In a move to protect the country's natural heritage and the tourism agency, Botswana's President Ian Khama announced that starting in 2014, no hunting licenses will be issued. Khama said this decision came as a result of increased poaching in the country which has affected the tourism industry.
Keep in mind that the tourism industry contributes to about 12% of Botswana's GDP. Here are some of the arguments I've been reading:
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Argument 1
What happens to the communities who benefit immensely from hunting?
Counter argument
Come on now, instead of killing animals, don't they have more to benefit from the tourism industry? Tourism generates more revenue and more jobs than killing an elephant does.
Counter-counter argument
The tourism industry is reserved for the wealthy. The common man (Thabo) who relies on hunting to make animal skin goods, for example will be out of work.
Counter-counter-counter argument
Can't the Botswana government create more tourism related jobs for Thabo? So he doesn't solely rely on selling his animals skin goods?
Argument 2
Expect poaching to skyrocket
Counter argument
Can't think of any right now
The Basarwa plan to confront the government on the issue as they see it as a move to undermine and further impoverish them.
Bottom line: Controversial but welcome news, and leave the animals alone.
