Poaching allegations unfair, says Nhema

Herald Reporter
February 19, 2010

THE international community should reward Zimbabwe for its good wildlife conservation practices that have seen it preserve some of the world’s rarest species, Environment and Natural Resources Minister Francis Nhema has said.

Minister Nhema said some countries and organisations had, however, used every opportunity to castigate Zimbabwe and yet Government had done very well to conserve animal and plant life.

Responding to reports that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species secretary-general Mr Willem Winjnstekers said there was an increase in poaching in Zimbabwe, Minister Nhema described the allegations as unfair.

He said countries that had blown the issue of rhino poaching in Zimbabwe no longer had some animal species and had no experience in wildlife management.

“Now that these animals are endangered species and we still have them in our wildlife habitats, we are now guilty of being the good boys.

“Most of these countries that tend to trumpet the problem of poaching no longer have wild animals.

“Why shouldn’t they just reward us for conserving these animals?”

Zimbabwe is under concerted attack by people making wild claims about the levels of poaching in the country.

It has emerged that some private wildlife concerns are working with international pressure groups against Zimbabwe.

Last week Mr Winjnstekers reminded those behind the campaign that a ban on Zimbabwean wildlife products would also include these same private operators.

Sources who attended a meeting between the companies and Mr Winjnstekers said: “The private companies were told that blowing the problem out of context would also affect their businesses.”

Speaking to journalists shortly before departing for South Africa, Mr Winjnstekers said stakeholders in the wildlife sector should work together.

He was in Zimbabwe on a fact-finding mission and to look at possible ways to assist in the fight against poaching.

When it comes to half truths, lies and damned lies, there is little difference between government officials in Harre and Washington DC.

What a load of ol' crock - and that's all I have to say about that !!

Perhaps the dear minister would wish people didn't look so closely at what is happening in the national parks with all the illegal hunting going on there...main problem for him is, it's illegal but is carried out with his permission!

The local politicians are of the opinion that the rest of the world is just so damn stupid that all the crud that they spew forth will be believed.

I find this SNARELY believeable....

sorry...can't help myself...

Jeff