25 Jun 2019

Heads of state who attended the just ended AU/UN wildlife economy summit in Zimbabwe say the existing wildlife resources in the continent are a result of concerted conservation efforts by communities.

Zimbabwe president Mr Emmerson Mnangagwa told the summit June 24 that the introduction of totems by African forefathers was a way of controlling hunting.

Elaborating, he said an animal designated as a totem for a particular tribe could not be hunted or eaten by that ethnic group.

President Mnangagwa said it was a pity that countries that failed to keep God’s commandment to take care of animals were now punishing Africa for preserving its natural resources.

For his part, President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi said communities had positively contributed towards conserving wildlife that was why the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier region which had become home to the largest elephant population.

He said it was therefore time for communities to enjoy the economic benefits of their efforts.

Dr Masisi said as the continent moved towards the new tourism deal by 2030, community rights must be part of the new paradigm.

President Edgar Lungu of Zambia concurred that Africans had always lived and taken care of wild animals but were now denied economic benefits accruing from the resource. 

He said a lot still had to be done in empowering communities in order for them to continue protecting and conserving wild animals.

Namibian president Dr Hage Geingob said it was disappointing that some Europeans were more concerned about the rights of animals than those of human beings.

Earlier, Southern African Trust chief executive officer, Ms Masego Madzwamuse advocated for communities living in areas with wildlife to be taken on board in ensuring equitable benefits from wildlife resources.

She called on African states to facilitate policies that empowered communities as well as those that restored human dignity.

Mr Keith Vincent of Wilderness Safaris urged African countries to take advantage of the growing tourism industry in Africa.

He congratulated African governments for the growth of wildlife resources by over 200 per cent.

Mr Vincent emphasised the need for security of tourist, wild animals as well as that of the rural communities living side by side with the wild animals.

He suggested the spreading of the elephant population throughout the KAZA area to help alleviate some of the challenges associated with the large elephant population. ENDS