13 Mar 2017

Parliament has been informed that there are currently two companies undertaking anti-poaching activities in Botswana. These are Bushcraft Enterprises run by Mr Wilton Ratz and Beyond run by Mr Cecil Riggs.

This was said by the Minister of Land Management, Water and Sanitation Services, Mr Prince Maele when answering a question in Parliament on Thursday on behalf on the Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism.

Mr Maele said these companies operatd in four concessions being NG25 and NG 26 operated by Bushcraft Enterprises and NG29 and NG operated by Beyond.

He noted that these entities were not procured by government, but voluntarily provided a supportive role to law enforcers in undertaking anti-poaching activities particularly during tracking.

Minister Maele further noted that these entities were entirely self-funded hence not engaged by the government.

He also explained to the House that the ministry encouraged concessionaires to actively participate in the monitoring and protection of wildlife resources in their areas as part of their corporate responsibility. MP for

Jwaneng-Mabutsane, Mr Shawn Ntlhaile had asked the minister if he was aware of any anti-poaching groups or companies in the country other than government.ENDS