BOTSWANA MINISTER STERN ON ANTI POACHING POLICY

Minister of Environment Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama says he will not be apologetic on Botswana’s anti poaching policy. “I am not going to be apologetic on the country’s anti poaching policy,” said Minister Khama at the closing ceremony of the third Race for Rhinos event in Sowa on Saturday (July 1). He explained that Botswana was on its third year having instilled a hunting ban and these had proved to be helping in conservation of the endangered species.

To date, he said Africa has about 500 000 elephants and about 200 000 of them were in Botswana and this was because Botswana government had created a safer environment for these animals for the next generation.

Through such activities as the Race for Rhinos, he asserted that it was not only about fund raising to protect these animals, but it was also about disseminating awareness so that people could appreciate the importance of keeping the animals safe.

Minister Khama therefore appreciated the continuous support from participants from around the World who graced the event annually, adding that funds raised had helped them to buy aircraft that would help them in wildlife management. He revealed that government had also funded his ministry to buy three additional helicopters.

He also noted that just recently they won an award in Paris, France for their conservation efforts, which proved to be fruitful and that as well was a result of the support they received from stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the race director, Mr Chris Briers applauded Botswana government to a standing ovation of the participants for the good leadership and governance that had maintained the peace and freedom.

Mr Briers noted that there was nowhere in the world where an event of such magnitude could be hosted consisting of different nationalities without barriers or issues concerning the activity. He therefore commended the country’s leadership and its people for the warm welcome and promised their support as participants as well as being key supporters of conservation. (BOPA)

Reference:
http://www.dailynews.gov.bw/news-details.php?nid=36982