WCC 2016 Rec 100 - Activity Report

Following an increase in number of landowners wanting to engage in the practice of intensive and selective breeding of game in Namibia, the Namibian Ministry of Environment and Tourism has been proactively engaging in processes to review threats, policy and legislation. This process has involved convening a seminar with international specialists, including the IUCN Antelope Specialist Group, and those with experience in the potential issues and risks. Following this various measures have been incorporated into the draft conservation Bill that would make provision for better regulation of the practise of selective breeding, as well as to empower the Minister to regulate the import and export of animals.

Within the hunting industry there are some positive developments. The South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association has highlighted, in particular, the reputational and associated economic risks of this practice to the wildlife economy of South Africa. This organisation has also sponsored research into aspects of the risks of the practice of intensive breeding, particularly a scientific assessment of the increase in impermeable fencing in wild systems. This is due for publication shortly.

A group of South African scientists has been working on an assessment of the risks of intensive and selective breeding of wild animals on biodiversity and the biodiversity economy of South Africa. Using the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services’ (IPBES) conceptual framework, the potential risks of selective breeding and intensive management of wild animals to South Africa’s biodiversity and the biodiversity economy were assessed.