Shifeta praises CIC support against trophy ban
Botswana also praised for its stance
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta has praised the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation and partner countries for their actions against proposed trophy import bans.
The International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC) plays an important role as an early alarm system in cases of negative developments in biodiversity conservation, especially for southern African countries, as seen in the context of France, the UK and Germany's current trophy import ban proposals.
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the 70th General Assembly of CIC, which took place last week in Cascais, Portugal.
“Without that CIC partnership, these unilateral unlawful and neocolonial interventions that do not consider the sovereignty of countries such as Namibia, Botswana and other African range states could have been adopted unhindered.”
Shifeta extended Namibia's appreciation to the CIC and partners for having worked with the Namibian government to ensure their common message regarding the unilateral actions to ban the import of trophies was communicated effectively and efficiently to relevant and appropriate authorities.
The minister also thanked Botswana for their decision to rejoin the CIC.
“Botswana has made a positive impact on the campaign against the import trophy ban proposals with the offer to send 20 000 live elephants to Germany, amongst other actions taken. Let us continue working together and forge new meaningful partnerships to succeed in biodiversity conservation.”
Effective collaboration
Shifeta said biodiversity is an integral part of sustainable development and a significant contributor to the livelihoods of local communities and national economies.
“We therefore need to ensure that we safeguard our biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The minister said this can only be achieved through the creation of strong, respectful and meaningful partnerships.
“That is why we appreciate being part of organisations such as CIC, as they provide effective platforms to discuss issues of biodiversity conservation and advise each other accordingly.”
Shifeta re-affirmed Namibia's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
“We have created a conducive environment for partnership with our local communities, development partners, and civil society, and we shall maintain that.”
He said the CIC plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, and "therefore, it is our strong view that we need to grow this organisation in size and capacity."
Environment minister Pohamba Shifeta said this at the 70th General Assembly of CIC, which took place last week in Cascais, Portugal.
“Without that CIC partnership, these unilateral unlawful and neocolonial interventions that do not consider the sovereignty of countries such as Namibia, Botswana and other African range states could have been adopted unhindered.”
Shifeta extended Namibia's appreciation to the CIC and partners for having worked with the Namibian government to ensure their common message regarding the unilateral actions to ban the import of trophies was communicated effectively and efficiently to relevant and appropriate authorities.
The minister also thanked Botswana for their decision to rejoin the CIC.
“Botswana has made a positive impact on the campaign against the import trophy ban proposals with the offer to send 20 000 live elephants to Germany, amongst other actions taken. Let us continue working together and forge new meaningful partnerships to succeed in biodiversity conservation.”
Effective collaboration
Shifeta said biodiversity is an integral part of sustainable development and a significant contributor to the livelihoods of local communities and national economies.
“We therefore need to ensure that we safeguard our biodiversity for the benefit of present and future generations.”
The minister said this can only be achieved through the creation of strong, respectful and meaningful partnerships.
“That is why we appreciate being part of organisations such as CIC, as they provide effective platforms to discuss issues of biodiversity conservation and advise each other accordingly.”
Shifeta re-affirmed Namibia's commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
“We have created a conducive environment for partnership with our local communities, development partners, and civil society, and we shall maintain that.”
He said the CIC plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, and "therefore, it is our strong view that we need to grow this organisation in size and capacity."
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