SANParks eyes new conservation bonds

SOUTH African National Parks, which runs some of the world's premier wildlife reserves, said it's in discussions with Rand Merchant Bank over the sale of bonds to fund conservation including boosting the number of endangered rhinos.

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The notes, if sold, would build on a $150 million (R2.74 billion) bond sold by the World Bank in 2022 that pay out returns determined by the rate of growth in Black Rhino populations in two South African reserves. One of those, the Addo Elephant National Park, falls under SANParks management.

“SANParks is in discussions with RMB about various conservation-outcome bonds, including expanding upon the World Bank rhino bond,” it said in a response to questions. Further details, including the size of the potential bond issue, will be shared when discussions are further advanced, it said.

So-called conservation bonds are being seen as a new tool to raise money for the preservation of wild spaces and as a way of enhancing biodiversity.