The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has launched their annual tourism awards to recognize outstanding achievements in the tourism industry. The awards ceremony will take place in May and will honor winners across 11 categories, including two new categories for sustainable tourism and best marketing mix. The director of the NITB encourages all tourism organizations to enter to gain recognition for their work in creating quality visitor experiences.
The presentation discussed issues and opportunities for Sino-Africa cooperation on tourism and wildlife conservation. It noted that Africa's wildlife is an important tourism driver but also faces threats like poaching. While China has taken steps to address poaching, Chinese nationals have also been involved in poaching rhinos in Botswana. There is potential for increased cooperation through tourism, but countries must also address ongoing issues to better protect wildlife.
New Rhino Conservation Project in South Africa to Understand Landowner Decisi...Crystal Schalmo
This document discusses rhino conservation efforts in South Africa. It notes that around a quarter of South Africa's rhinos live on private land, and private reserves have played an important role in increasing rhino populations. However, rising poaching rates threaten the financial incentives for private landowners to protect rhinos. The researchers have created an online system to monitor how factors like poaching influence private landowners' decisions regarding rhino conservation. They aim to gather data on trends to better understand how proposals like legalizing rhino horn trade may impact private reserves' role in conservation.
This document discusses the controversy around trophy hunting in Africa. It summarizes the arguments from both sides. While proponents argue that trophy hunting generates millions for conservation and local communities, critics argue that it threatens endangered species through overhunting, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking. The document also notes concerns about the sustainability of trophy hunting quotas given limited wildlife population data, and the use of trophy hunting to supply black markets for rhino horn and lion bones in Asia.
- Charlie Mayhew gave the keynote speech at the Groenveld Conference on June 13, 2013 about the unprecedented poaching crisis in Africa threatening elephants, rhinos, and other species.
- Demand for rhino horn and ivory from Asian consumers is driving rampant poaching of these animals for profit, despite these products having no proven medicinal value. Iconic species like rhinos and elephants are at risk of extinction within a generation if trends continue.
- Tusk, the organization Mayhew represents, works on anti-poaching efforts, supports community conservation initiatives, and advocates for strong policies to curb demand and enhance enforcement against wildlife trafficking. Mayhew calls on the global community to work together to
Trafficking ivory from east africa to asiaBrad Kremer
The document discusses the trafficking of ivory and rhino horn from Eastern Africa to Asia. It notes that elephant populations grew after an 1989 ivory trade ban but have recently declined due to rising demand from Asia fueling increased poaching. Eastern Africa contains over 140,000 elephants, mainly in Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, and serves as a source and transit point for illegally trafficked ivory. Similarly, rhino populations are very low in Eastern Africa but face threats from a growing black market trade in rhino horn fueled by demand in Vietnam.
WildAid is a conservation organization that aims to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products like ivory through public awareness campaigns. Their message is that reducing consumer demand can help stop elephant poaching. A 2012 survey in China found low awareness about elephant poaching levels and an inability to distinguish legal from illegal ivory. However, most Chinese residents supported banning ivory trade to protect elephants from poaching in Africa.
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network- turning the tables on wildli...Sabri Zain
An overview of the work TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, does to address the challenges presented by illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade.
Trophy hunting of African elephants is meant to help conservation efforts by providing funds, but evidence shows it often fails to meaningfully support communities or curb poaching. While Namibia's program channels some money to communities, corruption in Zimbabwe means villagers see little benefit despite high hunting fees. The small number of jobs and minimal returns to landowners have not incentivized protecting elephants, whose populations continue to decline sharply in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe due to poaching. While trophy hunting could help with management if revenues were fairly distributed, in reality political elites often seize the most profitable hunting areas and revenues do not trickle down as intended.
The presentation discussed issues and opportunities for Sino-Africa cooperation on tourism and wildlife conservation. It noted that Africa's wildlife is an important tourism driver but also faces threats like poaching. While China has taken steps to address poaching, Chinese nationals have also been involved in poaching rhinos in Botswana. There is potential for increased cooperation through tourism, but countries must also address ongoing issues to better protect wildlife.
