Barclays contributes to rhino conservation

Staff Writer | Thursday September 22, 2016 15:59

 

As part of rhino conservation, the bank  partnered with Kalahari Conservation Society (KCS) in efforts to raise awareness and contribute financially to the conservation of rhinos in Botswana. Barclays Bank of Botswana later introduced the Rhino Debit Card to ensure the sustainability of the conservation efforts. The bank donates 0.2% of the income made from the card to the Rhino Conservation Fund that has been set up at Barclays Bank of Botswana.

Speaking at the funds handover, Barclays Bank of Botswana Managing Director, Reinette van der Merwe said, “Rhinos are an endangered species and it is our duty as Batswana to protect them, so that our future generations can see them instead of just reading about them.”

Barclays Bank of Botswana urged all their clients to register for the Rhino Debit Card. The card is available for all retail customers. In 2015 Barclays Bank of Botswana successfully distributed 6000 Rhino Debit Cards to its customers. There will be more cards distributed in the following months. The bank will continue working with Kalahari Conservation Society to effectively manage funds received from Rhino Debit Card.

Kalahari Conservation Society Chief Executive Officer, Leonard Dikobe expressed his gratitude to the funds received from the bank. “We are truly grateful to Barclays Bank of Botswana as they continue to support rhino conservation. I am certain that these funds will go a long way.”

Over the years, Rhinos have been under severe threat of poachers. The poachers kill rhinos for the price they can get for their horns; which are used for traditional medicine and for high-status gifts to mention a few.

 “As Barclays Bank of Botswana we trust that our efforts and contributions will make a significant impact in the conservation of rhinos and help bring ideas on how of protect them,” Van der Merwe further added. The rhino debit card won the citizenship award from the Barclays Africa Group Limited as it demonstrated our innovative and solution oriented approach towards our communities.