John Ledger
New member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2018
- Messages
- 1
- Reaction score
- 4
- Location
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Member of
- Columnist for African Hunting Gazette
- Hunted
- South Africa
Land use options are critical in determining the future of Africa's rich biodiversity and diverse habitats. As a life-long conservationist, and past Director of the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) from 1985 to 2002, I have always seen sustainable utilisation of wildlife as one of the most powerful tools to protect habitats. All forms of wildlife use, from subsistence wildlife harvesting, sport hunting for own consumption and trophy hunting, help to make wildlife valuable, and provide incomes and livelihoods to the custodians of the land. Governments need to provide an enabling environment for the legitimate owners of wildlife, and protect them from those who would take away their assets. These include both wildlife thieves and those who use international treaties and conventions to deprive the legitimate custodians of the financial benefits that can be derived from a legal trade in wildlife products. I support hunting in every way that I can, and write a regular column for the African Hunting Gazette.