Govt To Destroy Seized Horns, Tusks, Hides At Delhi Zoo

The Union environment ministry plans to celebrate World Wildlife Day on March 3 by destroying ill-gotten trophies of poachers including hides, scales, horns and tusks. The items will be burned in the incinerator at Delhi Zoo in the presence of environment minister of state Anil Madhav Dave.

State chief wildlife wardens have been invited by the environment ministry to contribute to the stock being burnt. Some of the confiscated items will come from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

The Delhi Zoo was also the site of the last such destruction devised by the ministry. In 2014, at least four truckloads of confiscated items were destroyed and the incineration lasted for four days, according to Riyaz Khan, the curator at the Delhi Zoo. On that occasion, a stockpile worth Rs 20 lakh was destroyed.

World Wildlife Day is celebrated on March 3 to mark the signing of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Under CITES there are bans in place on the trade of ivory and rhino horns.

Destruction by incinerator, open burning of stockpiles or crushing of tusks and horns are all done to deter poachers. Kenya burnt down the largest stock of ivory last year in April weighing about 105 tonnes.

The ministry is not revealing how much stock will be incinerated because all state governments have not responded yet.

Supporters believe incineration stifles the market for these goods by curbing supply. Shekhar Kumar Niraj, head of wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC, said that destroying the confiscated stash is important because storing it comes with risks. “There is a possibility that the ivory gets out because of the connivance of officials,” Niraj said, “the price of these goods is always rising, the stockpiled items are at risk.”

“In some of the raids conducted by the bureau the items confiscated were already marked,” Niraj said suggesting that they had been leaked back into the market.

Safeguarding confiscated goods also requires resources, both infrastructure and manpower.

Other conservationists support this move but believe more needs to be done. “The demand side is equally important, the markets have to be closed,” Varun Goswami, a conservationist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, said. Demand for these wildlife products is high in countries like China and Japan because they are believed to have medicinal value.

In December last year, the Chinese government committed to stamp out the market for poached animal parts in the country by end of 2017. It was hailed as a big step towards making the trade in these items unattractive.

However, some countries in Africa like South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe have pushed for legal sales of the stocks of confiscated items and investing some of the proceeds in conservation efforts. Goswami believes that legalising ivory sales is no way to curb poaching as it keeps demand alive.

More than 1200 animals were killed by poachers in India between 2013 and 2016, as per government data.

In 2014 items that are ostentatiously luxurious were destroyed at the Delhi Zoo incinerator. India faces a somewhat peculiar problem. Some of the items may not just be high monetary value in the black market but hold sacred value like ivory idols.

The less glamorous option of incineration may be a safe choice for the government since burning stockpiles in the open like Kenya has done might invite protests and could also aggravate Delhi’s high pollution.

VIETNAM: Vietnam Rhino Sanctions Says WWF

Conservation organisation WWF says Vietnam needs to crack down on its rampant illegal rhino horn trade or face sanctions.

WWF said that as the world’s largest market for illegal rhino horn, Vietnam’s failure to shut down illegal markets, disrupt the trafficking networks and prosecute the traffickers would be in the spotlight as the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (Cites) takesplace in Johannesburg from September 24 to October 5.

This will be the fourth meeting of Cites on the African continent since it came into force in 1975, but it will the first held on the continent since 2000.

South Africa has lost nearly 6 000 rhinos to poachers since 2007, including more than 700 so far this year, so rhino issues will be high on the agenda.

This week Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa said there had been a significant increase in the number of arrests of alleged poachers this year.

She said a total of 414 alleged poachers had been arrested in South Africa since January 1 – of which 177 were in the Kruger National Park and 237 for the rest of the country. She said rhino poaching had declined by 17.8 percent in the Kruger National Park.

“Between January and the end of August 2016, a total number of 458 poached rhino carcasses were found in the KNP, compared to 557 in the same period last year.” However, nationally 702 rhino had already been poached since the beginning of 2016.

Molewa said there was also concern about an increase in elephant poaching, despite the determined efforts by rangers, the police and soldiers on the ground.

Since January, 36 elephants had been poached in the Kruger National Park.