New Rhino Conservation Project in South Africa to Understand Landowner Decisi...Crystal Schalmo
This document discusses rhino conservation efforts in South Africa. It notes that around a quarter of South Africa's rhinos live on private land, and private reserves have played an important role in increasing rhino populations. However, rising poaching rates threaten the financial incentives for private landowners to protect rhinos. The researchers have created an online system to monitor how factors like poaching influence private landowners' decisions regarding rhino conservation. They aim to gather data on trends to better understand how proposals like legalizing rhino horn trade may impact private reserves' role in conservation.
This document discusses the controversy around trophy hunting in Africa. It summarizes the arguments from both sides. While proponents argue that trophy hunting generates millions for conservation and local communities, critics argue that it threatens endangered species through overhunting, poaching, and illegal wildlife trafficking. The document also notes concerns about the sustainability of trophy hunting quotas given limited wildlife population data, and the use of trophy hunting to supply black markets for rhino horn and lion bones in Asia.
- Charlie Mayhew gave the keynote speech at the Groenveld Conference on June 13, 2013 about the unprecedented poaching crisis in Africa threatening elephants, rhinos, and other species.
- Demand for rhino horn and ivory from Asian consumers is driving rampant poaching of these animals for profit, despite these products having no proven medicinal value. Iconic species like rhinos and elephants are at risk of extinction within a generation if trends continue.
- Tusk, the organization Mayhew represents, works on anti-poaching efforts, supports community conservation initiatives, and advocates for strong policies to curb demand and enhance enforcement against wildlife trafficking. Mayhew calls on the global community to work together to
Trafficking ivory from east africa to asiaBrad Kremer
The document discusses the trafficking of ivory and rhino horn from Eastern Africa to Asia. It notes that elephant populations grew after an 1989 ivory trade ban but have recently declined due to rising demand from Asia fueling increased poaching. Eastern Africa contains over 140,000 elephants, mainly in Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan and Uganda, and serves as a source and transit point for illegally trafficked ivory. Similarly, rhino populations are very low in Eastern Africa but face threats from a growing black market trade in rhino horn fueled by demand in Vietnam.
WildAid is a conservation organization that aims to reduce demand for illegal wildlife products like ivory through public awareness campaigns. Their message is that reducing consumer demand can help stop elephant poaching. A 2012 survey in China found low awareness about elephant poaching levels and an inability to distinguish legal from illegal ivory. However, most Chinese residents supported banning ivory trade to protect elephants from poaching in Africa.
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network- turning the tables on wildli...Sabri Zain
An overview of the work TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, does to address the challenges presented by illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade.
Trophy hunting of African elephants is meant to help conservation efforts by providing funds, but evidence shows it often fails to meaningfully support communities or curb poaching. While Namibia's program channels some money to communities, corruption in Zimbabwe means villagers see little benefit despite high hunting fees. The small number of jobs and minimal returns to landowners have not incentivized protecting elephants, whose populations continue to decline sharply in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe due to poaching. While trophy hunting could help with management if revenues were fairly distributed, in reality political elites often seize the most profitable hunting areas and revenues do not trickle down as intended.
WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and marine protection. The illegal wildlife trade is worth over $10 billion per year and has reduced many populations, yet little is spent on reducing demand. WildAid is the only organization focused on reducing demand for wildlife products through education. Their message is that when buying stops, the killing can too. They create public service announcements and documentaries to educate consumers and reduce rhino horn demand, especially in China where their message reaches 1 billion people per week.
The vaquita porpoise is nearly extinct due to illegal fishing of the totoaba fish for its swim bladder, which is in high demand in China. Gillnets used to catch totoaba unintentionally kill vaquitas. Fewer than 30 vaquitas may remain. Operation Fake Gold investigated the illegal supply chain of totoaba swim bladders from Mexico to China and identified Mexican and Chinese criminal networks trafficking the bladders for huge profits. The future of the vaquita porpoise and Gulf of California ecosystem hang in the balance unless action is taken to end illegal fishing and trafficking.
