The Zimbabwe Government is against the ban of importation of trophies hunted from Zimbabwe imposed by the European Union after the killing of Cecil the Lion by an American dentist Walter Palmer.
The government has said that the move has major repercussions on the country’s economy.
Zimbabwe, Environment, Water and Climate Minister Oppah Muchinguri, while Addressing delegates at a stakeholders’ conference on code of ethics in safari hunting in Kashiri said the proposed ban was a setback to the country’s hunting industry.
“The USA imposed a ban on trophies hunted from our region and as we speak, the EU Parliament intends to move a motion to ban the importation of trophies hunted from Zimbabwe,” she said.
“These machinations have far-reaching consequences, perpetuating negative perception of Zimbabwe’s hunting industry. From this meeting, the emphasis is on community benefits and participation, as we try to lobby the EU. It is important that we clearly point out the losses that the communities will incur if sport hunting is banned.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri blamed Western countries for their continuous scrutiny of Zimbabwe’s environmental policies.
“It is no secret that the world’s eyes are upon Zimbabwe, scrutinising each and every step we make in an effort to point out our wrong-doings in the wildlife industry,” she said.
“We need to deliberate how best we can work together and speak with one voice to engage the EU and USA, in the process correcting the negative perception of our wildlife,” Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri said.
The Minister further said trophy hunting and wildlife movement were important in curbing the negative impacts of drought in the country.
