ICORP /

International Coalition of Rhino Protection

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Establishing a Dedicated African Wildlife Preserve

Marc McDonald’s International Coalition of Rhino Protection is on the front line in South Africa, ensuring futures for diverse local wildlife. ICORP works with local communities towards sustainable economic alternatives to the poaching trade, and is spearheading the ambitious establishment of a new ICORP wildlife sanctuary.

Project Details

Background

Founded by South African national Marc McDonald, the International Coalition of Rhino Protection (ICORP) is an organization dedicated to ensuring that the flora and fauna of Africa is preserved and protected for future generations to enjoy. The committed team, composed of members from around the world, has two primary missions: to safeguard wildlife at assigned sanctuaries, and to raise awareness and educate the public about the challenges facing Africa’s natural heritage. In partnership with the Terra Conservation Initiative, ICORP operates a well-trained and equipped Counter-Poaching Unit at a designated South African wildlife Reserve. ICORP’s team is in the field everyday of the year, securing and protecting African wildlife from those who seek to do them harm. Innovative protection strategies, industry best practices, and strategic planning with Reserve management protect and ensure the survival of this critical wildlife population. In the coming years, ICORP aims to establish its own autonomous, sustainable wildlife preserve in the region.

Sustaining the Team

Wave upon wave of armed and dangerous mafia-style poaching gangs are killing wildlife in Africa. ICORP’s Counter-Poaching Unit (CPU) acts as a stopgap, buffer, deterrent, and disruptive force to all poachers in the region. The CPU rangers risk their lives on a daily basis. Their needs are real and urgent, and ICORP will rely heavily on the Terra Conservation Initiative to support its efforts. Monthly overhead costs can be covered quickly and consistently through your contributions on rabble. Designed in collaboration with the ICORP team, Terra Expeditionary Ranger Systems provide critical support to CPU members on patrol. These state of the art, weather-resistant, sustainable technology systems include solar arrays, refrigeration, energy storage, ranger packs, night vision goggles, water filtration units, energy efficient lighting, communications, and first aid. Through your contributions, Terra will also provide ICORP with silent electric vehicles, K9 training, petrol, monthly salaries, food, and cash for daily operations.

In addition to on-the-ground protection of wildlife and disrupting poaching syndicates, ICORP works tirelessly to enhance the skills and social abilities of local communities to improve their living conditions and create sustainable economies.

Team

Marc McDonald

Founder.

Marc McDonald joined the South African National Parks system in 1992. In 2004, Marc opened a small and intimate safari company escorting clients on specialized birding and botanical tours into Mozambique and the northern areas of Kruger National Park. He also served as Park Warden of Sabie Game Park in Mozambique. In 2010, Marc became Ranger in Charge of several national parks and state forests in Australia. He was then appointed to a senior ranger position in Western Australia in the remote Millstream Chichester National Park. His deep love of the wilderness and commitment to protecting wildlife led him back to Mozambique to lead a Counter-Poaching Unit where he was instrumental in the fight against poachers targeting rhino and other species. Marc and ICORP’s Counter-Poaching Unit is now providing security and counter-poaching support for a Reserve in the Mopani Region of the Limpopo Province.

FAQs

Am I contributing to ICORP or to the Terra Conservation Initiative?

Is my contribution tax-deductible?

Is the government South Africa providing any support to ICORP?

Unfortunately, no. The South African government only provides support to the country’s National Parks. As a nonprofit organization assisting on wildlife reserves, ICORP does not receive any funding from the government. While most Counter-Poaching Units charge for their services, ICORP provides its services to the reserves it works with for free. That’s why your donation here counts. Every dollar contributed to ICORP goes directly towards fundings its Counter-Poaching Units on daily patrols. Founder Marc McDonald does not collect a salary for his work with ICORP.

How many people are in the field with ICORP at any given time?

Does ICORP have statistics on their impact in the region thus far?

ICORP has dramatically improved the landscape for wildlife by creating a hostile environment for poachers. In Mozambique, ICORP was asked to assist a reserve that was under siege from poachers; not only were the poachers wiping out wildlife on the reserve’s plains, but the reserve was also being used as a springboard to killing rhinos to the west in Kruger National Park. One year into ICORP’s engagement in Mozambique, they’d established a mile buffer around the reserve and significantly reduced poaching from 80-90% incursions to one poaching incident per month. During these operations, Marc McDonald discovered a mole in his unit and promptly fired him. McDonald was also arrested in Massingir after an engagement with corrupted police, but through a Reserve Foreman contact from Mozambique, he was able to negotiate his release. In South Africa, ICORP’s CPU has done a full court press. After three armed poachers breached their fence in the first month of operations, ICORP brought in a chopper and K9 units, saved a rhino from being shot, and chased criminals off of the land. Since that time, no rhinos have been harmed. The presence of ICORP has a direct and measurable impact on the poaching trade, and with your support, that impact will expand exponentially.

What are the primary risks that ICORP rangers face in the field on a daily basis?

Are there additional things besides fiscal support that I can also contribute?

When does ICORP hope to establish its own wildlife preserve?

ICORP is already currently in negotiations with Mozambique and South Africa to establish its own reserves, which would ensure the protection of wildlife on those lands. With its own critical training programs and operations, ICORP will have control over the reserves. It will also be able to maintain a professional level of support for the communities, the rangers, and the staff. It is ICORP’s belief that the creation of self-sustaining, autonomous reserves are crucial for the success of wildlife and wildland protection.

Partners

What people are saying

“After going home, all I could think about was going back. This is a place for people who are serious about wildlife conservation and really want to make a difference. My volunteering experience has had such an impact on me that I wish to eventually work on the ground in a full-time position.”

Joe Dalziel, Volunteer Coordinator (UK), two-time ICORP volunteer ranger
“I have completed two tours of duty with ICORP as a volunteer CPU Ranger; one in Mozambique and one in South Africa. My boots-on-the-ground experiences working with the CPU on operational day and night duties were amazing adventures. I will continue to serve with ICORP as a volunteer. It is imperative to protect Africa’s majestic wildlife, to keep them free to roam the bush, plains, and savannas. ICORP is family.”

Mario Buzzanca, Volunteer Coordinator (Australia), two-time ICORP volunteer ranger
“As I have been with Marc McDonald, ICORP for 3 years now, I have traveled to Mozambique and now into South Africa. I have had the pleasure of working with Marc, and our amazing Counter Poaching team. These men are so dedicated to keeping Africa’s animals safe and secure for future generations to enjoy. I have seen and learned. Africa is one of the most beautiful places. I am honored that I have been able to work with ICORP. It is not an easy place, Africa. But the beauty of the animals is second to none. I will continue my journey and continue to work with this wonderful team.”

Sherrie Malcolm, Chapter Leader (United States)