Safari Club International was honored to host African government delegates and community representatives from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, and Botswana at SCI’s 50th annual convention in Las Vegas. Of particular note from these delegations were the Honorable Minister Dr. Damas Daniel Ndumbaro of Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism; Tanzania’s Ambassador to the U.S. H.E. Elsie Sia Kanza; and Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United states the Honorable Tadeous Chifamba, who received SCI’s prestigious International Legislator of the Year Award on behalf of Minister H.E. Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu.
“Engagement from such high-level African government officials continues to strengthen the relationship between the international hunting community and their African leaders,” said Ben Cassidy, EVP of International, Government and Public Affairs. “We were honored to host the Minister from Tanzania this year and the Honorable Tadeous Chifamba, along with delegates from Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and a community representative from Botswana. Their attendance once again shows that the SCI Convention is the best show in the world.”
Tanzania attended to meet with their safari operators, network with SCI, and appreciate the hunting marketplace. Their new Minister was joined by the Director of Wildlife and large leadership delegation from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, who is actively working with the hunting industry on issues of concession leasing to ensure the long-term sustainability of hunting in Tanzania for wildlife conservation.
Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the United States accepted SCI’s International Legislator of the Year Award on behalf of Minister Ndlovu, who was unfortunately unable to travel. This award was given in recognition of his country’s diligent work against dangerous trophy ban legislation in California. The ZimParks delegation also exhibited a booth again as an affiliate member of SCI, and participated in fruitful discussions.
Following the 19th AWCF in Kasane this past November and successful tour of community areas in northern Botswana, NCONGO representing community trusts attended to build capacity in understanding the marketing in the hunting industry. It is critically important for communities to understand the business side of hunting tourism and learn how to market directly to hunters. SCIF’s research team from Texas A&M was also in attendance to meet with top operators from Botswana to continue planning implementation of national wide leopard population survey.
Mozambique’s ANAC was present to begin planning the 20th anniversary of AWCF in Maputo this year. Namibia was also present with a delegation from their Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and Game Product Trust Fund that manages hunting revenue for community development projects.
This incredible amount of African government support towards the SCI Convention is much appreciated by our safari operator exhibitors, the hunting industry, and SCI/F as a whole. We look forward to working with these delegations towards a successful 20th AWCF in Mozambique and continuing productive relationships in southern Africa. SCI is proud to showcase our work directly with African governments and organizations, and we extend a sincere thank you to all African representatives. SCI looks forward to continuing our important work in communities, government affairs, and conservation.