This document discusses combating illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. It provides:
1. An overview of declining wildlife populations in Uganda from the 1960s to present day, with many species experiencing major declines.
2. Details on illegal wildlife trade, including ivory trafficking through Uganda and major seizures in recent years.
3. The impacts of wildlife crime including scientific/ecological impacts like loss of biodiversity, economic impacts like losing $1.5 billion from tourism, and criminal impacts like links to organized crime.
Dr. Peter Hammond gave a presentation on rhino poaching in South Africa. He discussed how poaching has increased dramatically from 7 rhinos poached in 2000 to over 1000 poached in 2013. This is being driven by demand for rhino horn in Asian markets, where it is believed to be a miracle drug. Rhino poaching is now a $150 billion industry and is carried out by organized criminal networks. The poachers are heavily armed and there is an ongoing deadly battle with game rangers and police. However, efforts to stop poaching are being undermined by corruption among officials and across borders in Mozambique, where poachers operate from. Unless action is taken against this organized crime, rhino populations could
The Chinese Environmental Journalism Project, hosted by the Oxpeckers Center for Investigative Environmental Journalists and the Wits China-Africa Reporting Project, produced a unique collaborative journalism model that should be replicated
The document discusses rhino poaching in South Africa and its links to organized crime. It notes that rhino poaching has increased significantly since 2000 due to demand for rhino horn in traditional Asian medicine in countries like Vietnam and China. Poaching is carried out by criminal syndicates that involve local and international networks trafficking rhino horn for large profits. The government of South Africa has implemented various strategies to combat poaching, including strengthened law enforcement and security measures, but poaching remains a major problem. The use of unmanned drones is proposed as a potential tool to help anti-poaching efforts.
The document summarizes information about wildlife crime in Uganda presented by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It defines wildlife crime and discusses the common types occurring in Uganda. The main drivers are identified as traditional practices, subsistence needs, and commercial trade, both within and outside the country. The impacts on elephant and lion populations are shown through census data. Actions to combat wildlife crime discussed include effective ranger patrols, intelligence gathering, working with the judiciary, and addressing the root drivers by engaging local communities and establishing alternative livelihoods. A multifaceted approach is needed to curb wildlife crime in Uganda.
Rhino poaching is threatening to reverse decades of conservation efforts as the demand for rhino horn in Asia is driving poachers to kill over 800 rhinos in the last three years. Organized crime syndicates are targeting rhinos, especially in South Africa's Kruger National Park, using helicopters and automatic weapons. Increased cooperation between wildlife organizations, police, prosecutors and the military is recommended to intercept poachers and trafficking rings in order to save the rhino species from extinction. As Christians, we are responsible for caring for God's creation and must work to protect threatened animal species like rhinos.
South Africa has made tourism a key economic sector, with the government aiming to increase its contribution. Tourism currently supports one in twelve jobs in South Africa. Some sustainable tourism initiatives in South Africa include community-owned lodges that invest in training local staff, partnerships between tour companies and local communities for employment and conservation, and initiatives to empower local charities. South African tourism also aims to promote sustainable economic and social empowerment for all South Africans. A new trend is eco-tourism partnerships between wine regions and conservation groups to raise the profile of entire regions and keep visitors longer.
Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.
This document discusses tourism in Kenya, including both positive and negative impacts. It provides background on why Kenya has been able to attract mass tourism and the economic benefits it provides. However, it also notes environmental and social issues that have arisen, such as damage to parks from overtourism. Strategies discussed include diversifying tourism activities, reducing numbers in some parks, and increasing involvement of local tribes and conservation efforts.
Btech Practical Project - Anti Rhino poaching online campaignJamey Plessis
The document outlines an online awareness campaign called "If You Only Knew" to help raise awareness about rhino poaching. It discusses the five remaining rhino species and background on poaching. It then profiles several organizations working to protect rhinos and their initiatives. The target market for the campaign is described as well as how social media can be used. The campaign concept involves creating an interactive rhino personality on social media to educate people about rhino life. Elements would include a viral video, masks with links to the online pages, and advertising the rhino's social media accounts.
