adminThe Herald, February 16, 1993
THE Agricultural Development Authority has entered into a joint venture with a local safari operator to carry out safari hunting operations on its farms and ranches in Matabeleland.
According to the hunting lease agreement effective for one year until the end of December, ADA offered hunting, shooting and safari rights over Battlefields and Doreen’s Pride Ranches to the director of Connell Safaris, Mr Con van Wyk.
In the deal, the State farming agency would get trophy fees for all the safari operations while the operator would receive all the daily rates.
At the end of each calendar month, the safari operator shall post to the authority a return of all animals shot or wounded during that month and shall also make full payment of the value of the wounded animals.
In an interview, Mr van Wyk said the one year-contract was renewable.
Connell Safaris offer leopard and plains game safaris on several ranches in Matabeleland.
Mr van Wyk said ADA was now offering exclusive private hunting safaris on its wildlife estates in the region because it had diversified its operations to include wildlife conservation.
Controlled and expertly guided hunting was carried out in accordance with the long-term national policies of utilisation of renewable resources and sustainable conservation programmes.
He said ADA could earn more money through game ranching than livestock farming, adding that Connell Safaris was receiving inquiries about trophy hunting safaris from people as far afield as Germany.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
Sustainable safari operations will not only raise funds for the country but will also assist in combating poaching.
Group-joining safari has become a trend in recent times and offers huge benefits to those with a rather tight budget or first-time travellers.
Wild animals, on the other hand, are the product of a far more natural, sustainable and evolutionary form of land use. They are a valuable asset for private landowners and rural communities.
However, people sharing the land with wildlife must be able to make a living. Wildlife is renewable, and its sustainable use must not be negated.
Online Reporter