USA & Tanzania join forces in war against poaching

US Deputy Secretary of The Department of the Interior David Hayes and Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Khamis Kagasheki at the press conference

The initial, low-key event in Arusha earmarked successful negotiations between the two countries in which America will assist Tanzania’s fight against poaching, through logistical and technical support. Poachers are slaughtering an average of 67 elephants per day across Tanzania(ref:www.wildlifenews.co.uk- Jan 19, 2013) and at the present rate it is predicted that Tanzania will have no remaining elephants by the year 2020 (ref: www.telegraph.co.uk – Aug, 2008).

The facts are alarming, however the previous US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton’s call on world leaders to end the slaughter of African elephants was a stirring and accurate statement that triggered a new wave of global awareness (ref: www.cbsnews.com- Dec 4, 2012). Clinton touched on many of the factors, which one hopes the new Memorandum of Understanding between America and Tanzania will solidify. The MOU will act as a framework for cooperation between the US and Tanzania.David Hayes emphasized America’s wish, “To develop a long lasting relationship with Tanzania and work together on Wildlife Management’. Hayes added, “The MOU signed today will reinvigorate the relationship linking our ministries and further develop dialogue between us.”

Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Khamis Kagasheki, (who visited America last year to initiate talks leading up to the signing of the MOU) emphasized that, “The MOU was not a quick fix, but a long-term commitment from both sides to safeguard Tanzania’s wildlife.”

The United States ban on all ivory imports in 1989 triggered other countries to follow suit and under the African Elephant Conservation Act they established a program annually awarding up to $5 million towards anti-poaching projects in Africa. Hon. James Lembeli MP (who attended the function) emphasized that Hilary Clinton’s remarks, and agreements such as the MOU further strengthened the fight against poaching.

Captain Minja, Principal Game Officer in charge of the WMA (Wildlife Management Area) desk in Dar es Salaamagreed that many Tanzanian’s feel the fight against elephant and rhino poaching must begin at grass roots. Funds specifically supportingfurther education andspecialised courses will empower the WMA, boost the rangers’moral and confidence, and provide an attractive, long-term alternative to ‘local subsistence poachers’ on the poverty line. The war against poaching cannot be won with weaponry alone but must involve the support and involvement of all the local communities. This writer also believesthat extending, sponsored education to the ranger’s familieswill pave the way for the next generation of true environmentalists.

At the other end of the scope many Tanzanians believe that World leaders (including Africa) need to show strength and solidarity by enforcing international trade embargoes against Far East countries (including China & Vietnam); that operate sophisticated poaching syndicates within Africa, feeding the ivory and rhino horn trade – and supporting terrorist organisations and civil wars (ref: http://www.guardian.co.ukNov 8th, 2012)

Anti poaching operations across East Africa are often funded extensively by international organisations, without whichtheseefforts could not survive. They are sustained by a local taskforce of brave rangers, often-patrolling huge distances over a period of several days with little more than some water and basic equipment. (ref: www.photography4life.org/day-operations-articles/). Their commitment and perseverance is extraordinary, especially in light of the fact that many of these dedicated men and women live a humble existence. The Enduimeti WMA rangers in West Kilimanjaro are just such an example – a people fighting to protect their future, rich in hope and enthusiasm.

It will take a massive and united front to make a dent in the poaching activities that are flooring Africa. “It is one thing to be worried about the traditional poachers who come in and kill and take a few animals, a few tusks, a few horns, or other animal parts,” Hilary Clinton recently told conservationists. “It’s something else when you’ve got helicopters, night vision goggles, automatic weapons, which pose a threat to human life as well as wildlife.”

Cristián Samper, President of the Wildlife Conservation Society recently said, “the important thing is linking this with security issues and acknowledging this is an international crime.”

Crawford Allan, Director of the World Wildlife Fund’santi-trafficking efforts in the USA, believes the seal of approval from Hilary Clinton and the American State Department set a new precedence and high-level of commitment on the world stage for combating wildlife trafficking. He added that, “regardless of whether Secretary Clinton stays at the State Department or not, there is no turning back now. She has certainly let the genie out of the bottle and we are going to make the most of it.”