Smart investments in Africa’s livestock potential ILRI
The document discusses the need for smart investments in Africa's livestock potential. It argues that Africa's livestock sector will be worth $150 billion by 2050 but is currently underinvested, receiving just 0.1% of total overseas development assistance. It calls for investing in African women, who currently have limited access to credit and land; political engagement to prioritize livestock; science to deliver development outcomes; evidence-based research on topics like greenhouse gas emissions and livestock-derived nutrition; young people, who view livestock as a business opportunity; Africa's diverse livestock systems; and the continent's livestock genetic resources.
China has emerged as a major investor in Africa in recent years, particularly in extraction industries like mining and oil to ensure future supplies of raw materials. China invests heavily in mines, oil wells, and infrastructure projects across Africa. However, there are concerns about the environmental and social impacts of these projects. China's demand for ivory and rhino horn also fuels illegal poaching in Africa that threatens wildlife populations. While economic benefits are gained, some experts argue China is exploiting Africa's natural resources similar to historical colonial practices.
Panthera is an organization devoted to preserving wild cats and their ecosystems. It develops strategies based on science to protect cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers. WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by changing consumer behavior. WildCRU was founded in 1986 and conducts original research to achieve practical conservation solutions, particularly for wild cats including lions. The document provides background on these three organizations and then summarizes a report on the crisis facing Africa's lions, whose populations have declined 43% in the past two decades due to loss of habitat and threats like retaliatory killing and bushmeat hunting.
Zimbabwe has developed eco-tourism to limit negative impacts on the environment and local people from tourism. Eco-tourism aims to minimize damage to local culture, help social justice, protect wildlife, and generate income for local communities. Tourism in Zimbabwe grew 20% since 1990, bringing economic benefits, but also risks degrading resources if not managed properly. Zimbabwe protects over 10% of its land through national parks and game reserves, home to wildlife like elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes. While eco-tourism provides benefits, some challenges remain, like conflicts between wildlife and subsistence farmers living near reserves.
Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.
The document discusses innovations from prize winners of the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge that are combating wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing. It provides brief descriptions of 16 prize winning innovations, including mobile apps that educate consumers and track aquarium fish sources, data science tools that monitor online wildlife sales, platforms that analyze media reports and map wildlife crime trends, and technologies like portable DNA sequencers and electronic noses that help identify smuggled wildlife parts. The innovations aim to increase prosecution rates and deter illegal wildlife trade and fishing activities on land and sea.
Tanzania has over 40% of its land designated as protected areas which attract tourists and contribute significantly to the economy. These areas include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Selous Game Reserve. After independence, Tanzania established institutions to manage these areas and train wildlife experts. It has since engaged the private sector and communities to develop tourism. Tourism is now a major economic sector, though heavy reliance on wildlife areas and international tourists remains a challenge the government is working to address through empowering local communities and diversifying tourism offerings.
South Africa has a diverse climate and terrain, ranging from coastal areas to highland plateaus and escarpments. It has a growing population, with 42% under age 18. While South Africa has the highest per capita income in Africa, large wealth disparities remain from the legacy of apartheid racial segregation policies. The country has transitioned to a democratic government and has a diverse, developing economy based on industries like mining, agriculture, and tourism.
More Related Content
Similar to China leads the decimation of Africa’s wildlife
WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and marine protection. The illegal wildlife trade is worth over $10 billion per year and has reduced many populations, yet little is spent on reducing demand. WildAid is the only organization focused on reducing demand for wildlife products through education. Their message is that when buying stops, the killing can too. They create public service announcements and documentaries to educate consumers and reduce rhino horn demand, especially in China where their message reaches 1 billion people per week.
