Little money for Wildlife Protection Service
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta recently briefed the National Assembly on the work his ministry was doing to stem wildlife poaching.
This was in response to a query from opposition MP Mike Kavekotora of the Rally for Democracy and Progress, who had asked to be briefed on matters related to poaching.
Shifeta updated Kavekotora on the progress his ministry had made with regard to the establishment of a protection service, efforts to change legislation relating to the protection of wildlife and reported incidents of poaching in 2016 and 2017.
“The current legislation that deals with wildlife protection and law enforcement matters, the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975, is being reviewed and strengthened to a Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Bill. It is our hope that this review will be finalised during the next financial year. Fines and penalties for poaching and other related offences are being increased to enhance their deterrent effect. The relevant amendment bill is now with the National Assembly,” the minister said.
He mentioned the creation of a Wildlife Protection Service, for which recruitment had commenced.
“With the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, we were granted 495 additional posts to establish a dedicated Wildlife Protection Service for which the requirement process has commenced.
“Unfortunately, no additional budget was granted for filling these posts for which we have had to rely on internal savings. We are now working on a domestic and international fundraising strategy as our resources will not be sufficient to sustain the intense level of counter-poaching activities.
“In 2016 and 2017 [year-to-date], 226 cases of rhino and elephant poaching as well as illegal possession of rhino horn and elephant tusks have been registered; 231 suspects have been arrested and 45 are foreign nationals. It is also true that some Chinese nationals are involved in some of these illegal activities and mainly they have been caught for illegal possession of or trading in rhino horns and elephant tusks. [The Ministry] has been engaged with the Chinese authorities in discussing this matter and finding solutions and we will continue to do so,” said Shifeta.
According to him, 210 rhinos and 228 elephants were poached during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, while 231 suspects were arrested, of whom 45 were foreign nationals.
“We remain committed in the conservation of our wildlife and protection thereof. Our officials are on the ground and we will do all what is possible in ensuring that our wildlife is protected,” he said.
STAFF REPORTER
This was in response to a query from opposition MP Mike Kavekotora of the Rally for Democracy and Progress, who had asked to be briefed on matters related to poaching.
Shifeta updated Kavekotora on the progress his ministry had made with regard to the establishment of a protection service, efforts to change legislation relating to the protection of wildlife and reported incidents of poaching in 2016 and 2017.
“The current legislation that deals with wildlife protection and law enforcement matters, the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975, is being reviewed and strengthened to a Protected Areas and Wildlife Management Bill. It is our hope that this review will be finalised during the next financial year. Fines and penalties for poaching and other related offences are being increased to enhance their deterrent effect. The relevant amendment bill is now with the National Assembly,” the minister said.
He mentioned the creation of a Wildlife Protection Service, for which recruitment had commenced.
“With the support of the Office of the Prime Minister, we were granted 495 additional posts to establish a dedicated Wildlife Protection Service for which the requirement process has commenced.
“Unfortunately, no additional budget was granted for filling these posts for which we have had to rely on internal savings. We are now working on a domestic and international fundraising strategy as our resources will not be sufficient to sustain the intense level of counter-poaching activities.
“In 2016 and 2017 [year-to-date], 226 cases of rhino and elephant poaching as well as illegal possession of rhino horn and elephant tusks have been registered; 231 suspects have been arrested and 45 are foreign nationals. It is also true that some Chinese nationals are involved in some of these illegal activities and mainly they have been caught for illegal possession of or trading in rhino horns and elephant tusks. [The Ministry] has been engaged with the Chinese authorities in discussing this matter and finding solutions and we will continue to do so,” said Shifeta.
According to him, 210 rhinos and 228 elephants were poached during the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, while 231 suspects were arrested, of whom 45 were foreign nationals.
“We remain committed in the conservation of our wildlife and protection thereof. Our officials are on the ground and we will do all what is possible in ensuring that our wildlife is protected,” he said.
STAFF REPORTER
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