March 28, 2024

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AFRICAN TOURISM BOARD

African Tourism – Covid Wildlife Impact

How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected African tourism and its wildlife?

It’s not the first time we treat the theme of Africa and antipoaching in INSIDER RELEASE.

This is an issue that has always been on the top of our informative agenda since we deeply understand the value of this topic for the survival of our future generations.

It is important to focus on the important correlation between tourism and antipoaching, especially during such a difficult period. 

Indeed, it is undeniable that the impact of Covid-19 has hit this sector hard, and consequently the fight for the wildlife conservation has also suffered.

AFRICAN TOURISM BOARD

The African Tourism Board event:

Tomorrow is an important day for the future of tourism in Africa. A very prestigious and heavy event is taking place on the net. An online meeting where speakers from different backgrounds can share their ideas, perspective and approach regarding the diffusion and evolution of tourism in the continent: the “African Tourism Board” event. 

It is important to focus on the correlation between tourism and antipoaching, especially during such a difficult period. Indeed, it is undeniable that the impact of coronavirus has hit this sector hard, and consequently the fight against illegal poaching has also suffered.

Davide Bomben, director of the Poaching Prevention Academy (PPA) and founder of the Noctuam Training Academy in South Africa. Davide Bomben has dedicated his life to the fight against poaching and to the promotion of tourism to the African continent, will take part in the event. 

He will dwell on the disastrous impact that the sudden disruption of tourist flows is having on the struggle to conserve African wildlife. Bomben will highlight how a comprehensive approach to counter and prevention of poaching is one of the most important and effective ways to curb the slaughter. 

During the event, many other speakers will have the floor to talk about their perspective.

The event will be interactive and will be held at 16.00 CET Sunday 24 Juanuary 2021. 

Do not miss it!

Find more info how to join the meeting in the event poster on the up page.

Rhino
African Rhino – PH Colin Watts

Coronavirus also “infected” conservation

Africa’s endangered wildlife and the valiant communities that protect them are also collateral victims of the global covid-19 pandemic. The effects of lockdowns and restrictions on movement, the rise of new tensions on the African continent and the disruption of the flow of tourists, have abruptly cut off the financing network that allowed the fight for conservation.

There is a serious risk that, if joint action is not taken by the various African States (and not only) where the problem is most present, more than 30 years of struggle will be undone.

Improper management of the problem could have irreversible consequences for protected wildlife areas this time. There is a need for the study and implementation of new policies that consider national security and pandemic containment but at the same time address the problem of disruption of livelihoods of communities engaged in conservation as a vital issue for the nations themselves.

The impact of the coronavirus on the African continent and its consequences are only at an early stage. Moreover, the rest of the world is still engaged in the struggle to stop the spread of the virus and in the study of effective strategies.

However, at the very least, a starting point and response strategies need to be outlined to counteract the potentially disastrous effects which are already beginning to be felt.

Early data already show the first fractures in the system, mainly due to travel bans, border closures and holiday cancellations on protected areas and local communities.

There are no simple solutions to the problem.

The large income streams that supported livelihoods and a stable economy were abruptly interrupted. In Namibia alone, an estimated 11 million dollars is lost from tourism, funds which are the fuel for the conservation machinery. These money go to feed the livelihoods of the antipoaching operators and the guides engaged in the territory.

In Kenya, the consequences are even more apocalyptic, with an estimated loss of over $120 million.

The advance of this crisis could inevitably lead to an increase in illegal activities such as poaching and wildlife trafficking. Many may be driven to these practices by the need for subsistence.

According to the World Economic Forum, the blockade measures have disrupted domestic supply chains, affecting food production. Added to this are the natural disasters that have struck the African continent such as the invasion of locusts, severe droughts and floods.

The epidemic consequences that are affecting or will affect the continent are also not yet clear and outlined. The spread of the virus in Africa is still in its early stages.

Taking into account what has been stated by the world economic forum, there are real possibilities that in the near future new pandemic scenarios may emerge in the continent. A difficult issue to control given the problems already present. The provision of any vaccinations to contain the pandemic also remains problematic.

It is obvious that Africa is sending out a request for help to the world, which everyone hopes will be heard and heeded.  The consequences of collapsing structures to protect wildlife and beyond are not unique to this area. It should be pointed out that the consequences would spread like wildfire to everyone, africans and non-africans alike.

That’s why it’s essential to tackle the problem at its root, promptly and internationally.

There are no other solutions, no second chances. It is necessary to act now.

Adriano Margarone

Andrea Silvestri

for Insider Release

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INSIDER RELEASE is an informative blog where various topics are discussed. It is emphasized that the ideas and concepts, although based on research from official sources, are the result of free evaluations by the writers. The BLOG, in full compliance with the principles of information and freedom, is not classified as a press site.

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