10 Feb 2014

President Lt Gen. Seretse Khama Ian Khama is among the 50 heads of state invited to attend an international anti -poaching conference in London.

A news release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation states that the President will depart on Wednesday, February 12 and return on Saturday, February 15.

 Information from http://www.theguardian.com states that the highest level global summit to date aims to halt surging demand for elephant and rhino products.

It says the summit aims to tackle the more than P171 billion a year illegal trade in endangered animals such as elephants and rhinos by delivering an unprecedented political commitment along with an action plan and the mobilisation of resources.

The meeting will highlight the strong links between wildlife poaching, international criminal syndicates and terrorism as well as threats to national security. 

Heads of state from many African countries are expected to attend together with those from countries where the products are sold.

The level of wildlife crime has soared in recent years, driven by demand from the rapidly expanding middle classes in Asia who value tiger, elephant and rhino products as status symbols. Ends