The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT)’s anti-poaching unit on Sunday received a donation of four dogs worth N.dollars 300 000, aimed at supporting wildlife crime prevention.

The donation of two Belgium Malenois and German Shepherds dogs from the Netherlands was made by Old Mutual and the United States of America’s Wildlife and Fisheries Institution.

Receiving the dogs at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, MEFT deputy executive director, Colgar Sikopo, said the dogs form part of the ministry’s strategic measures to assist in anti-poaching crimes, through investigations, tracing and detection of wildlife crimes within all national parks.

Sikopo indicated that the ministry’s canine (K9) unit has five existing dogs, which have been successful in the fight against wildlife crimes, noting that there has been a reduction in poaching due to the support of the dogs.

“Wildlife is a very important aspect of the country and contributes extensively to GDP. The introduction of the dog unit showed a reduction in wildlife crimes and an additional of dogs is vital. We want to see an end to rhino and elephant poaching,’ he noted.

Sikopo also noted that wildlife supports many livelihoods through the government’s 86 conservancies, which generate over N.dollars 50 million in revenue annually through trophy hunting and many other activities.

Speaking at the same event, Old Mutual Manager for Communications and Social Responsibility, Mauriza Fredericks, said the assistance to government is an effort to see an end to wildlife crimes, noting that Namibia’s natural resources should reach generations and that goal can only be achieved if poaching ends.

“Old Mutual values its customers, employees and the community. Namibia’s environment is unique and we are aware of how our wildlife has been impacted by poaching and other wildlife crimes, hence the investment,” she said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency