02 Oct 2018

Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama has urged game farmers in Ghanzi District to come up with a model which will make their game farms sustainable and create employment.

Minister Khama said this recently when addressing a meeting arranged by game farmers as a build up to the national Pitso which will convene soon.

He said game farmers should come up with a model which would accommodate community trusts and individuals.

He said he wanted to see new comers in the business with innovative ideas on issues of conservation.

He said they should take into account the country’s image, reputation and international relations.

Mr Khama said the meeting was meant to share information, knowledge and how best the game farmers could support each other.

Kuru Development Trust chairperson, Mr Arone Morris said his trust owned a game farm, but that it was overgrazed and overstocked with some species, adding that since the hunting ban was imposed, they have nowhere to take their animals.

He requested the minister to consider lifting the ban as the conditions were not conducive for the animals.

Farmers requested government to help in the fight against poachers and to monitor and maintain border fences.

Responding to the farmers’ pleas, minister Khama said endangered species and their trophies belonged to government, adding that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks must be informed of anything that happened to them.

He said he would see to it that all relevant ministries were present at the national Pitso so that they could address issues of security and border fences.

He thanked the farmers for attending, saying the meeting had provided a platform and time to engage. ENDS