25 Sep 2016

The Ambassador for the Global March for Elephants, Rhinos and Lions (GMFERL) in Botswana, Ms Thea Khama says we have to learn to co-exist with nature.

Speaking before the march that took place from the Airport Junction to Kalahari Flying Club, she said the march was taking place in Gaborone, Kasane and Maun along with over 140 other cities around the globe.

“We need to stand up, speak up and show up for our inheritance before it is too late,” she said, adding that in the past seven years 30 per cent of Africa’s elephants have disappeared, hence the need to speak up for the protection of elephants, rhinos and lions.

She noted that “Botswana has more elephants than any other country” and that it was protecting the species with little assistance from Western countries other than eco-tourists who visit Botswana’s world heritage sites such as the Okavango Delta.

“By the end of 2015, the number of African rhinos killed by poachers has increased for the sixth year in a row with at least 1 338 rhinos killed by poachers across Africa in 2015. We cannot continue to be silent or turn a blind eye as other countries benefit by stealing our natural heritage right under our noses.

It is crucial we find ways to co-exist and benefit from the live animals in a humane way such as eco-tourism and co-existence farming technologies,” said Ms Khama.

She noted that illegal wildlife trafficking boosts insurgent groups like Al-Shabab, Boko Haram and the Lord’s Resistance Army as they buy weapons by handing elephant ivory.

“Countries like Vietnam are a major contributor to the illegal market for wildlife products, especially the rhino horn trade,” she added.

She said the Gaborone march was meant to expose the tragedy of poaching and raise funds for Thokomela! Botswana Endangered Wildlife Trust.

“We also demand a stop to the domestic and international trade in illegal wildlife commodities worldwide.  We need you to help our government do the right thing, raise awareness, raise funds for anti-poaching and education, and to help our subsistence communities co-exist and protect these three valuable species.”

The event saw attendees participating in competitions such as best placard, best dressed, biggest registered corporate group, wildest registered corporate group, registered schools best placard competition, registered schools mask competition and best traditional dance group. ENDS