We won't be intimidated - Shifeta
The environment minister says Namibia's successful conservation programme is under attack by animal rights activists.
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta says Namibia will not be cowered by animal rights activists that are threatening the country's conservation programme.
While addressing a Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) annual general meeting last week in Windhoek, Shifeta said Namibia's successful conservation programme, which is based on the sustainable use of natural resources, is under attack by animal rights activists.
“Our programme promotes conservation of wildlife, while at the same time it ensures tangible benefits to our local communities who are living alongside wild animals,” he said.
Shifeta said local communities, in turn, value wildlife as they improve their livelihoods.
“To these animal rights activists we say we shall not be cowered by your attacks and we, as proud Namibians, together with our partners in conservation, will continue doing what is right for the benefit of our current and future generations.”
Shifeta, however, added that Namibian hunters also sometimes give ammunition to those who wish to attack the country's conservation programme.
According to him there have been negative consequences when hunting photos and videos are posted on social media, for example.
“Often these photos and videos are ill-conceived and elicit a negative reaction. This is the reason why this year I called for our hunters to refrain from posting sensitive photos and videos, as this attracts unnecessary negativity.”
He therefore commended Napha for developing guidelines on social media posts and urged local and international hunters to implement them.
Shifeta said during the course of the year the ministry consulted various stakeholders on the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill.
According to him Napha was one of the most active stakeholders that provided the ministry with valuable contributions.
“After numerous consultative meetings we now have a progressive, comprehensive and practical Bill, which I believe once enacted will not only ensure, but also secure the future of Namibia's wildlife resources.”
Shifeta said the ministry is also working with Napha, the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE), First National Bank (FNB) of Namibia and other stakeholders to execute a scientific-based leopard survey throughout the animal's distribution range within the country.
“I am certain that the outcome of this survey will help us to ensure the sustainable management of our leopard population, including human and leopard conflict.”
ELLANIE SMIT
While addressing a Namibia Professional Hunting Association (Napha) annual general meeting last week in Windhoek, Shifeta said Namibia's successful conservation programme, which is based on the sustainable use of natural resources, is under attack by animal rights activists.
“Our programme promotes conservation of wildlife, while at the same time it ensures tangible benefits to our local communities who are living alongside wild animals,” he said.
Shifeta said local communities, in turn, value wildlife as they improve their livelihoods.
“To these animal rights activists we say we shall not be cowered by your attacks and we, as proud Namibians, together with our partners in conservation, will continue doing what is right for the benefit of our current and future generations.”
Shifeta, however, added that Namibian hunters also sometimes give ammunition to those who wish to attack the country's conservation programme.
According to him there have been negative consequences when hunting photos and videos are posted on social media, for example.
“Often these photos and videos are ill-conceived and elicit a negative reaction. This is the reason why this year I called for our hunters to refrain from posting sensitive photos and videos, as this attracts unnecessary negativity.”
He therefore commended Napha for developing guidelines on social media posts and urged local and international hunters to implement them.
Shifeta said during the course of the year the ministry consulted various stakeholders on the Parks and Wildlife Management Bill.
According to him Napha was one of the most active stakeholders that provided the ministry with valuable contributions.
“After numerous consultative meetings we now have a progressive, comprehensive and practical Bill, which I believe once enacted will not only ensure, but also secure the future of Namibia's wildlife resources.”
Shifeta said the ministry is also working with Napha, the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE), First National Bank (FNB) of Namibia and other stakeholders to execute a scientific-based leopard survey throughout the animal's distribution range within the country.
“I am certain that the outcome of this survey will help us to ensure the sustainable management of our leopard population, including human and leopard conflict.”
ELLANIE SMIT
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