Niël Terblanché
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) has raised concerns over the importation of live white rhinoceros from South Africa by registered Namibian game dealers for re-export to countries outside their natural distribution range.
This issue has gained attention due to the persistent demand for white rhinoceros and the greater availability of these animals in South Africa.
According to MEFT spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, South Africa has implemented stricter domestic measures that prohibit the export of certain wildlife species.
In light of this, he cautioned Namibian private farmers, particularly registered game dealers, against engaging in such transactions, emphasizing that they would not be supported within the provisions of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The 19th Conference of the Parties (CoP19) to CITES, held in November 2022 in Panama, addressed the future of international trade in endangered species.
Given the critical impact of illegal trade in rhino horn on the conservation status of these animals, rhinos were a central topic of discussion during the conference.
Muyunda made it clear that Namibia is committed to upholding the rule of law and will not allow itself to be used to circumvent South African laws.
Importing white rhinos from South Africa could also have potential disadvantages for Namibian farmers and game dealers if they wish to export white rhinoceros of Namibian origin.
The Ministry values and respects its relationship with registered game dealers and aims to maintain it.
Muyunda warned game dealers engaging in activities that undermine domestic laws or those of other countries is not acceptable and could have far-reaching consequences.
Muyunda said that such actions could be detrimental to conservation efforts and may even lead to international trade suspensions for Namibia due to non-compliance with the provisions of the CITES Convention in the long run.
“Namibia is determined to remain committed to the protection and preservation of its wildlife heritage while adhering to international regulations,” he said. The caution from the MEFT serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible wildlife management and cooperation between nations to safeguard endangered species such as the white rhinoceros from the threats posed by illegal trade and exploitation.
