Efforts to provide protection to wildlife will intensify.
Receiving anti-poaching equipment donated by China to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism said anti-poaching was not just a word, but was about the commitment and dedication in protecting and preserving wildlife species.
Mr Tshekedi Khama said the equipment was appreciated because the country was trying to curb the poaching of Rhinos and Elephants while the ministry was challenged regarding financial resources to perform of anti-poaching duties.
“What we receive today is very appropriate to the kind of work we do with anti-poaching.
All these things play a role in making and helping us in the delivery of anti-poaching, and also in the management of our natural resources,” said minister Khama.
The donated equipment include generators, solar panels, cold weather jackets, sleeping bags, GPS and computers among others.
The minister said to ensure that the Department of Wildlife and National Parks fulfills its mandate with less dependence on other law enforcement agencies, the ministry in 2014 increased the anti-poaching unit strength by 100 officers and by 75 in 2015.
The Ambassador of China to Botswana, Mr Zheng Zhuquiang said his country appreciates Botswana’s long term effort in protecting wildlife, and that in order to further strengthen the cooperation in wildlife protection between the two countries, the Chinese government saw it fit to pledge such equipment.
“I sincerely hope that with our joint effort, we shall carry out wildlife protection campaigns and curb illegal wildlife trading more efficiently and that we will see a more beautiful and diverse world,” he said.
The Chinese Embassy also donated P200 000 to the government last year for the relocation of about 500 wild animals.
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