Feeding Rhinos and Offsetting Carbon

Konica Minolta South Africa is piloting an exciting new project with the planting of Spekboom for black rhino fodder. The Spekboom will be planted at the Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary NPC – the largest rhino orphanage and sanctuary in the world, and home to the company’s seven adopted Rhino.

Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra), a hardy succulent which can grow up to 4m, is one of the most efficient plants at sequestering carbon. It sequesters carbon through photosynthesis and also through the process of Crassula Acid Metabolism (CAM) which sees the uptake of carbon dioxide at night.

Elephants, black rhinos and other game feed off Spekboom thickets. As the animals browse, the Spekboom branches which are broken off and fall to the ground take root – extending the growth of thicket.

Even with animal browsing – one hectare of Spekboom can offset 92 tonnes of C02 equivalents over its 20-year lifespan. Konica Minolta South Africa has committed to planting half a hectare of Spekboom, which will offset 46 tonnes of C02 equivalents. This project forms part of Konica Minolta South Africa’s ongoing commitment to offsetting its carbon footprint which has seen the planting of over 31 000 trees and bamboo to date. FTFA would like to congratulate Konica Minolta South Africa on the company’s ongoing commitment to a more sustainable South Africa.