Namibia has made the unusual and exciting move to ban hunting bans. The country will officially oppose any calls for restricting hunting or exporting wildlife products from the country.
All Africa reported the story Monday. Namibia’s cabinet recently voted to officially be pro-hunting, opposing any and all bans on hunting that may be called for in the future. Cabinet members were directed to promote the decision at a variety of public forums, and to “communicate at all possible opportunities its importance to the national conservation and sustainable development programs.”
That was only the first measure taken by the cabinet. The governing body also directed the Ministry of Environment and Tourism to actively campaign against any proposed bans or restrictions.
A code of conduct for conservation hunting is currently being developed in conjunction with the moves. The cabinet also expressed its support for the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and its efforts to stop wildlife crimes.
The Namibian reported that the actions are a direct result of anti-hunters’ opposition to the cabinet’s 2013 decision to sell five black rhino hunts for trophy hunting. The rhino taken by American Corey Knowlton in 2014 generated $350,000 for the species’ conservation, but also drew death threats for the hunter. Fox News reported that Knowlton had to hire a full-time secretary just to deal with the influx of hate mail.
The rhino taken by Knowlton was a older, non-breeding male, selected for taking because of its increasingly aggressive behavior. The bull would have been culled regardless of Knowlton’s hunt in order to prevent injury or death to the rest of the herd.
The cabinet got out in front of future hunting bans — rather than let anti-hunters prevent necessary conservation efforts from taking place and risk losing the benefits hunting provides.
Culling is culling, hunting-for-sport is hunting-for-sport, two completely different activities. Attaching price tags just promotes poaching.
Now that is leading by example.
A government with some brains and a lot of balls! Come on Tanzania take some pointers…
brilliant and a victory for sensible conservation
exciting news?!!!!!
I understand responsible hunting. But hunting of the endangered cheetah in Namibia is unacceptable! Not negotiable or justifying!
All the more reason to return to Namibia for the 6th time! Great people and a Government that gets it.
Thank You !!
No problem with “normal” hunting. I am against shooting, lets say a lion, that is in his prime with the best gene pool and leading his pride. Why kill the best? The other males will fight for leadership and usually the cups in the pride with the strong genes are killed. If we want to conserve we must make sure we do not allow the weaker to become the future. Rather, if you have ti kill a lion, shoot the older lion that are kicked out of his pride and on his way “out.” I will never accept killing an endangered specie, that you do in the name of sport, to hang its head on a wall. It makes no sense and its sad. Now for some biltong… Tourism, the people with cameras, still contribute 3-4 times more to the economy than tourists with guns. In some cases as much as 9 fimes more.
Good for you Namibian Government. You are showing that you truly care for your country and its wildlife resources
Well done. A government with common sense.
Good job Namibia!! I will plan on a future safari in your country for sure.
Proper order.Well done,for once a government makes a good decision
I am going back.
More countries need to stand up to the anti-hunting bullies.
Good for you Namibia, that is the best way to protect and increase your wildlife population.