The vaquita porpoise is nearly extinct due to illegal fishing of the totoaba fish for its swim bladder, which is in high demand in China. Gillnets used to catch totoaba unintentionally kill vaquitas. Fewer than 30 vaquitas may remain. Operation Fake Gold investigated the illegal supply chain of totoaba swim bladders from Mexico to China and identified Mexican and Chinese criminal networks trafficking the bladders for huge profits. The future of the vaquita porpoise and Gulf of California ecosystem hang in the balance unless action is taken to end illegal fishing and trafficking.
This document discusses combating illegal wildlife trade and trafficking. It provides:
1. An overview of declining wildlife populations in Uganda from the 1960s to present day, with many species experiencing major declines.
2. Details on illegal wildlife trade, including ivory trafficking through Uganda and major seizures in recent years.
3. The impacts of wildlife crime including scientific/ecological impacts like loss of biodiversity, economic impacts like losing $1.5 billion from tourism, and criminal impacts like links to organized crime.
Dr. Peter Hammond gave a presentation on rhino poaching in South Africa. He discussed how poaching has increased dramatically from 7 rhinos poached in 2000 to over 1000 poached in 2013. This is being driven by demand for rhino horn in Asian markets, where it is believed to be a miracle drug. Rhino poaching is now a $150 billion industry and is carried out by organized criminal networks. The poachers are heavily armed and there is an ongoing deadly battle with game rangers and police. However, efforts to stop poaching are being undermined by corruption among officials and across borders in Mozambique, where poachers operate from. Unless action is taken against this organized crime, rhino populations could
The Chinese Environmental Journalism Project, hosted by the Oxpeckers Center for Investigative Environmental Journalists and the Wits China-Africa Reporting Project, produced a unique collaborative journalism model that should be replicated
The document discusses rhino poaching in South Africa and its links to organized crime. It notes that rhino poaching has increased significantly since 2000 due to demand for rhino horn in traditional Asian medicine in countries like Vietnam and China. Poaching is carried out by criminal syndicates that involve local and international networks trafficking rhino horn for large profits. The government of South Africa has implemented various strategies to combat poaching, including strengthened law enforcement and security measures, but poaching remains a major problem. The use of unmanned drones is proposed as a potential tool to help anti-poaching efforts.
The document summarizes information about wildlife crime in Uganda presented by the Wildlife Conservation Society. It defines wildlife crime and discusses the common types occurring in Uganda. The main drivers are identified as traditional practices, subsistence needs, and commercial trade, both within and outside the country. The impacts on elephant and lion populations are shown through census data. Actions to combat wildlife crime discussed include effective ranger patrols, intelligence gathering, working with the judiciary, and addressing the root drivers by engaging local communities and establishing alternative livelihoods. A multifaceted approach is needed to curb wildlife crime in Uganda.
Rhino poaching is threatening to reverse decades of conservation efforts as the demand for rhino horn in Asia is driving poachers to kill over 800 rhinos in the last three years. Organized crime syndicates are targeting rhinos, especially in South Africa's Kruger National Park, using helicopters and automatic weapons. Increased cooperation between wildlife organizations, police, prosecutors and the military is recommended to intercept poachers and trafficking rings in order to save the rhino species from extinction. As Christians, we are responsible for caring for God's creation and must work to protect threatened animal species like rhinos.
South Africa has made tourism a key economic sector, with the government aiming to increase its contribution. Tourism currently supports one in twelve jobs in South Africa. Some sustainable tourism initiatives in South Africa include community-owned lodges that invest in training local staff, partnerships between tour companies and local communities for employment and conservation, and initiatives to empower local charities. South African tourism also aims to promote sustainable economic and social empowerment for all South Africans. A new trend is eco-tourism partnerships between wine regions and conservation groups to raise the profile of entire regions and keep visitors longer.
Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.
This document discusses tourism in Kenya, including both positive and negative impacts. It provides background on why Kenya has been able to attract mass tourism and the economic benefits it provides. However, it also notes environmental and social issues that have arisen, such as damage to parks from overtourism. Strategies discussed include diversifying tourism activities, reducing numbers in some parks, and increasing involvement of local tribes and conservation efforts.
