Wildlife resources ignored, untapped

Wildlife is a resource, one that is unappreciated, untapped or simply ignored.

This according to a presentation by Sebastian Winkler, the director general of the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation (CIC), at the Namibia Professional Hunting Association’s (Napha) annual general meeting. Napha is a member of the CIC.

Winkler’s presentation was made on his behalf by Dr Clemens von Doderer, resident representative of the Hans Seidel Foundation Namibia.

Winkler said countries such as Namibia have a unique advantage to have wildlife resources as they are not available to certain nations.

Africa is endowed with unmatched natural wealth, he said, adding that this wealth remains well conserved, but is vastly underutilised.

“We have been made to believe that our role in the world is to preserve nature found in our countries and only use that when and how the rest of the world allows. I have yet to hear an African leader telling another from a non-African country not to use their wildlife or other natural resources,” he said.

He added that wildlife-based economic activities - ranging from tourism and sustainable use in all its forms - have been important parts of economies for a number of African countries for many years, but have failed to draw the deserved attention.

Appropriate attention

“We must acknowledge that the wildlife economy sector is hugely unappreciated, misunderstood, untapped and ignored.”

According to Winkler, given the appropriate attention and importance, this economy can employ an additional large percentage of unemployed people on the continent.

“We are sitting on a resource most countries in the world do not possess, our wildlife. Yet we have not utilised its potential fully.”

He, however, added that while some countries in Africa are still grappling with understanding the sector, others have made impressive strides in capitalising on the potential it offers.

“But, admittedly, even they do have faults, which - if not addressed with genuine and concerted efforts by all stakeholders in the sector - jeopardise the huge gains made.”

Markets

Winkler said African countries must see wildlife as a resource that is no different to other resources, to be used and nurtured for the benefit of their own people and to help in conservation efforts.

He, however, said there is a clear divide on the continent on this view.

Therefore, there needs to be a clear understanding of what the sector means and its full potential by decision-makers of the country, he said.

According to him, markets for wildlife products cannot be underestimated.

“These markets must be accessible for all and not just the elite. There are a few countries on the continent where the sector is reserved for only a few. This is a danger and should be dealt with conclusively.”