Wildlife
policy rules out sport hunting
The Government has ruled out the inclusion of sport hunting in the new wildlife policy. But “that does not mean the issue cannot be considered in the future,” Tourism minister Morris Dzoro told a meeting in Nairobi yesterday.
The minister denied claims that consultants hired to draft the policy had included sport hunting in earlier versions despite opposition from local communities. He said those with proposals should forward them to the national steering committee before April 5, 2007, when the final draft will be prepared.
Mr Dzoro also said
his ministry had embarked on “a new era in wildlife management”
in which policies will be based on science and participation by the people.
During the plenary
session, speakers said there should be a clear mechanism to ensure those
living with wildlife are compensated for loss of life and property due
to conflict with wild animals.