Delegates at the ongoing KAZA 2024 Heads of State Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, reiterated demands for member states to exit the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This call is rooted in the repeated denial by CITES for the sale of ivory and other wildlife products, perceived as detrimental to the interests of the southern African nations.
Previous Efforts and Frustrations:
The KAZA-TFCA spans 520,000 square kilometers, encompassing five southern African nations along the Okavango and Zambezi river basins. These nations, including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, are home to a significant portion of Africa’s elephant population.
Previous Efforts and Frustrations:
At the 19th meeting of the CITES Conference of Parties in 2022, southern African countries, including KAZA states, advocated for the relaxation of ivory trade regulations. However, these efforts were met with resistance, leading to mounting frustrations and disputes with CITES.
Arguments for Withdrawal from CITES:
Southern African countries argue that the blanket ban on ivory trade deprives them of the opportunity to utilize their wildlife resources economically. They emphasize the need for conservation funding and highlight the imbalance between protectionist ideology and science-based decision-making within CITES.
Voices from the Summit:
At the Livingstone summit, delegates reiterated the call to withdraw from CITES, citing unfair treatment. Officials from Namibia and Zimbabwe emphasized the economic potential of their ivory stockpiles and questioned the rationale behind remaining in CITES if it does not serve their interests.
Exploring Alternative Markets:
Amid increasing bans on trophy hunting imports by Western countries, Zimbabwe is seeking alternative markets in the East for its hunting exports. This move reflects a growing distrust in Western policies and a shift towards diversifying trade partnerships.
Potential Solutions and Future Actions:
Experts propose political action, including partial or complete withdrawal from CITES by countries with substantial wildlife resources, as a means to challenge the existing regulatory framework and assert their interests on a global scale.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What is the main issue prompting renewed calls for withdrawal from CITES at the KAZA 2024 summit?
- a) Denial of access to wildlife sanctuaries
- b) Restrictions on ivory trade and wildlife product sales
- c) Disagreements over conservation funding
- d) Challenges in cross-border wildlife management
- Answer: b) Restrictions on ivory trade and wildlife product sales
- Which countries are part of the Kavango-Zambezi Trans-Frontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA)?
- a) South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda
- b) Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- c) Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan
- d) Madagascar, Mauritius, Seychelles, Comoros
- Answer: b) Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
- What was the outcome of the 19th meeting of the CITES Conference of Parties in 2022?
- a) Relaxation of ivory trade regulations
- b) Increased funding for conservation efforts
- c) Agreement on cross-border wildlife management
- d) Resistance to southern African countries’ proposals
- Answer: d) Resistance to southern African countries’ proposals
- Why are some southern African countries considering withdrawing from CITES?
- a) To promote wildlife tourism
- b) To enhance cross-border cooperation
- c) To challenge protectionist ideologies and trade restrictions
- d) To strengthen conservation efforts
- Answer: c) To challenge protectionist ideologies and trade restrictions
- What alternative market is Zimbabwe exploring for its hunting exports?
- a) Europe
- b) North America
- c) Asia
- d) Australia
- Answer: c) Asia