UK’s anti-hunting bill to devastate Namibia’s economy and wildlife conservation
Namibia is set to lose over N$260 million (USD$14.49 million) each year in potential revenue from the hunting industry following the United Kingdom’s ruling Labour Party's decision to implement an anti-trophy hunting bill.
This legislative move, alongside similar bans by Belgium and Finland, threatens to have dire repercussions on Namibia's economy and wildlife, the Namibian reports.
In 2022, Pohamba Shifeta, Namibia's Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, highlighted the potential negative impacts of these bans. "Such a bill would certainly undermine the strong and positive contribution to communities in the region that environment conservation has made to development, tourism, and conservation," Shifeta stated.
European tourists play a vital role in Namibia's hunting industry, which is integral to the nation's conservation efforts. The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has urged European countries to consider Namibia’s unique circumstances before finalizing any decisions.
"Tourists from Europe play a crucial role in hunting and subsequently in Namibia’s conservation. To this effect, Namibia appeals to European countries to take into consideration Namibia’s unique situation before a final decision is made," Shifeta added.
Trophy hunting accounts for at least 14% of Namibia's total tourism sector and plays a crucial role in the country's economy. Approximately 24% of the revenue generated from trophy hunting benefits the poorer segments of society through wages and rentals or royalties.
