Protected Species Regulations
28 August 2007
Mafikeng: Large predator game farmers, wildlife traders, biodiversity
conservation associations, representatives from scientific institutions,
traditional healers and tribal authorities from all over the North West
province, will next week on 4 September 2007, converge at the Embassy Hall in
Mafikeng, to discuss the implementation of the new Threatened or Protected
Species (TOPS) Regulation in the province. These regulations, amongst other
provisions, seek to regulate the hunting of large predators, particularly
lions.
The regulations, published by the national Minister for the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk in February this
year, provide for a 24 month period of free roaming for predators before they
can be hunted. They were published in terms of the Biodiversity Act 10 of 2004.
The regulations where initially supposed to take effect on 1 June 2007, however
after presentations by different provinces on challenges in implementation by
June 2007, the date of implementation was postponed to 1 February 2008.
"The planned workshop is part of our effort to ensure smooth and flawless
implementation of the regulations. We also want to assess the state of
readiness from the side of all affected stakeholders. We believe that their
involvement in this process will ensure proper management of the entire
industry in the province," explained Acting MEC for the Department of
Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, Darkie Africa. The workshop, to be
conducted by officials from the national Department of Environmental Affairs
and Tourism, will take place as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Time: 09h00 to 16h00
Venue: Embassy Hall, Mafikeng
Invited stakeholders include those involved in captive breeding operations,
commercial exhibition facilities, nurseries, rehabilitation facilities,
research units of tertiary institutions, hunting outfitters and the North West
Parks and Tourism Board.
Members of the media are invited.
Enquiries:
Ms Lesego Mncwango
Departmental Spokesperson
Tel: 018 389 5768
Cell: 078 459 5981
E-mail: lmncwango@nwpg.gov.za
Ms Bonolo Mohlakoana
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 018 389 5459
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, North West
Provincial Government
28 August 2007
