•Call for Increased Funding and Stronger Policies to Combat Threats
As Africa’s wildlife faces escalating threats from habitat destruction, poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and both legal and illegal trade, World Animal Protection (WAP) has called for urgent action to safeguard the continent’s biodiversity.
WAP’s Wildlife Campaign Manager, Edith Kabesiime, has warned that without immediate intervention, Africa’s unique wildlife heritage could be lost.
The call to action coincides with World Wildlife Day, a global event aimed at raising awareness about wildlife conservation.
This year’s theme, “Wildlife Conservation Finance: Investing in People and Planet,” highlights the crucial need for increased financial support to protect wild animals and their habitats.
Wildlife Under Threat: The Growing Crisis
Africa’s wild animals are increasingly under pressure due to multiple challenges, including:
- Inadequate conservation funding
- Harmful wildlife policies
- Rapid habitat destruction
- Poaching and illegal wildlife trade
- Escalating human-wildlife conflicts
- The rise of commercial wildlife farming
Kabesiime emphasized that the expansion of wildlife farming for commercial gain is a major concern.
“This industry not only compromises animal welfare but also accelerates species decline. We need urgent efforts to channel resources toward protecting animals in their natural habitats,” she stated.
The Need for Sustainable Conservation Strategies
Kabesiime underscored that thousands of wild animals are poached, trafficked, bred, and kept in inhumane conditions every year, often driven by profit-driven exploitation.
She called for a shift in conservation efforts that prioritize wildlife protection over economic gains.
“We must put an end to this model that prioritizes profit over animal welfare and instead champion the protection of wildlife in their natural environments,” she asserted.
While financial investments in wildlife conservation are often weighed against economic returns, she stressed that the ecological balance maintained by wildlife is far more valuable than any short-term financial benefits.
Unfortunately, this immense contribution is often overlooked in policy and funding decisions.
WAP’s Call to Action: Stronger Policies and Community Involvement
World Animal Protection is pushing for comprehensive solutions to ensure long-term wildlife conservation. The organization is advocating for:
- Increased funding for conservation initiatives
- Stronger policies to end wildlife exploitation, including bans on farming, capturing, selling, and using wild animals for entertainment
- Community-led conservation initiatives to promote peaceful coexistence between wildlife and local populations
“We also need to promote coexistence between wildlife and communities by implementing community-based conservation programs that reduce human-wildlife conflict and ensure local populations are at the forefront of protecting wildlife,” the statement emphasized.
The Urgency of Action
With Africa’s wildlife facing unprecedented threats, WAP’s call for urgent intervention is a timely reminder of the need for stronger policies, better funding, and greater community involvement in conservation.
Without immediate action, the continent risks losing its rich biodiversity, which plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance and supporting local livelihoods.
As the world marks World Wildlife Day, governments, conservation organizations, and communities must step up efforts to protect wildlife and secure a sustainable future for both people and the planet.
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