THE Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) has removed 22 000
snares and apprehended more than 600 animal poachers in the resort town
since its formation in 1999.
Pamela Mhlanga
Charles Brightman, a local safari operator and conservationist
together with the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, established the VFAPU in
an effort to fight high levels of destruction that were taking place.
Since then, VFAPU a non-profit organisation dedicated to the
conservation of the country’s local wildlife and natural resources, has
been working to rebalance the area in favour of both the people and
animals.
The US embassy in Zimbabwe revealed that since the formation of the
organisation in 1999, VFAPU had removed 22 000 snares and arrested over
600 poachers.
An official at the embassy, Sharon Hudson-Dean said the organisation
had successfully lobbied for more stringent laws against poaching and
helped destitute locals, who might otherwise have become poachers, find
other means of survival.
She said VFAPU also conducted scout training and reached out to schools and tourists with education programmes.
“Though these efforts have made a great difference, the long-term
answers to this problem are sustainable development, education and
community involvement,” she said.
“US embassies throughout sub-Saharan Africa are working with African
authorities to build effective, integrated approaches to wildlife
conservation. Fighting wildlife trafficking which is directly tied to
transnational crime is a US Foreign policy priority.
http://www.southerneye.co.zw/2013/06/20/600-dangerous-poachers-netted/
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