By Precious Kalino
The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika, has emphasized the need for forensic research to deal with wildlife crimes and trafficking in Africa.
Emphasized on Forensic report-Chomanika PIC Precious Kalino
Chomanika made the remarks in Salima during the 9th meeting of the African Wildlife Forensic Network.
He said wildlife crimes and trafficking in Africa are common, hence the need for forensic research to provide scientific evidence on wildlife related crimes.
The Minister cited corruption as one of the factors fueling wildlife crimes in Africa, pointing out that most of the wildlife crimes are committed by cartels.
“Africa is losing about 23 billion US dollars annually from pangolin, Ivory and Rhino horns so it is a lot of money, and it is forming the third largest black market in the world,” he said.
He noted that Malawi has made some strides in dealing with issues of wildlife crimes such as review of the Wildlife Act and establishment of forensic laboratory to identify non domesticated animals.
In his remarks, Director of TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Professor Rob Ogden, said the meeting will help countries to share notes and expertise to address wildlife crimes and trafficking.
Participating countries posing for a group photo- PIC Precious Kalino
The 14 African countries represented are Cameroon, Eswatini, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Niger, Gabon, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Zambia and Malawi.
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