ZAMBIA: BAN LIFTED ON HUNTING IN 19 HUNTING BLOCKS

[PeteG]

As many of us had hoped, looks like Zambia is making some progress again and in the right direction for a change.

BAN ON HUNTING IN 19 HUNTING BLOCKS LIFTED
Minister Of Tourism and Arts Jean Kapata has lifted the ban on hunting in the 19 hunting blocks with immediate effect.

Ms Kapata made the announcement at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Tourism head office in Lusaka this morning.

She however said that the hunting will be conducted under laid down conditions and strict supervision from ZAWA. But that the ban on big Cats still stands.

Hunting in the said blocks was suspended in 2013 due to inability to select outfitters in these blocks arising from a flawed process in the tender.

Hunting of Lions and other cats was banned on understanding that their populations were depleted to such low levels that it was not sustainable to hunt them.

She has also appealed to everyone to assist government and ZAWA in the conservation of the wildlife and its habitat in Zambia.

She said that Zambia prides itself in having arguably the richest bio-diversity on the continent.


I'm not so sure about the claim to having the richest bio-diversity on the continent...

 

[spike.t]

well pete we will have to see how long the tendering etc will take, but as we discussed no cats makes it not really viable in a lot of GMAs.............................and that last bit is a fanciful statement...

 

[bluey]

so does this mean that they will issue permits to hunt crocs,in Zambia spikey ?

 

[spike.t]

so does this mean that they will issue permits to hunt crocs,in Zambia spikey ?

bluey sent you a pm

 

[Jumbo]

That is good news!

 

[BRICKBURN]

Good news that they understand hunting is going to contribute.
Hope they get their act together and count some cats and start hunting again.

 

[AfricaHunting.com]

ZAMBIA LIFTS BAN ON HUNTING
Washington D.C. - Today, Zambian Tourism and Arts Minister, Jean Kapata, announced that the ban on hunting, which was enacted in January 2013, has been lifted. Safari Club International (SCI) and SCI Foundation maintained that the ban was counter-productive to the conservation needs of Zambia, and today’s decision should be heralded as a win for sustainable-use conservation.

“SCI and SCI Foundation commend Minister Kapata on his decision,” said SCI Foundation Joe Hosmer. “Like most range states, Zambia relies on hunting revenue for most of their conservation funding, so maintaining sustainable hunting is crucial to their wildlife’s survival.”

When the ban was initiated in January 2013, SCI and SCI Foundation immediately met with the Zambian government officials educating them on the commitment of the hunting community to sustainable use conservation. These meetings set the course for today’s policy reversal.

Though cat hunting is still banned, the lifting of the ban is in response to Zambia’s attempt to diversify its economy. Copper currently monopolizes two-thirds of its foreign exchange earnings and the government hopes that reintroducing regulated hunting across the country will stimulate its economy and encourage conservation of its wildlife.

“Regulated, sustainable hunting gives additional value to wildlife and ensures that governments dedicate the necessary resources toward wildlife management,” SCI President Craig Kauffman said. “Zambia is a country with diverse and plentiful wildlife populations. Lifting the ban will produce multiple opportunities for Zambia to capitalize on this resource and provide sustainable, healthy populations for years to come. “

Zambia has stated that the ban on cat hunting will remain in effect until a survey on lion population numbers is complete. Currently SCI Foundation is funding a Zambia Lion Project (ZLP) to assist with this information. The ZLP is conducting genetic and demographic research to assess the current status of lions, and to develop and promote practices that ensure the long- term sustainability and health of Zambia's lion populations. These best practices for wildlife management will be discussed at this year’s African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) as they are crucial in ensuring sustainable hunting is possible.



Source: Safari Club International (SCI)

 

[James.Grage]

A report that i read showed that about 1200 to 1300 lions were being killed yearly by natives to protect their livestock.

The opening is a good sign, however the making of a profit on a concession is what will make it successful.

