Concern over calls for trophy hunting ban

The Cabinet is concerned about a ban on trophy hunting and how it will negatively impact Namibian wildlife conservation. According to a press release issued by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Tjekero Tweya, Cabinet has noted with serious concern that in the aftermath of the shooting of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe by an American trophy hunter, international organisations are advocating for a ban on trophy hunting and as a result some airlines have already banned the transportation of products of protected huntable game. Tweya said funds generated from trophy hunting are utilised for the wildlife conservation in Namibia and Cabinet has therefore directed the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to closely follow developments in this regard and update it accordingly. Meanwhile, Cabinet also commended the Namibian security forces for redoubling efforts in apprehending criminals involved in the illegal hunting of wildlife. “The efforts will go a long way to restore law and order on the protection of our environment with regard to our natural resources such as flora and fauna,” said Tweya. According to him, Cabinet approved and commended the collaboration and team work being carried out by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Safety and Security, Defence and the Namibian Central Intelligence Services in the illegal hunting of wildlife. Tweya said Cabinet directed the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to make use of advanced technology to monitor and assist security personnel in apprehending suspected poachers, noting the progress of the establishment of an anti-poaching unit within the ministry. Cabinet urged community members, traditional leaders, regional councils and parliamentarians living in the affected areas to condemn illegal hunting and cooperate with the security forces in curbing illegal hunting. Since the Namibian Police launched the anti-poaching operations in the Etosha National Park and Palmwag areas on June 1 this year, a total of 48 suspects have been arrested for suspected poaching activities of which 22 accused have already appeared before the Okahao Magistrate Court. A total of 70 rhinos have been poached in Namibia this year alone. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT