France’s trophy import ban slammed

The Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE) has criticised France’s planned restrictions on the import of hunting trophies from certain animal species. NCE executive director Dr Chris Brown has accused the French government of failing to consult with the governments of various African countries and various environmental and conservation organisations prior to making this decision.

NCE warned that "if hunting income is removed, tourism on its own will not be enough to incentivise a wildlife-based economy, and biodiversity overall will suffer."

Legal and sustainable hunting makes an important contribution to nature conservation and the rural economy, Brown added. International hunting safaris generate 31 to 40 million euros annually in direct revenue and an additional 58 to 75 million euros in indirect revenue. In addition, this creates more than 2 500 jobs, primarily in rural areas.

Brown warned that a French ban could prompt other European countries to follow suit.

"If France is at all concerned with the conservation of biodiversity or sustainable development in Africa, it would refrain from making political gestures and decisions that harm African wildlife and people."

- Francoise Steynberg