhinos.org +44 (0)7872 425640
helpingrhinos.org