Despite widespread evidence of rhino horn openly for sale in Vietnam, the authorities have made no significant rhino horn seizures within their borders and have reported no successful prosecutions. Ginette Hemley, WWF Head of Delegation to Cites said ending the illegal rhino horn trade and helping to save Africa’s rhinos was clearly not a priority for the government.

“Specifically, Vietnam must agree to enact new regulations to treat wildlife crime as a ‘serious crime’ with a minimum sentence of four years in prison; legislate to treat fake rhino horn as real rhino horn for enforcement and prosecution purposes; and successfully target and prosecute illegal traders and traffickers.” WWF said the illegal ivory trade would also be a major agenda item at the conference.

It said Cites Parties should also give greater trade protection to a range of species, including all eight species of Asian and African pangolins, thresher and silky sharks, devil rays, African grey parrot, rosewood trees, and flapshell and softshell turtles.

Rural Tourism Definition

Rural tourism in Latvia is a form of tourism taking place in rural areas or settlements, providing employment and income to local population, and offering individualised holiday products to consumers. Rural tourism is based on accommodation service which is complemented by additional services/facilities relying on the local social, cultural and natural resources, which are exploited according to the principles of sustainable development.

Accommodation
Country and village homes, vacation cottages with accommodation capacity up to 20 bedplaces. Number of extra bedplaces up to 50% of the number of permanent bedplaces. Catering for parties and mass tourism events is not the main focus of the accommodation establishment.

Additional services/facilities
Food service, sauna, excursions, country meals from local products, nature trails, holiday activities, etc.:

1) Recommendable activities (complying with principles of sustainable development): eg., horse riding, boat rent, bicycle rent, fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, etc.

2) Non-recommendable activities (contradicting to the principles of sustainable development):
- Mass tourism and recreation, e.g., sports halls, sports centers and sports grounds, mass sports competitions, organised games – paintball, camps., etc.;
- Forms of tourism or tourist activities bringing negative environmental impact, e.g., golf, off-road, water skidoos, downhilll skiing, etc.

Location
Rural areas and settlements with up to 5000 inhabitants. Rural environment with a characteristic agrarian landscape or natural values. Tourism is not the only or dominant economic activity in the area.

Inadequate location:
- urban or industrial area
- mass tourism environment with respective infrastructure
- noise, risk/danger to safety and health, pollution, dirtiness, etc.

Social resources
Local cooperation – between accommodation owners, traditional and non-traditionl farms, craftsmen, open farms, bird and animal watching, local products for sale. Opportunities for tourists to meet with local people. Rural tourism establishments are owned by local entrepreneurs which provides for income and jobs for the local population. Maximum relation "tourist beds / inhabitants in the respective area village, town, rural municipality)" is 1/1.

Cultural resouces
Traditions and customs reflecting cultural identity and values – traditional festivities, food recipes, music, traditional crafts (e.g., pottery, beer brewing, etc.). Traditional architecture, private collections, etc.

Natural resources
Waters, forests, meadows, bogs, rural landscape, flora and fauna. The environment is not industrialised/urbanised. Biological diversity is mainatined in surrounding areas.

Development of rural tourism in particular area does not threaten the above described natural, cultural and social resources, at the same time stimulating economical development and increasing the quality of living space of the local population.

INDIA: Rural Tourism, Nagaland Attracts Tourists

Nagas to attract tourists with rural tourism

With peace gaining ground in Nagaland, the people are turning towards developing rural tourism sector to attract tourists with rich culture, blessed with a plethora of flora and fauna, and lush green nature's bounty.

A resort named 'Shalom Resort' at Gaili village also known as Hepuluzam in Peren district, around 37 kilometers away from Dimapur, was opened on Saturday by Nagaland Rural Development Minister C.L. John.

"I am impressed to see the concept of the resort. It is encouraging and this will certainly help in promoting rural tourism," John said.

Inaugurating the resort, he urged all to make the resort a place of coming together in unity for the Nagas and do away tribalism.

"The name 'Shalom Resort' which is Peace Resort itself is meaningful and we must make it a place of peaceful coexistence by also asking all communities to settle in the vast area," he added.

