Capricorn Foundation supports rhino conservation

The Capricorn Foundation has affirmed its dedication to environmental conservation by becoming one of the first organisations to invest in the innovative rhino guardianship certificate programme.

By purchasing a certificate from the Save the Rhino Trust Namibia (SRT), the foundation has demonstrated its commitment to preserving critically endangered rhino populations.

The rhino guardianship certificate is a recent effort by Save the Rhino Trust Namibia, in partnership with Wadappt, that aims to fund conservation efforts and ensure the well-being of rhinos. These certificates directly contribute to rhino guardianship programmes by funding crucial resources like ranger salaries and fuel.

"The Capricorn Foundation is excited to be one of the first organisations in Namibia to purchase a rhino guardianship certificate. This certificate enables us to contribute positively to conservation efforts and align with our sustainability focus area,” Marlize Horn, the foundation's executive officer, said.

"The initiative's incentivisation system motivates these rangers to improve rhino protection by measuring metrics such as rhino sightings, diversity of individuals observed, distance covered on patrols, and days spent in the field. With this system, rangers are encouraged to increase their positive patrol efforts, thus enhancing the safety of these beautiful creatures," she added.



Blockchain technology

The decline in biodiversity poses significant risks to the economy, and innovative financing mechanisms like the rhino guardianship certificate are important for supporting the preservation and restoration of natural resources. This initiative is significant as blockchain technology is being used for the first time to verify conservation performance. This provides buyers with the assurance that their contributions directly support practical conservation outcomes.

"Financial decision-makers are increasingly considering nature risk while formulating their strategies. Wadappt offers a financing mechanism that converts nature-positive outcomes into tradable certificates, thereby mitigating the risks. Sellers can continue their work, and buyers can receive digital assets such as rhino guardianship certificates to prove their contributions. Wadappt is a pioneering solution in sustainable finance that enables businesses and investors to manage nature risk and drive positive environmental change," David Wood, founder and CEO of Wadappt, said.

The rhino guardianship certificate is a unique initiative to safeguard the world's largest free-roaming herd of black rhinos in Namibia by supporting the Khoisan community and anti-poaching rangers. By purchasing these certificates, individuals and organisations can contribute towards conserving critically endangered species and supporting the indigenous communities dedicated to protecting these animals.

The official launch event for the rhino guardianship certificate, held in Windhoek, witnessed a significant turnout of SRT supporters, partners and stakeholders. Attendees heard first-hand about the importance of SRT's work from staff members, board trustees and ministry of environment, forestry and tourism representatives.