World Animal Protection calls for urgent measures to protect Africa’s wildlife from increasing threats. The organization highlights the impacts of poaching, habitat destruction, and exploitative practices on wildlife survival, coinciding with World Wildlife Day. WAP advocates for adequate funding, ethical tourism, and community-based conservation to preserve ecosystems and promote coexistence with wildlife.
World Animal Protection (WAP) is urgently advocating for actions to safeguard Africa’s wildlife amidst rising threats. Wildlife in Africa is confronted with numerous challenges including lack of funding for conservation, harmful wildlife policies, habitat destruction, poaching, and conflicts with humans. This call to action coincides with World Wildlife Day, observed globally to highlight the significance of wildlife conservation, with this year’s theme focusing on investing in both people and the planet.
Edith Kabesiime, WAP’s Wildlife Campaign Manager, emphasizes the importance of addressing the rising issue of wildlife captive farming for profit, which poses a jeopardy to animal welfare and leads to a decline in species. Kabesiime asserts, “This is an industry that not only compromises animal welfare but also accelerates species decline.” She stresses that necessary resources must be allocated to preserve wildlife in their natural habitats, prioritizing their ecological contribution over immediate monetary gains.
WAP seeks sustainable solutions to these challenges, urging governments and conservation organizations to allocate adequate resources within their budgets for the protection of wildlife ecosystems. The organization calls for the end of wild animal exploitation, while advocating for public awareness and policy reforms to prevent the farming, capture, and commodification of wildlife.
Furthermore, WAP encourages the promotion of coexistence between communities and wildlife through the implementation of community-based conservation initiatives aimed at reducing conflict. The organization also emphasizes the benefits of ethical tourism practices that avoid exploitation, alongside advocating for stronger legislation governing wildlife protection and stricter penalties to deter illicit wildlife practices.
In summary, World Animal Protection’s urgent call to action highlights the critical need for enhanced support and funding for wildlife conservation across Africa. With a focus on ethical practices and community collaboration, the organization seeks to address the pressing issues threatening wildlife, advocating for long-term solutions to protect natural ecosystems. It is crucial for all stakeholders to prioritize wildlife welfare and work together to ensure their survival for future generations.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke