03 Jul 2016

Batswana have been challenged to combine efforts to fight illegal trade of wildlife species. 

The call was made by an official from Directorate of Public Prosecution North West, Ms Connie Letsoalo.

 “Illegal trade in wildlife should be perceived as both human threat and a national security threat,” she said.

Ms Letsoalo said illegal trading of wildlife is a global concern not in Botswana only since it is an organised crime. She was speaking at the Environmental Day organised by Environmental Affairs Department (DEA) North West region.

She said about 100 000 elephants were killed between 2010 and 2012 while about 170 000 tons of ivory was illegally traded between 2009 and 2014.

Ms Letsoalo said the illegal trading led to extinction of species, reduction of government revenue therefore decline in development.

She pointed out that although Botswana has joint efforts in the fight against illegal trading with other countries, the ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) cannot win the battle alone.

An official from DWNP, Mr Khulekani Mpofu said the day reflected on management of wildlife species for future and sustainable use.

Mr Mpofu said wildlife contributed to the economy of the country therefore crucial for the community to spearhead its conservation. 

He noted that the country had long established the Community Based Natural Resources Management which gave community responsibility and curbed poaching and illegal trading.

Mr Mpofu said the results were evident hence Botswana had more elephant species according to researchers.ends

North West DEA coordinator Ms Belda Mosepele said the World Environment Day raised awareness to protect the environment and natural resources. ENDS