Btech Practical Project - Anti Rhino poaching online campaignJamey Plessis
The document outlines an online awareness campaign called "If You Only Knew" to help raise awareness about rhino poaching. It discusses the five remaining rhino species and background on poaching. It then profiles several organizations working to protect rhinos and their initiatives. The target market for the campaign is described as well as how social media can be used. The campaign concept involves creating an interactive rhino personality on social media to educate people about rhino life. Elements would include a viral video, masks with links to the online pages, and advertising the rhino's social media accounts.
Smart investments in Africa’s livestock potential ILRI
The document discusses the need for smart investments in Africa's livestock potential. It argues that Africa's livestock sector will be worth $150 billion by 2050 but is currently underinvested, receiving just 0.1% of total overseas development assistance. It calls for investing in African women, who currently have limited access to credit and land; political engagement to prioritize livestock; science to deliver development outcomes; evidence-based research on topics like greenhouse gas emissions and livestock-derived nutrition; young people, who view livestock as a business opportunity; Africa's diverse livestock systems; and the continent's livestock genetic resources.
China has emerged as a major investor in Africa in recent years, particularly in extraction industries like mining and oil to ensure future supplies of raw materials. China invests heavily in mines, oil wells, and infrastructure projects across Africa. However, there are concerns about the environmental and social impacts of these projects. China's demand for ivory and rhino horn also fuels illegal poaching in Africa that threatens wildlife populations. While economic benefits are gained, some experts argue China is exploiting Africa's natural resources similar to historical colonial practices.
Panthera is an organization devoted to preserving wild cats and their ecosystems. It develops strategies based on science to protect cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers. WildAid's mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade by changing consumer behavior. WildCRU was founded in 1986 and conducts original research to achieve practical conservation solutions, particularly for wild cats including lions. The document provides background on these three organizations and then summarizes a report on the crisis facing Africa's lions, whose populations have declined 43% in the past two decades due to loss of habitat and threats like retaliatory killing and bushmeat hunting.
Zimbabwe has developed eco-tourism to limit negative impacts on the environment and local people from tourism. Eco-tourism aims to minimize damage to local culture, help social justice, protect wildlife, and generate income for local communities. Tourism in Zimbabwe grew 20% since 1990, bringing economic benefits, but also risks degrading resources if not managed properly. Zimbabwe protects over 10% of its land through national parks and game reserves, home to wildlife like elephants, rhinos, lions, and giraffes. While eco-tourism provides benefits, some challenges remain, like conflicts between wildlife and subsistence farmers living near reserves.
Indo Africa Times, a weekly newspaper has its key intend to create extensive awareness amongst people about Africa and India concerning different sectors like economy, politics, culture, fashion, sports and many more. It is our sincere endeavor to bridge the information gap between Africa and India by endowing our readers with updated and latest developments occurring in both the countries.
The document discusses innovations from prize winners of the Wildlife Crime Tech Challenge that are combating wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing. It provides brief descriptions of 16 prize winning innovations, including mobile apps that educate consumers and track aquarium fish sources, data science tools that monitor online wildlife sales, platforms that analyze media reports and map wildlife crime trends, and technologies like portable DNA sequencers and electronic noses that help identify smuggled wildlife parts. The innovations aim to increase prosecution rates and deter illegal wildlife trade and fishing activities on land and sea.
Tanzania has over 40% of its land designated as protected areas which attract tourists and contribute significantly to the economy. These areas include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Selous Game Reserve. After independence, Tanzania established institutions to manage these areas and train wildlife experts. It has since engaged the private sector and communities to develop tourism. Tourism is now a major economic sector, though heavy reliance on wildlife areas and international tourists remains a challenge the government is working to address through empowering local communities and diversifying tourism offerings.
South Africa has a diverse climate and terrain, ranging from coastal areas to highland plateaus and escarpments. It has a growing population, with 42% under age 18. While South Africa has the highest per capita income in Africa, large wealth disparities remain from the legacy of apartheid racial segregation policies. The country has transitioned to a democratic government and has a diverse, developing economy based on industries like mining, agriculture, and tourism.
