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Independence anniversary note grows unexpected windfall for rhino conservation

Independence anniversary note grows unexpected windfall for rhino conservation

The Thirty Namibia Dollar banknote that was issued by the Bank of Namibia during the lockdown to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Independence, has proven so popular with collectors that a recent auction of only a few notes garnered proceeds of N$480,000.

This week, the central bank gave that money to the Save the Rhino Trust. The Black Rhino is depicted on the N$30 commemorative note.

One of the reasons for the note’s popularity with collectors is the rhino image it carries. Its collector’s vale is further supported by the small number that has been printed and it will not be printed again.

Bank of Namibia Deputy Governor, Ebson Uanguta presented the donation to the Chief Executive of the rhino trust, Simson Uri-Khob during a brief ceremony at the bank’s head office in Windhoek.

Uanguta noted that community-based conservation has become very important, following the devastating impact of the lockdown on tourism.

Uri-Khob expressed his appreciation on behalf of the trust and all the dedicated rangers who risk life and limb in the field to protect the rhinos. Reminding his audience that the trust is dependent on the support of conservation-minded organisations, he said the funds will contribute directly to protect one of Namibia’s most valuable wildlife resources.

For the past 38 years, the Save the Rhino Trust has worked tirelessly in the Kaokoveld and Damaraland to protect the unique, free-roaming wild rhino population spread over an enormous semi-desert area covering more than 25,000 square kilometres.

Simson Uri-Khob (left), Chief Executive of the Save the Rhino Trust, received a welcome boost from the Bank of Namibia to support the protection they give to wild rhino’s in the field. Presenting the substantial donation is Bank of Namibia’s Deputy Governor, Ebson Uanguta. The funds were raised through an auction of some of the commemorative N$30 bill.


 

About The Author

Mandisa Rasmeni

Mandisa Rasmeni has worked as reporter at the Economist for the past five years, first on the entertainment beat but now focussing more on community, social and health reporting. She is a born writer and she believes education is the greatest equalizer. She received her degree in Journalism at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in June 2021. . She is the epitome of perseverance, having started as the newspaper's receptionist in 2013.