Illegal poaching threatens to wipe out South Sudan's elephants and other wildlife - CNA

The Uganda Wildlife Authority said it is aware of organised criminal networks involved in illegal wildlife trafficking from the nation to Vietnam, including one called the Viet Group.

Founded in northern Vietnam in the late 2000s, it allegedly started its operations in Africa with a view to sourcing wildlife and increasing its control of the illicit wildlife supply chain.

Once ivory from South Sudan is transported into Uganda, members of the group can gain access to it.

Vietnamese authorities said these members work with local suppliers in Mozambique and Uganda to get their hands on the illicit goods.

In 2019, Ugandan authorities arrested several Vietnamese nationals with ivory concealed in trucks that transport goods for export.

WILDLIFE CRIMES AFFECT TOURISM

The EIA, which investigates environmental crimes, said authorities need to do more than just seizing contraband to tackle wildlife poaching and trafficking.

“There has got to be follow-up investigation in the country where the goods are supposed to be sold, and where the goods came from,” said Mr Justin Gosling, a law enforcement and criminal justice consultant.

East Africa’s wildlife helps draw more than 5 million tourists every year to Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, providing jobs and contributing significantly to their gross domestic product.

Experts said South Sudan, with its pristine nature, stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity, has great potential for wildlife tourism too.

This can help boost the nation’s economy and its population, of which the United Nations estimate 80 per cent live below the absolute poverty line.

However, that would depend on the nation's efforts to protect its wildlife and stamp out poaching, as fears of extinction for many species – including its elephants – hang in the balance.

Adblock test (Why?)

https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMif2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vd29ybGQvc291dGgtc3VkYW4td2lsZGxpZmUtaWxsZWdhbC10cmFkZS10cmFmZmlja2luLXBvYWNoaW5nLWVsZXBoYW50cy1leHRpbmN0aW9uLWZlYXJzLTQ0MjYyOTHSAQA?oc=5

2024-06-21 05:23:00Z
CBMif2h0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmNoYW5uZWxuZXdzYXNpYS5jb20vd29ybGQvc291dGgtc3VkYW4td2lsZGxpZmUtaWxsZWdhbC10cmFkZS10cmFmZmlja2luLXBvYWNoaW5nLWVsZXBoYW50cy1leHRpbmN0aW9uLWZlYXJzLTQ0MjYyOTHSAQA