Similar to China leads the decimation of Africa’s wildlife (20)
1. 34 www.newsletter.co.uk Tuesday,January20,2015NewsLetter
SusieMcCullough,NITBwithUTVPresenterandcompereMarcMallett
Tourism Awards to honour
the best in Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Tourist
Board (NITB) have launched
theirannualNorthernIreland
TourismAwards.
The awards recognise out-
standing achievements in the
tourismindustry.
Taking place at the Whitla
Hall at Queen’s University on
Thursday May 14 the ceremo-
nywillbecomperebyUTVpre-
senterMarcMallett.
NITB is encouraging tour-
ism organisations of all sizes
toenterinanefforttowinrec-
ognition for their hard work,
dedication and the important
part they play in the creation
ofqualityvisitorexperiences.
In the 37th year of these
awards, eleven award catego-
riesareupforgrabsandNITB
has introduced two new cat-
egories for 2015 – Sustainable
Tourism and Best Marketing
Mix.
Susie McCullough, direc-
tor of Business Support and
Events, said: “Winning an
award is an independent and
prestigious endorsement for
organisations and the quality
of their products and servic-
es they offer. Entering these
awards gives an organisation
theopportunitytoreviewtheir
business performance and
identifycorestrengths.”
Bangor based Estate Agency
Pinkertons have scooped the
SilverAwardforNorthernIre-
landEstateAgencyoftheYear
2014.
Thecompanywntheaward
at the highly competitive UK
Estate Agency of the Year
Awardsinassociationwiththe
SundayTimesandTheTimes.
The award accompanies the
two awards received in June
lastyear.
They were honoured at the
UKLettingAgencyofTheYear
Awards again in association
with the Sunday Times and
The Times having achieved
a Gold for both Best Letting
County Down estate
agency scoops top
national accolade
BUSINESS
China’s ivory trade leads the
decimation of Africa’s wildlife
NobodycanaccusetheChi-
neseofbeingbackwardwhen
theiravariceforivoryisbeing
considered.
While Prince William was
haranguing the World Bank
ConferenceinWashingtonin
December last about the “ig-
norantcravingforivoryacross
the world” President Xi Jin-
ping’spresidentialjetwasbe-
ing used to smuggle ivory out
ofTanzania.
While there is no sugges-
tion that Mr Xi was person-
allyinvolvedinthesmuggling
it is understood that his ac-
companying mandarins and
businessmenusedhisofficial
aircraft,aswellasdiplomatic
bags to get their contraband
hometoChina.
Apparentlythesamething
happened in 2009 when the
previousleaderHuJintaovis-
ited Tanzania (as advised by
theEnvironmentalInvestiga-
tionAgency).
Ivory sales in China are
skyrocketing as investors bet
that prices will continue to
riseastheAfricanelephantis
poachedtoextinction–while
atthesametimeChina’smid-
dleclassflauntsitsnewfound
wealth.
It is reckoned that about
100,000elephantswerekilled
across Africa between 2010
and2012.
In January 2012 raiders
on horseback charged out of
Chad into Cameroon’s Bouba
Ndjidah National Park and
slaughtered some 450 ele-
phantsinonefellswoop.
In October 2013 poachers
poisoned more than 300 el-
ephants in Hwange National
Park in Zimbabwe by pollut-
ing watering holes with cya-
nide.
Againthefingerofblameis
putattheillegaltradeoperat-
edbytheChineseandpossibly
withalittlehelpfromsomeof
President Mugabe’s national
parkaficionados.
The vast majority of this
poaching is carried out by or-
ganisedcrimesyndicatesthat
usehighpoweredtechnology
andweaponrytotrackandkill
their prey without being de-
tected.
This involves the use of
AK-47’s, grenade launchers,
night vision goggles, GPS and
low flying helicopters, none
of which are
readily avail-
able to the
indigenous
African.
