Concerns after Tanzania allows trophy hunting of elephants

Concerns have been raised over the conservation of elephants following Tanzania's decision to allow trophy hunting of the animals.

The move could lead to a decline in elephant population of the animals shared between Tanzania and Kenya owing to their transboundary.

Kajiado Governor Joseph Lenku has already raised concerns regarding the matter.

“As the governor and the proud custodian of the Amboseli National Park, I speak on behalf of the people of Kajiado to express our profound concern,” said Lenku in a statement. 

Lenku said the matter weighs heavily on the people of Kajiado as they share the transboundary elephants and acknowledge the vital importance of collaboration conservation endeavours in preserving the shared natural heritage.

“While we respect the sovereignty of each nation, we adhere to international frameworks governing the management of transboundary resources, which are imperative at both global and regional levels,” the governor said.

He went on: “Through our participation in the East African Cooperation and our legislative assembly, we are committed to transborder conservation policies.”

The governor said that despite the diversity in conservation approaches across the respective countries, the two countries have reached a mutual understanding that fosters respectful resource management while honouring their shared responsibility.

“In the past few months, three of these revered elephants have tragically fallen victim to trophy hunting within Tanzania, signalling a distressing breach of the established conservation agreement,” Lenku said.

The alarming development, he said, underscores the urgent necessity for heightened vigilance and decisive action to uphold conservation efforts in the region.

The governor said the renowned elephants that inhabit the range in both northern Tanzania and Kenya region symbolise the interconnectedness of ecosystems and serve as a testament to the importance of transboundary conservation. 

He said their free movement across the border highlights the need for collective action in preserving biodiversity and ensuring the long-term survival of the creatures.

He said the recent issuance of three additional hunting permits by Tanzanian authorities within the sensitive context only exacerbates Kenya’s anxiety about the future of the elephants and the efficacy of conservation strategies.

“We call upon our counterparts on the Tanzanian side to carefully consider the long-term implications of such actions and to join us in preserving our shared natural heritage for future generations,” he said.

For over three decades, Lenku said, a critical moratorium has effectively protected the elephants from trophy hunting that transcends the borders. 

“This measure has been established due to their immense value to global heritage, tourism promotion, and scientific research,” Lenku said.

However, he said, the recent events have raised alarming concerns as the longstanding agreement appears to be faltering.

The governor urged the Kenya government and relevant institutions, including the East African Legislative Assembly, to swiftly take action to halt the continued devastation of the elephants.

“Let us reaffirm our dedication to transboundary conservation initiatives, ensuring the protection of our shared resources for the prosperity of current and future generations,” he said.