Opportunity to feature your business advertisement in the upcoming Government Directory of Botswana 2025-2026 publication.





← Back to the previous page

Mthimkhulu appeals to British lawmakers

News Image Botswana's stellar conservation track record could be jeopardized by the British Parliament's proposed ban on the import of hunted animal products, warned Mr. Dumezweni Mthimkhulu, Minister of Environment, Wildlife, and Tourism, during his address to British Members of Parliament at the Palace of Westminster in Central London, United Kingdom, on Monday.

Mr. Mthimkhulu cautioned British legislators about the potential consequences of passing the Hunting Trophies (Prohibition) Bill, which aims to discourage trophy hunting by prohibiting the British import of body parts of hunted animals listed by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species.

While proponents of the bill cite conservation concerns, Mr. Mthimkhulu argued that the ban could have adverse effects. He emphasized Botswana's success in increasing wildlife populations, including elephants and lions, over the past few decades. Regulated trophy hunting, he explained, plays a crucial role in wildlife management by generating funds for local communities and maintaining ecological balance.

In Botswana, hunting is strictly regulated with quotas, hunting seasons, and measures to ensure species preservation. Mr. Mthimkhulu stressed that regulated hunting does not endanger species and is essential for managing human-wildlife conflicts.

Without measures like regulated hunting, communities might resort to killing animals to protect themselves, leading to increased poaching and undermining conservation efforts, he warned.

British academics echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that trophy hunting is not a significant threat to any species and provides vital revenue for rural African communities. They cautioned that the proposed legislation could infringe upon community rights and hinder progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals.


Other Directories


Accredited Partners

© 2025 Government Directory of Botswana - powered by Dotcom Africa | Terms & Conditions