WHO WE ARE
As per our MEMORANDUM OF INCORPORATION the purpose of WRSA is to ‘represent the national and international interests of the industry related to the sustainable breeding, conservation, production and marketing of wildlife in the Republic.
VISION
To promote, serve, protect, and grow the Green Economy of South Africa as the formal wildlife ranching representative organisation locally and internationally.
MISSION
To uphold South Africa’s unique conservation success story and to promote the phenomenal role wildlife ranchers have played in securing essential wildlife habitat, through the rewilding and protection of species, and biodiversity in our rural economy.
To play an integral role in the wildlife economy and to advocate for the responsible and sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
To ensure the expansion of wildlife habitat, conservation of species, and protection of biodiversity outside of protected areas, ensuring the future of our wildlife.
OUR GOALS
1
TO ADVOCATE
For the growth of the GREEN ECONOMY and the sustainable growth of our members and their livelihoods.
2
TO EDUCATE
Our members, the wildlife community, and to ensure the growth of the next generation of wildlife ranchers through the transfer and development of skills.
3
TO EMPOWER MEMBERS
To manage and grow their wildlife ranching entities, through support and access to relevant information and management tools. WRSA prides itself as the leader in innovation and is dedicated to the sustainable development of wildlife ranching.
4
TO GROW OUR MEMBER BASE
By providing membership benefits, opportunities, support services, and mentorship to the next generation of wildlife ranchers. To foster growth with innovative technology and online support.
CORE OBJECTIVES
1) Function as an integral part of the framework of the Green Economy as prescribed by the state and international agencies;
2) Advance sustainable wildlife production and utilisation* of same as a viable economic activity by:
- promoting research, knowledge and technological development of flora and wildlife and the management thereof,
- encouraging sustainable land reform initiatives and supporting emerging wildlife ranchers toward commercial viability,
- facilitating the acceptance of effective and healthy wildlife production methods,
- providing guidance and counselling to members, discussing related matters and, given their mandate, formulating decisions, and taking the necessary actions to implement such decisions, with specific reference to government policies and administration, and
- associating with other stakeholder groups/organisations in a manner as determined by the board of directors;
*Utilisation includes hunting, breeding of wildlife (production), meat production, eco-tourism, and wildlife trade for both local and international markets;
3) Act as the national representative organisation of the wildlife ranching industry in South Africa and to promote, serve, and protect its interests, by:
- Operating as a national liaison body and facilitator between the organised wildlife industry, government, and other stakeholders,
- Utilising the legal system to protect and advance the rights and interests of its members and the industry,
- thoroughly investigating any matter concerning wildlife production and to collate, process, and distribute accurate information that may be appropriate to wildlife producers, and
- organising and hosting international or local meetings, seminars, open days, or conferences to present papers/dissertations on the wildlife industry, discuss subjects pertaining to the wildlife industry, and make recommendations regarding matters that require joint actions;
4) enlarging the market for wildlife utilisation by developing a South African brand name for wildlife meat and educating the consumer through guidance, joint advertising campaigns or any other methods, to ensure the economic sustainability in local and international markets,
5) maintain a code of conduct, disciplinary code and procedures, and notes for best practice for Members, which shall be maintained by each Member (paying or non-paying) at acceptance of WRSA membership;
6) advance labour relations within the industry by promoting sound labour practices, occupational health and advancing the empowerment of both employers and employees through training and development,
7) do all such things as are required for the achievement and/or furtherance of the above stated objectives of the Company.
ABOUT
OUR
HISTORY
South Africa witnessed the inception of game ranching in the early 1970s. At the time when marginal agricultural land was converted from livestock and crop farming practices, essential wildlife habitat was forged by pioneering game ranchers. As the industry grew, we witnessed wildlife reclaiming vast areas of habitat as the value derived from game ranching outweighed many other forms of commercial agriculture.
These same pioneering game ranchers founded the South African Game Ranchers’ Organisation (SAGRO/SAWO). SAGRO was the quintessential foundation from which Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA) was established in 2006. WRSA will be celebrating its 16th anniversary in 2022, thanks to the legendary and pioneering men and women who served as leaders of WRSA.
WRSA would like to acknowledge these leaders and thank them for their dedication and service to the industry. Without their perseverance and commitment to the industry, wildlife ranching would have struggled to achieve this phenomenal growth and prosperity. As WRSA continues to grow and new leaders take the reins of the association, the guidance and astute industry knowledge of these phenomenal leaders will play a crucial role in the future success of WRSA.
Fighting for the Agro Sustainable Biodiversity Wildlife Economy!