I had the
pleasure of
visiting the Hwange Nation-
al Park shortly after this cya-
nide attack and as someone
who spent a lot of holidays
in Game Reserves during my
nine years working in South
Africa,itwassickeningtoim-
agine such sophisticated car-
nageina“socalled”backward
partofAfrica.
But such killing is not lim-
ited to ivory poachers. The
BlackRhinopopulationinAf-
rica is reputedly down 97.6%
since 1960, the lion is now ex-
tinct in some seven African
countriesandtherearefewer
than 900 mountain gorillas
leftonthecontinent.
Illegal poaching has be-
comebigbusinessandunfor-
tunately this is only possible
where poachers have the ex-
pensiveweaponryandtheend
user markets in South East
Asia which makes this busi-
nessprofitable.
Asian demand for rhino
horn has recently created a
record price for rhino horn
powderof$30,000perpound,
makingitevenmorevaluable
thangoldorcocaine.
TheChinesemalebelieves
that rhino horn powder im-
proves his erectile function
but this is an expensive way
to enjoy yourself in a country
wherepeoplearerestrictedto
“onechildfamilies”.
It is estimated that rhino
poaching has increased 1000
per cent in the last decade
with some 500 rhinos per
year being killed in South Af-
ricaalone.
Illegal wildlife trade, driv-
enbyhighprofitmarginsand
aidedbypoorgovernanceand
weaklawenforcementefforts,
hasboomed,justasotherChi-
neseinvestmentinAfricahas
becomeincreasinglyactive.
Toothless laws, corrup-
tion, weak judicial systems
and light punishments allow
criminal networks to thrive
withlittleregardtoriskorcon-
sequence.
Unfortu-
nately the
demand for
ivory alone
has surged
to the point
where the tusks of a single
adult elephant can be worth
more than 10 times the aver-
age per capita annual income
inmanyAfricancountries.
Much of the demand out-
side of China is in 2 other
South-Eastnations,Thailand
andthePhilippines.
Some5.4milliontonsofil-
legal ivory was seized by cus-
tomagentsinManilain2009.
Assuming an average of
Illegalivorybeingpreparedtobedestroyedbyofficials
“Itissadtorelatethattheillegaltradeinivoryistied
socloselytoreligionandinterestingthattherhino
isbeinghuntedalmosttoextinctiontoassaugethe
desiresoflasciviousChinesemales”
byIanRainey
Managingdirector
MSLSearch&Selection
22lbs of ivory per elephant
these seizures represent the
slaughter of some 1745 ele-
phants.
These figures have been
provided by the Convention
on International Trade in En-
dangeredSpecies(CITES)who
highlight that Manila is often
astagingpostfortransporting
ivoryintoChina.
It is sad that the demand
for Ivory in the Philippines
and Thailand is driven by the
demandsofboththeCatholic
andBuddhistreligions.
InthePhilippinesthemost
celebratedreligiousiconisthe
SantaNinodeCebu.
Some Filipinos believe
thattheSantoNinideCebuis
Christhimself.
The elephant is a symbol
of Thailand and is revered in
Buddhism.
SmallivoryimagesofBud-
dha and miniature images of
famousmonksaresoldopenly
byvendorsinBangkok’smar-
ketstreets.
Ivory removes bad spirits
is a claim by the revered Ele-
phantMonk.
Many there believe that
“when elephants die they
want to leave man something
behind as a good deed to have
agoodnextlife”.
Itshouldalsobenotedthat
there are some 200 million
BuddhismbelieversinChina.
It is sad to relate that the
illegal trade in ivory is tied so
closely to religion and inter-
esting that the rhino is being
huntedalmosttoextinctionto
assuage the desires of lascivi-
ousChinesemales.
Agent in Northern Ireland
and Best Property Manage-
mentCompanyintheUK.
Victoria Puinkerton said:
“I want Pinkertons to be the
bestEstateAgency.”
VictoriaPinkerton(centre)with
MichelleMoneOBEandGaryTowns