Botswana’s President’s Warning to Germany
The President of Botswana, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has issued a strong warning to Germany regarding the import of hunting trophies and its impact on Botswana’s conservation efforts.
Threat of Sending Elephants to Germany
President Masisi has threatened to send around 20,000 elephants to Germany in response to the possibility of stringent limits on importing hunting trophies raised by Germany’s environment ministry earlier this year.
Conservation Efforts and Hunting in Botswana
President Masisi emphasized that the population of elephants in Botswana has increased significantly due to conservation efforts. He believes that hunting is a crucial method to control the elephant population and prevent them from causing damage to property and crops, as well as endangering residents.
Botswana’s Stance on Trophy Hunting
Botswana banned trophy hunting in 2014 but lifted the restrictions in 2019 under pressure from local communities. The country is home to over 130,000 elephants, exceeding its carrying capacity.
Germany’s Response and Animal Rights Advocacy
Germany’s environment ministry, led by Green minister Steffi Lemke, has proposed a ban on the import of hunting trophies. Animal rights groups have supported this measure, condemning trophy hunting as a cruel practice favored by wealthy individuals.
Despite the tensions, discussions between Botswana and Germany continue, with the EU planning stricter regulations on the import of African elephant trophies.
