Botswana launches new stamp for preservation of white rhinos

BotswanaPost has launched a new stamp to highlight the plight of white rhino population in the country and call for preserving the rhinos throughout the world, Botswana Press Agency reported Tuesday. The stamp features four hand painted images of the white rhino at Mokolodi Nature Reserve in southern Botswana and Khama Rhino sanctuaries in the east. The work created by a local artist has been recognized and endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) as one of the best animal designs in the world. Speaking at the launch on Saturday, Pele Moleta, chief executive director of the state-run postal company said they have recognized the need to preserve the white rhino and its habitat as well as contribution in the form of a stamp to sensitize the public and the entire world about the threatened rhino. Moleta said the white rhino stamp, being a commemorative issue, will reach all corners of the globe to deliver the message of commitment to save the white rhino for the benefit of future generations. According to Moleta, BotswanaPost through its Philatelic section, issues world renowned stamps which are sold and collected throughout the world. The quality of the stamps and the conservative stamp issuing policy of a maximum of six stamp issues a year have made Botswana's stamps to be well sought after. Meanwhile, Moleta added the stamp will be a challenge to local artists to take up stamp design, which he said could in turn expose their work to bigger international markets. So BotswanaPost has embarked on a journey to encourage, train and sponsor local artists in stamp design as a way to empower them to sustain themselves.