Talking to ANI, former NLA Speaker and minister Neiba Ndang, who has guided his siblings to start the resort, said the main motive is to attract nature lovers.

Shalom Resort is situated near Sainik School in Punglwa village beneath Mt. Pauna, the third highest mountain in the state.

According to Dr. K Lolo Ndang, the member board of trustees, this resort would provide facilities like jungle gym, cycling, spa, boating, angling to name some.

Nagaland has so far three resorts, the other two 'None' and 'Niathu' owned by Niathu group.

As of now, the scope and potential of tourism in the state is not a matter of great concern. However, the idea and vision is to promote tourism in progressing year after year.

Nagaland is blessed with a beautiful topography filled with rich flora and fauna and a culture and therefore has so much scope and potential in the field of tourism. For so long, the people of the insurgency torn state have not utilize the resources to its advantage except during the season of the Hornbill festival.

The state has also a huge potential to attract tourists as majority of the tourists want to witness the Naga culture and also to experience nature, mostly on wildlife and adventure.

ZAMBIA: ZAWA Boost Efforts To Protect The Pangolin

In the past week, Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) has rescued six pangolins through four separate operations across western Zambia. These scaly anteaters had been illegally captured from the wild by poachers and were being sold as part of the illegal wildlife trade.

GRI Wildlife Veterinary Project has assisted ZAWA in releasing four of the pangolins back into wild in Kafue National Park. Sadly two died as a result of their capture, one of which was a premature newborn whose mother gave birth due to stress.

Pangolins are often trafficked because their scales are prized in traditional Chinese medicine. In Zambia it has been reported that some cultures put a pangolin scale in their business cash box to protect their money. Other cultures believe that if the pangolin is fed special foods for a few days and then killed and opened a diamond will be found inside.

CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) has reported that these scaly anteaters are now the most hunted animal on the planet. Making matters worse, the female pangolin only gestates once per year, so opportunities for reproduction are limited.

GRI Wildlife Crime Prevention Project provides operational support to the ZAWA Intelligence and Investigations Unit involved in these anti-trafficking operations to deter and prevent the illegal wildlife trade in Zambia.

MALAYSIA: Birds Can Be Good Tourism, Says Naturalist

Andrew J. Sebastian will be promoting birding and ecotourism in Malaysia at the first American Birding Expo - See more at: http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/birds-can-be-a-big-deal-in-tourism-says-naturalist#sthash.pjFq1n4e.dpuf

What Andrew J. Sebastian, naturalist, environmentalist and bird guide, really wants is for Malaysians to look at the photos of birds in Malaysia, and think, “Wow! our country has wonderful things to offer. Birds are a big deal.”

Sebastian’s days and nights are spent talking, educating, promoting and persuading everyone he meets to fall in love with birding, which is the hobby of watching birds.

Malaysia has many species of birds that many Malaysians are not aware of, but foreigners are. This is why he is setting on a new path: championing ecotourism, with a focus on birds.

Sebastian will be presenting Malaysia and promoting birding at the first American Birding Expo, which started yesterday. He is all psyched, to talk about birds, Malaysian birds, Malaysia and ecotourism.

“For the uninitiated, birding is a hobby for people who like to watch birds. It has become a fast growing product around the world and means big business.

“In the United Kingdom, there is a huge birding community, and the Royal Society for The Protection of Birds has over a million members.

“There’s a big market for us and loads of people to come to Malaysia. America has over 44 million bird watchers. USA is a good market. We want to woo them to come over to Malaysia.

“The American Birding Expo is fashioned after the UK bird fair. I will represent Malaysia and man the booth there to woo American birders to come over.”

Malaysia has a diverse species of birds, which cen be promoted to attract bird watchers from all over the world, says Andrew J. Sebastian. – Photo courtesy of Sebastian.Malaysia has a diverse species of birds, which cen be promoted to attract bird watchers from all over the world, says Andrew J. Sebastian. – Photo courtesy of Sebastian.It is said that birdwatching in the US, Canada, and Mexico generates US$25 billion (RM110 billion) per year and it employs over 60,000 people.


Malaysia has a diverse species of birds, which cen be promoted to attract bird watchers from all over the world, says Andrew J. Sebastian.

