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Botswana readies for CITES showdown

Ready to rumble: Senyatso is upbeat about the country’s prospects at CITES PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Ready to rumble: Senyatso is upbeat about the country’s prospects at CITES PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Local wildlife authorities are conducting last-minute lobbying of diplomats and others, as the country prepares for a highly contentious Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) meeting, where several West African states are pushing for a ban on Botswana’s elephant trophy hunting.

CITES is an international body binding 184 states to agreements on the trade and protection of endangered plants and animals.

The upcoming Conference of Parties (CoP) is CITES’ highest decision-making meeting held every three years where countries frequently clash over proposals to tighten or loosen trade in various animals and plants.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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