Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-20 00:59:10
President Mokgweetsi Masisi of Botswana recently sent a delegation to Europe to address the issue of banning the importation of hunting trophies into European countries. The delegation, led by Minister of Tourism Dumezweni Mthimkhulu and Kgosi Tawana Moremi of BaTawana, is scheduled to meet with lawmakers in the United Kingdom, France, and Germany to present Botswana’s conservation efforts and seek support against the proposed ban.
The European Union (EU) is advocating for a ban on hunting trophies, with the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill set for a second reading in the British Parliament. While the Bill is expected to pass, British MPs are reportedly divided on the issue. Some legislators, like Tory MP Lord Benjamin Mancroft, have expressed opposition to the Bill, questioning the motives behind its introduction and labeling it as “disgraceful and racist.” Other countries in Southern Africa, such as South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania, are also lobbying British MPs to either reject the Bill or make amendments to accommodate countries with strong conservation efforts.
France and Germany are also considering implementing a ban on hunting trophies, prompting Botswana to argue that such a ban would negatively impact the livelihoods of communities that rely on revenue generated from trophy hunting. The delegation from Botswana aims to highlight the country’s success in conservation efforts and demonstrate the importance of sustainable hunting practices.
Lord Mancroft stressed that the Bill focuses on animal rights rather than conservation, emphasizing the need for humans to take responsibility for wildlife conservation. He criticized the British government for interfering in African countries’ conservation policies and urged for a more informed decision-making process on the issue.
As discussions continue in Europe regarding the potential ban on hunting trophies, Botswana and other African countries are actively engaging with lawmakers to convey their concerns and advocate for sustainable conservation practices. The outcome of these consultations will have a significant impact on the future of trophy hunting and wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
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