Livescience reported that, “Avitourism, as this particular sector of the industry is known, is one of the most lucrative sources of income in ecotourism. It accounts for the largest single group of ecotourists across the globe, and according to some estimates, three million international trips are taken each year for the main purpose of bird-watching.“

Malaysia could be an example of ecotourism success, Sebastian said, if only it could organise itself and focus on the wealth the country offers – hiking, nature reserves, the vast mountains and lush green padi fields and jungles, and the vibrant flora and fauna.

Then there are the white sandy beaches of Terengganu and renowned diving spots around the country.

Why is Malaysia’s ecotourism so underdeveloped? For one, Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak have different things to offer.

The peninsula has no champion to promote ecotourism. There are a lot of local champions, but not one star promoter.

Across the pond, there is Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin, Sabah Tourism Board chairman, who has been pushing ecotourism for many years.

Peninsular Malaysia also has a different growth chart that needs to be developed. Each state has its own idea of ecotourism, and attempts have been rather half-hearted.

Sabah and Sarawak are blessed with nature, culture and heritage and both states are dedicated to ecotourism.

Andrew J. Sebastian says birding can be a lucrative industry in Malaysia. Malaysia does have her share of eco-champions such as Irshad Mobarak and Hymeir Kamaruddin, who promote their nature reserves up north. Still, there is room for more players in Malaysian ecotourism.

However, this could change, with Sebastian as a champion.

“Why me? Firstly I have the passion and interest. Secondly I have been doing birding and eco tourism for a long time.

“We still have a long way to go. I’m trying my best to promote eco-tourism and sustainability in our tourism industry.

"If we can show the government that ecotourism works, then we don’t have to work so hard to build up structures, for we have everything already.”

Sebastian’s passion for birds earned him an invitation from the organisers of the American expo. He then approached Tourism Malaysia who agreed to send him to the US.

“Malaysia is sitting on a gold mine when it comes to ecotourism. We should embrace this and be proud of our treasures. Our birds are our wealth.”

THAILAND: Thailand Destroys Ivory Stockpile Amid Junta Crackdown

Thailand's Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha (2nd R) looks at pieces of ivory on display during a destruction of confiscated ivory exercise at Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok on August 26, 2015

Thailand destroyed more than two tonnes of ivory Wednesday—a victory for animal rights groups fighting against the trade in a country renowned for being a hub for illegal tusks.

The ceremony, in which 2,155 kilograms of raw tusks and carved trinkets were fed into an industrial rock crusher before being incinerated, was presided over by the Thai junta leader Prayu Chan-O-Cha and is the first time the kingdom has taken steps to destroy part of its stockpile.

"This is to show the Thai government's strong determination to oppose ivory trafficking and that Thailand will comply with international rules," he said during the ceremony.

Animal rights campaigners have long accused successive Thai civilian and military administrations of turning a blind eye to the lucrative trade.

They have pushed for Bangkok to destroy its stockpile to signal its determination to stamp down on the trade and avoid the risk of seized ivory finding its way back onto the black market through corrupt officials.

Trade in ivory was banned in 1989 under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But that has not stopped criminal gangs seeking to exploit a continued demand for tusks in Asia.

Ivory and other body parts of elephants are prized for decoration, as talismans, and for use in traditional medicine across parts of Asia with Thailand a key transit point.

The country's generals, who seized power in a coup last spring, have vowed to crack down on the illegal ivory trade.

A security guard stands next to pieces of ivory on display during a destruction of confiscated ivory exercise at Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation in Bangkok on August 26, 2015

Earlier this year, they ordered all Thais to register any ivory they owned, warning that those who failed to do so would see their items confiscated.

They have also made a series of high profile seizures including four tonnes of ivory found hidden in containers in April that originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo and was destined for Laos.

Thai police seized more than three tonnes of ivory a week later in a second haul, this time from Kenya that was again destined for Laos.

The ivory destroyed on Wednesday accounts for nearly all of Thailand's stockpile where criminal cases have been completed.

A further 540 kilograms has been donated to museums, government institution and universities to be used for educational and awareness raising purposes.