Experts assess benefits of hunting - by Wezi Tjaronda

From The New Era
September 16, 2009


WINDHOEK – Scores of leading scientists, professionals and hunting industry representatives are meeting in Windhoek to exchange the latest research and information on the role of hunting on ecology and the economy.

The meeting, the first-ever symposium on ‘Ecological and Economic Benefits of Hunting’ to be organised by the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities (WFSA), has brought together 60 representatives from 20 countries.

Namibia, one of the famous destinations for hunters, derives a significant amount of money from the hunting industry. The contribution of the industry has already surpassed the projected amount the industry was supposed to contribute by 2030.

The industry’s revenue has grown by 12 percent over the years, but according to Vision 2030, the industry’s revenue was projected to grow by 7 percent by 2030.

Every year, the industry contributes N$300 million, which represents 2.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to latest statistics.

Opening the WFSA symposium yesterday, Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture Reverend Willem Konjore said Namibia has proved that wildlife has the potential to develop into one of Namibia’s most valuable renewable assets if managed properly through game ranching and utilised sustainably through fee-based trophy hunting.

He opened the symposium on behalf of President Hifikepunye Pohamba.

Due to the fact that 80 percent of wildlife is found outside protected areas, Konjore said, “A strong wildlife industry has been created. Together with tourism, it has become a major contributor to the national economy.”

Konjore said Namibia has succeeded in positioning itself as a model for sustainable, fair chase trophy hunting destination in southern Africa.

He said the country could pride itself with such reputation because of its well-developed infrastructure and the ease with which hunting rifles can be imported into the country.

In addition, he said Namibia has scientifically based land use and game management policies, which have created abundant and health populations of game.

The Government has provided incentives for conservation by giving people land holders rights to use wildlife and benefit from it.

Konjore said Namibia was proud to host the symposium because the country “places a premium on the conservation as well as the potential benefits to be obtained from sporting activities”.

Government officials, leading scientists and professionals from shooting sports and wildlife conservation organisations and from industry are participating at the symposium, where 26 presentations, technical reports, data on environmental and economic benefits and method of wildlife management and new concepts concerning the roles of hunting will be presented.

The WFSA is an association of hunting, sport shooting and firearms industry trade organisations. Founded in 1996, WFSA represents 1 million sport shooters throughout the world and was recognised by the United Nations as a non-governmental organisation in 1998.