Recent
report from Canadian and Dutch Governments says, “they have committed
themselves to supporting Kenya in combating international wildlife trafficking”.
The
Canadian government committed $2 million (Ksh160 million) emergency funding
while the Dutch Government will support Kenya Wildlife Service activities at
the Mombasa port, including provision of additional sniffer dogs, container
scanners and capacity building.
Canada
will build the capacity of Kenya Wildlife Service to combat international
wildlife trafficking at source, thereby improving national security and
stability in the rural and border areas by disrupting illicit networks involved
in poaching and illegal trade of wildlife. Specifically, the money will be
used in wildlife security enhancement, equipping the forensic laboratory and
outreach, public awareness and education on poaching.
Canadian
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird made the announcement at the just-ended
London Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade which ran from February 13 to 14.“Illegal
wildlife trafficking is known to fund the drug trade, corruption and terrorist
activities in Africa,” said Mr Baird. “Canada continues to make a positive
contribution to this fight.”
In his
address to the conference, Mr Baird recommended that the world take urgent and
decisive action to deal with the current poaching crisis that threatens the
survival of the African elephant and rhinoceros populations and has dire
consequences for security, governance and the livelihoods of communities. Prof
Judi Wakhungu, Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Water and Natural Resources
led a high-powered Kenyan delegation that included KWS officials to the London conference.
Illegal trade in wildlife has increased exponentially over the past five to
seven years and affects international security, stability, governance and biodiversity.
In curbing all these will increase Kenya tourists in Kenya.
Sharon C
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