Ban of trophy hunting could have serious economic consequences for SA

06 August 2015 - 10:15 By RDM News Wire

Calls to ban hunting could have serious consequences to countries that market themselves as hunting destinations‚ countries supplying hunting-related products‚ as well as businesses and people dependent on the hunting industry‚ North-West University’s Tourism Research in Economic Environs and Society (TREES) said on Wednesday. The call to ban hunting‚ especially trophy hunting‚ has been gaining ground following last month’s hunt of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe.Prof Peet van der Merwe of TREES‚ said if hunting was banned in South Africa‚ “it will result in the loss of thousands of jobs and the closing down of hundreds of business since most game farms are dependent on this source of income”.He said a ban would “hit an already economically struggling country hard. It will not only affect hunting destinations in South Africa‚ but also countries that supply hunting equipment‚ rifles‚ ammunition‚ and numerous other products dependent on hunting.”People and organisations in South Africa and other countries should “carefully rethink the consequences of their call for the ban of hunting‚ specifically African countries where job creation is critical and poverty is high‚ not even to mention land that would be lost for wildlife and conservation in Africa”.Industries‚ businesses and organisations that were directly affected by hunting include: taxidermy services‚ butcheries (meat products)‚ hunting gear suppliers‚ hunting organisations‚ game translocation and capturing services‚ auctioneers‚ veterinary services‚ hunting clothing suppliers‚ fire-arm dealers‚ manufactures‚ trade shows and exhibitions‚ and license/permit departments.Other areas that would be affected by a ban were the accommodation sector and transport sector; “in other words‚ the tourism industry that many African countries rely on”‚ Van der Merwe said...

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