Africa-Press – Botswana. Botswana should be rewarded and motivated for its continued contributions to conservation and wildlife management.
This was said by President Dr. Mokgweetsi Masisi during a recent visit to Mochaba Trophy Dealer Company in Maun on Saturday, where he applauded the efforts made towards the promotion of conservation and wildlife management.
President Masisi emphasized that Botswana has been a leader in promoting wildlife conservation and also enacting laws to protect the environment.
He highlighted the country’s significant achievements in conservation, particularly in safeguarding rare species.
The President said Botswana was home to the largest elephant population, emphasising that trophy hunting had played crucial role in the conservation efforts.
“If Botswana did not protect the elephants, the world would not have such a great asset to enjoy. Hunting, conservation, stock piling, marketing, access to market and fairness remain consistent and I wish the world can understand our position as a country that practicing policies that trophy hunting ban will affect these assets and as such they will increase and kill the environment,” he said.
The President said no country in the world had ever sacrificed more like Botswana in giving up the opportunity of the land and its use to conservation.
He added that Botswana had the highest conservation land ratios in Africa as close to 40 per cent of its land area was reserved for parks and other reserves.
“We are the most successful conservationists in the world, particularly with our majestic species of elephants and I would like the world to recognise what sacrifices we are doing to succeed, reward our success and motivate our nationals,our country and others like us to continue to conserve these rare majestic species,” he said.
The President expressed concern about some organisations that support a ban on trophy hunting, as they may not fully understand the impact such a ban could have on wildlife and habitats.
Since the lifting of the hunting ban, President Masisi said communities had enjoyed economic benefits from sustainable and controlled hunting quotas. Ms Debbie Peake, managing director at Mochaba Trophy Dealer Company reiterated the importance of proper elephant management and highlighted the positive impact of trophy hunting in reducing human-wildlife conflicts and creating job opportunities.
She also emphasised the need for better education and stakeholder participation to address misconceptions related to legal hunting and its role in wildlife conservation.
“A lot of misconceptions regarding trophy hunting need to be cleared. Education is ideal so that people could understand the challenges caused by wildlife on the ground,” she added.
Ms Peake appreciated the President’s visit and his recommendations for expanding the company, including considerations for elephant hide tanning.
However, she pointed out the challenges related to expensive tanning equipment and the need for political support and favourable labour policies to ensure the success of such an expansion. Mochaba Trophy Dealer Company has been operating for 36 years and has been a key player in trophy handling, taxidermy, and shipping services for the safari hunting sector.
They have also been actively involved in supporting hunting associations and the government on various wildlife management issues.
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