WILDLIFE CARDINAL FOR TOURISM

A Conservation Organisation, Game Rangers International says there’s need to conserve wildlife because of its potential to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Game Rangers International Project Manager, Sarah Davies says the tourism industry employs more than 80,000 people and contributes more than K9.2 billion to Zambia’s economy annually.

Speaking to ZANIS in an interview, Ms. Davies said her organization has partnered with other stakeholders to supplement government efforts in conserving wildlife, which forms the backbone of Zambia’s tourism.

She explained that experts have reported that 100 elephants are being killed every day in Africa for their ivory tusks, which are used for ornaments and medicine mostly in Asia.

Ms. Davies said there’s need to enhance conservation efforts in a bid to protect wildlife which is a major part of the tourism sector.

She explained that the tourism sector offers huge growth potential for the industry especially as it doesn’t rely directly on rain or copper prices.

“It is illegal to be involved in elephant poaching or ivory trafficking in Zambia. If they are found guilty, elephant poachers can go to prison, for 5 to 20 years.

“The tourism industry employs more than 80,000 people and contributes more than K9.2 billion to Zambia’s economy every year”, she added.

Ms. Davies stated that like elephants, Zambia is also home to the most trafficked animal on the planet, the pangolin.

She pointed out that It is illegal to capture or sell these animals and people found guilty of this offence can go to jail for 5 years.

The Game Rangers International Project Manager observed that pangolin population in Zambia is under serious threat.

Ms. Davies implored Zambians to report anyone selling Pangolins to the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) if the vice is to be curbed.