https://www.lusakatimes.com/20...ommence-in-may-2019/



Hippo Culling exercise will only commence in May 2019


February 13, 2019



Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Reverend Howard Sikwela has said the Hippo Culling exercise in the Luangwa Valley will only commence in May 2019 at the start of the hunting season.

Speaking this morning during a meeting with representatives of various Community Resource Boards across the country, the Reverend Sikwela said this would be preceded by sensitization of the communities and stakeholders involved in the process for all to appreciate the benefits of the undertaking.

He said everyone especially those in Eastern Province, where the activity will be undertaken shall be given an opportunity to have a say, and ask questions where they are not sure concerning the culling activity.

Reverend Sikwela said he was, however, happy that many already have an appreciation of the background and benefits of the culling activity.

Earlier, National CRBs Association Coordinator, Isaac Banda wondered if the hunting story was a rumor or a confirmed position by the ministry.

Mr. Banda said he was concerned that local communities in areas where the culling activity will take place have not been fully engaged to appreciate the benefits of such an undertaking.

He said these communities were equal partners with government in the conservation process and hence the need to constantly be kept in the know of what was happening in their surrounding.

We in Zambia are following this saga with interest.

There are some murky waters here.

In the end, a promise of plentiful nyama for the locals will be all that is necessary to "engage" or "sensitize" them!

https://www.lusakatimes.com/20...tual-obligations-ps/



Hippo killing in the Luangwa River Valley will proceed due to contractual obligations-PS

March 1, 2019

Ministry of Tourism and Arts Permanent Secretary Howard Sikwela says Hippo killing in the Luangwa River Valley will proceed due to contractual obligations.

Reverend Sikwela said his Ministry has no powers at this stage to overrule the decision on the planned hippo culling slated to restart mid this year.

Speaking during a meeting at his office when United States of America Ambassador to Zambia Daniel Foote visited him, Reverend Sikwela said his Ministry concerted to the cull because of the challenge of hippo carrying capacity of the Luangwa River Ecosystem and contractual obligations that were already undertaken.

He said Government appreciates the support of the US Embassy to the growth of the tourism sector especially in the South Luangwa National Park where an estimate of 40,000 American tourist visits, contributing around US$37 million each year.

And Ambassador Foote said he wished there could be an alternative solution to the cull.

Ambassador Foote said American remains Number One tourist source market to the South Luangwa and it would be sad the tourist opts to go to other countries because of the negative perception created by the undertaking.

The ambassador said he was not there to tell Zambians what to do about their wildlife resources.