The human oriented nature of the SAHGCA conservation charter and conservation policy confirms the fact that the association sees conservation to have a “human face”. The association, therefore, manages it’s conservation activities within that context. The two principal thrusts of SAHGCA’s conservation policy highlight the human oriented elements of conservation, namely that: conservation is the responsible, wise and sustainable use of renewable natural resources, and that; SAHGCA’s conservation focus should be on indigenous fauna and flora. Both thrusts clearly indicate human initiated and managed activities focussing on the realistic conservation of our natural and wildlife heritage.

APPRECIATING that responsible wildlife utilisation is a cornerstone for economic growth and sustainable rural development in a developing country with significant socio-economic challenges and that responsible use and conservation are mutually dependent and inseparable components of the broader conservation landscape if done sustainably, in a manner that provides for the needs of the present, while not compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations; OBSERVING that recent trends in wildlife ranching include deliberate selection of individual animals of indigenous game species for breeding purposes based on specific animal traits, in intensive production systems or highly altered semi-intensive environments, to produce extraordinary animals based on either unusual colour variations or trophy size;

SAHGCA recognises the vital role hunters play in socio-economic development and conservation of wildlife heritage and have done so since the creation of the Association in 1949. More than 1,4 billion km2 of extensive wildlife areas and habitats in sub-Saharan Africa is conserved to ensure the sustainability of hunting stock, while also conserving biodiversity. This area exceeds the area encompassed by national parks. Hunting is critical in these dryland ecosystems and it is a key incentive for conservation of biodiversity. It also makes a significant contribution to food security and generates much needed social and economic development for rural communities faced with poverty and unemployment in remote areas where alternative wildlife-based and other land uses are not viable.

SA Hunters and Game Conservation Association studied the progress reported in respect of the Integrated Strategic Management of Rhinoceros, as well as the proposed legislative changes by DEA with regard to rhino horn trade for personal purposes. This most certainly is a very complex matter, making it difficult to anticipate all potential outcomes of options available to government and the private sector to secure the continued existence of rhino as species for future generations.

SAHGCA takes note of the multitude of studies proving the minimal contribution of lead particle intake to an increase in lead blood levels in consumers of game meat, due in part to the chemical composition of lead in solid form and it’s bioavailability to the human body, as well as sound meat processing practice, when it comes to hunted game.