Botswana an Zambia used to be the most premier wildlife destinations. The Governments have banned trophy hunting of big cats in Botswana and Zambia. Late, but both Zambia and Botswana are now aiming at promoting Ecotourism. The rapid and shocking decline in the population of lions and leopards has been a big loss, affecting the ecosystem adversely. This encouraged the government to stop issuance of hunting licenses from January, 2013.
According to Zambia's tourism ministry game-viewing tourism was more valuable than blood sport, which brought in just $3m (£1.9m) last year. Tourism and Arts Minister Sylvia Masebo told Reuters, "tourists come to Zambia to see the lion and if we lose the lion we will be killing our tourism industry". However, on the contrary according to Chuma Simukonda from the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) said that that ban would be harmful for tourism. Chuma's words are really ear assaulting, especially when the world is on a move to save life. Chum should understand that ecotourism can generate more revenue and can add real value to wilderness through creating more scopes for employment . It is important to spread the awareness; Chum should be proud for his precious wildlife.
Photographer by guide Lee Whittam in the Okavango, Botswana. (essentialafrica.co.za)
Neighbouring Botswana committed that they are going to ban all kind of hunting on 2014 and onwards. Kenya has already made a halt to sport hunting for years ago.
It really feels nice to think that Africa has realized their wildlife is actually a global treasure. Banning of hunting lions and cats in is a highly appreciable step of African Governments.
Steve Boyes of National Geographic Expeditions talked about banning of trophy hunting in Botswana and Zambia in the Explorers Journal on January 22, 2013.
Posts
