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Botswana is pleading with members of the UK Parliament to either postpone or modify proposed legislation that seeks to prohibit the importation of body parts from wild animals, such as lion pelts, elephant tusks, and zebra hides.
During an interview with the BBC’s Africa Daily podcast, Philda Nani Kereng, the Environment Minister, expressed her concerns regarding the potential impact on their domestic affairs and the management of wildlife resources. She emphasized the need for consulting with the affected countries and invited British MPs, including Henry Smith, to visit Botswana.
While Henry Smith, a British MP, explained the law safeguarded endangered species and address concerns about the funding obtained by trophy hunters, Minister Kereng highlighted the significant financial support trophy hunting provides to local communities residing alongside wildlife in Botswana, mainly because of the country’s substantial elephant population. She also emphasized the well-regulated nature of hunting in Botswana, including transparent allocation of funds and prevention of poaching.
Minister Kereng underscored the economic benefits of trophy hunting, stating that the communities received approximately £2 million ($2.6 million) in one hunting season through community hunting quotas. She cautioned that without recognizing the value of wildlife, there would be an increased incentive for poaching, ultimately diminishing public tolerance towards wildlife.
Accompanied by the environment minister, Botswana MP Polson Majaga highlighted the crucial role of the funds received by his 25,000 constituents, who often contend with wildlife in their expansive living areas. He appealed to amend the bill, citing the necessity to support his community, construct fences around farms, and implement solar lighting projects using the raised funds.
In April, Botswana successfully influenced enough member countries of the Convention on Endangered Species of Fauna and Wildlife (CITES) to reject stricter elephant protection measures, which would have resulted in a trophy hunting ban.
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Source: Omanghana.com
