In May of 2021, the Ministry of Forestry and Fisheries and Environmental Affairs released the report of a high-level panel (HLP) that was appointed to review policies, practices and regulations related to the hunting, trade and captive keeping of several wild animal species including lions and leopards.
READ: SA government to take action against captive lion hunting and breeding
Cabinet has now approved the draft White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of South Africa’s Biodiversity for public comment. The HLP emphasised the need for a ‘more holistic approach to sustainable use’ of South Africa’s biodiversity, and the ending of poor and harmful practices, such as those associated with the captive lion industry.
The HLP also recognised the need for a shift to ‘an Africanised conservation approach, that embraces the diverse cultures, traditions, and knowledge systems in South Africa, and values such as Ubuntu.’
‘The Department has worked closely with SANBI, SANParks, and our partners in the provinces to craft the draft White Paper, which sets out a vision of “A prosperous nation, living in harmony with nature, where biodiversity is conserved for present and future generations, and secures equitable livelihoods and improved human well-being”,’the report reads.
The draft White Paper also sets out important principles which will guide future policy, legislation, and decision-making across the sector. The White Paper will be published in the second quarter of the 2022/23 financial year for public comment.
Picture: Blood Lions
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