press release
By East African Community Secretariat
Arusha
— A two-day Regional Summit to stop Wildlife Crime and Advance Wildlife
Conservation was officially opened today by the President of the United
Republic of Tanzania HE Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete at the EAC Headquarters
in Arusha, Tanzania.
President Kikwetye, who was represented by his Minister for Natural
Resources and Tourism, Hon. Lazaro S. Nyalandu (MP), disclosed to the
over 200 delegates attending the Summit that his government had
formulated a National Strategy to Combat Poaching and Illegal Wildlife
Trade in order to intensify the war against poaching and all forms of
wildlife related crime.
The strategy provides an effective programme of support to combat
poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking in Tanzania through a
three-pronged approach, namely; strengthening law enforcement; increase
capacity of local communities to pursue sustainable livelihood
opportunities and eradicate poverty; and raising awareness in supply,
transit and destination countries to help change attitudes towards
wildlife crime and building international support.
In his welcome remarks, the Secretary General of the East African
Community, Amb. Dr. Richard Sezibera said that the tourism industry
contributes close to 7.5% - 10% of the foreign exchange required by the
EAC Partner States. "Despite this importance, the tourism sector is
still one of greatly threatened by several factors ranging from
poaching, illegal wildlife trafficking, deforestation and habitat
shrinkage, climate change and global economic meltdown", noted the
Secretary General.
He said poaching and illegal wildlife trafficking robs EAC Partner
States of their natural capital and cultural heritage with serious
economic and social consequences. "It undermines the livelihoods of
dependent communities and damages the health of the ecosystems they
depend on".
Amb. Sezibera said that the high levels of poverty, weak governance
(measured by law enforcement capacity and corruption) together with
demand for ivory in developed nations were the factors said to be linked
to higher poaching levels and that, as a region, there is need to put
in place robust policies to curb the menace.
The EAC Official affirmed to the delegates that, as a region, a draft
strategy to combat poaching and illicit trade in wildlife had been put
in place. The objective of the strategy, among others, is to strengthen
policy and legislation framework in combating poaching and trafficking
of wildlife and wildlife products; to develop and enhance human resource
capacity in wildlife conservation and wildlife laws enforcement; and
strengthen the regional and international collaboration in combating
poaching and trafficking of wildlife resources.
The Regional Summit is being attended by, among others, the US
Undersecretary of State, Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment, Ms.
Catherine Novelli; Ministers and Cabinet Secretaries of Natural
Resources, Wildlife, Tourism, Water, Environment, Trade and Investment,
Lands, Urban Planning, Information and culture from EAC and other
African countries; Members of Parliament; Diplomatic Corps; Development
Partners; Directors of Wildlife, Ant-Poaching, National Parks and
Wildlife Conservation Areas; Regional Business Leaders; and
Representatives of Non-Governmental Organizations.
The two-day event is focusing on actions that Tanzania and its
neighboring countries may take to combat wildlife crime and advance
wildlife conservation in the region. Deliberations will be on three
major areas - wildlife crimes, migratory wildlife and shared ecosystems
and will result in key agreements and actions to combat poaching and
illegal wildlife trafficking.
East Africa Community (EAC) through the Treaty for its
establishment, in particularly Articles 111, 115 and 116 committed to
ensure sustainable conservation and management of regional wildlife,
tourism and natural resources.
Partner States recognize that restoration and protection of the
environment and natural resources opens the door to sustainable
socio-economic development in the region. As a step toward maximizing
benefits and ensuring sustainable exploitation of natural resources, EAC
Secretariat initiated the development of the Protocol on Tourism and
Wildlife Management to enhance regional collaboration in wildlife
management.
The Protocol and Tourism Marketing Plan which were concluded in
2006/2007 seeks to support regional economic development by promoting
tourism and proper management of natural resources.
Owora Richard Othieno,
Head of Department;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs;
Tel: +255 784 835021;
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department
EAC Secretariat
Arusha, Tanzania
http://www.eac.int
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