08 Feb 2017

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama says illegal killing and trafficking of ivory requires international cooperation for the protection of elephants.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Khama further explained that Botswana’s position at CITES Cop17 regarding the up-listing of elephant population from Appendix II to Appendix I was premised on the international and global threat on elephants for their ivory.

“We strongly believe that when the now inspired and more resourced criminal elements diminish elephants elsewhere, they will find their way into our presumed safer environments and attempt to take away this iconic species that is important to our tourism,” said Minister Khama.

He pointed out that there was consultation within the Botswana delegation which comprised government officials, Non-Governmental Organizations, Traditional and Community Representatives that attended the CoP17 meeting before stating Botswana’s position.

He said the nature of crisis engulfing the African elephant as discussed during the CoP17 dictated that ‘we send a clear message to the unscrupulous gangs dissipating the elephant species that their hideous acts could not be tolerated.’

Chobe MP, Mr Ronald Shamukuni had asked the minister to state how other stakeholders were involved or consulted in developing Botswana’s position regarding the up-listing of Botswana elephants from Appendix II to Appendix I. ENDS