 

[bassasdaindia]

Hi anyone seen this report or can confirm more about this ?

http://www.zambiatourism.com/minister-lifts-ban-on-hunting

 

[bassasdaindia]

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/xinhua-news-agency/140821/zambia-lifts-ban-safari-hunting

 

[bassasdaindia]

http://www.lusakatimes.com/2014/08/21/kapata-lifts-ban-safari-hunting/

 

[bassasdaindia]

http://www.africanconservation.org/in-focus/item/zambia-lifts-ban-on-safari-hunting

 

[PeteG]

Let's hope that the issues surrounding the hunting ban have been sorted out.

well pete we will have to see how long the tendering etc will take, but as we discussed no cats makes it not really viable in a lot of GMAs.............................and that last bit is a fanciful statement...

gotta get the kitties!!
cant we put some "little" lions in takeri??
I promise they wont eat too many trophy sable!

 

[KWALATA SAFARIS]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 21, 2014

ZAMBIA LIFTS BAN ON HUNTING

Washington D.C. - Today, Zambian Tourism and Arts Minister, Jean Kapata, announced that the ban on hunting, which was enacted in January 2013, has been lifted. Safari Club International (SCI) and SCI Foundation maintained that the ban was counter-productive to the conservation needs of Zambia, and today’s decision should be heralded as a win for sustainable-use conservation.

“SCI and SCI Foundation commend Minister Kapata on his decision,” said SCI Foundation Joe Hosmer. “Like most range states, Zambia relies on hunting revenue for most of their conservation funding, so maintaining sustainable hunting is crucial to their wildlife’s survival.”

When the ban was initiated in January 2013, SCI and SCI Foundation immediately met with the Zambian government officials educating them on the commitment of the hunting community to sustainable use conservation. These meetings set the course for today’s policy reversal.

Though cat hunting is still banned, the lifting of the ban is in response to Zambia’s attempt to diversify its economy. Copper currently monopolizes two-thirds of its foreign exchange earnings and the government hopes that reintroducing regulated hunting across the country will stimulate its economy and encourage conservation of its wildlife.

“Regulated, sustainable hunting gives additional value to wildlife and ensures that governments dedicate the necessary resources toward wildlife management,” SCI President Craig Kauffman said. “Zambia is a country with diverse and plentiful wildlife populations. Lifting the ban will produce multiple opportunities for Zambia to capitalize on this resource and provide sustainable, healthy populations for years to come. “

Zambia has stated that the ban on cat hunting will remain in effect until a survey on lion population numbers is complete. Currently SCI Foundation is funding a Zambia Lion Project (ZLP) to assist with this information. The ZLP is conducting genetic and demographic research to assess the current status of lions, and to develop and promote practices that ensure the long- term sustainability and health of Zambia's lion populations. These best practices for wildlife management will be discussed at this year’s African Wildlife Consultative Forum (AWCF) as they are crucial in ensuring sustainable hunting is possible.



My best always

 

[petrusg]

Excellent news!!

 

[CAustin]

To the pros on this site......is Zambia a safe place to travel to?

 

[PeteG]

To the pros on this site......is Zambia a safe place to travel to?

CAustin, it is a very safe peaceful country.
Anything specific you are concerned with?

 

[spike.t]

To the pros on this site......is Zambia a safe place to travel to?

well i would be happier trying to hitchhike in zambia than a lot of 1st world countries . its the same as anywhere there is the usual crime and if you go to the wrong areas at night you could end up in trouble , but apart from the students at the university in lusaka who get their knickers in a twist occasionally, as uni students do and have a protest for a day or two thats about it. as a visitor you will be in a country where to the majority of the local population you are incredibaly rich in their eyes and theft from vehicles is bad , but you wouldnt leave your valuables on show in a vehicle in the usa or european countries either. you could come do a hunt and then visit other places and you wont feel like you are worried for your safety at all. so when are you coming?

 

[CAustin]

Spike.t and PeteG,
Thank you for the information. I have been on two safari trips but both to South Africa flying into Joberg. Where dies one fly to in order to hunt in Zambia? Does one still fly into Joberg and then take a regional carrier into Zambia or charter flight to camp area?
Are hunts In Zambia mostly open free range hunting or is it game ranches like much of South Africa?
Thank you in advance for your reply.

 

[gordon-kruger]

No..no..no my friend... better to look at a map

When hunting in Zambian you flying to Lusaka, in other wise you must driving from J-burg into Botswana and then passing whole Botswana or Zim and then finally you enter Zambia... will take you 25 hours intensive driving with out stops....

Also you need a transfer gun permit, to driving over Botswana or Zimbabwe with you rifle in the car, the same if you driving over Namibia its along way !!

Its shame that the best cat hunting on the continent is closed !!!

Gordon