Zimbabwe: VP Msika Warns Wildlife Operators

Published by the government of Zimbabwe


The Herald (Harare)

18 July 2007
Posted to the web 18 July 2007

Fidelis Munyoro
Nyanga

VICE PRESIDENT Joseph Msika has warned operators in the wildlife industry that the Government will take action against illegal activities in the sector that deprive the State of revenue.

Cde Msika said Government was aware of clandestine activities such as poaching, undervaluing and the under declaration of export receipts to the State.


"I would like to reiterate that Government would not sit idle and allow this deplorable behaviour to continue. Zimbabwe's natural resources are a national heritage and should, therefore, benefit the majority of Zimbabweans. We will ruthlessly deal with anyone who tries to deprive our people of their rightful benefit."

Cde Msika was addressing participants at the opening of the Community Areas Management Programme for Indigenous Resources annual general meeting in Nyanga on Monday.

The Vice President commended some operators who had been honest in their operations and had worked tirelessly to help Zimbabwe maintain its status as a hunting destination of first choice under the present difficult times.

"I am aware that you have attracted a wide range of foreign clients to conduct hunts on our land, thereby generating valuable foreign exchange. Your good work is not going unnoticed and I urge you to continue working with us as you strive to turn around our economic fortunes," he said.

Cde Msika said while the Government was pleased that some districts such as Mbire and Nyaminyami were paying their communities money from Campfire activities and safari operators, care should be taken to ensure this does not create an elite in these communities through lack of transparency and misappropriation of revenue.

He also commended the achievements made by Masoka ward in Mbire District, which, in addition to making more than $330 million directly from huntings by safari operators conducted in 2006, has bought a new T35 truck for operations.


He said cotton companies supporting farmers in the Zambezi Valley with inputs should also help them to deal with marauding wild animals that destroy crops.

"In my opinion, there is room for greater integration of both safari hunting and subsistence agriculture into complementary forms of land use that should see both safari operators and cotton buyers spending more time and resources in these areas as part of their corporate social responsibility," he said.

Speaking at same occasion, Environment and Tourism Minister Cde Francis Nhema expressed concern over the increasing veld fires, which had left a trail of destruction in the country's ecosystem.

I actually view this as a positive development. It clearly reflects a recognition of the value to the government of the safari industry and hunters traveling to Zimbabwe. Sounds like they will go out of their way not to do something or take some action that would have a chilling impact on hunters coming to Zimbabwe -- or at least I hope so.

I was thinking the same thing Mike. Hopefully there are some in the govt. that will help instead of doing so much damage. It only takes a few good people in the right places to make a difference.

The bad thing about the government recognizing the value of the wildlife is that everything else that had value in the country has already been seized by the government.

The wildlife is about all that is left of any value.

quote:

Originally posted by kudu56:
The wildlife is about all that is left of any value.

Too bloody true..............

Hope it has nothing to do with his plan to nationalize companies that don't play ball his way: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSL2123337620070721

Also just caught a blurb about it being illegal to bring foodstuffs into Zim from neighboring countries effective August 1.