International trade bans threatening SA exports

Pieter and Susan Swart at the SATTA booth at the Biodiversity Indaba.

SCI Hunting Show and Convention
At the end of January, I attended the SCI Hunting Show and Convention, in Nashville. They say everything in America is bigger and better, and that was certainly my experience. The venue itself is huge, as are the cars, and the burgers!  And the interest in all things related to hunting.
With around 900 exhibitors, and visitors from 114 countries this is probably the largest hunting show in the world.   It was encouraging to see the numbers of individuals attending, the many businesses participating and supporting the hunting industry and sustainable use. 
Many South African companies from the wildlife sector were represented: from outfitters to taxidermists to freight agents, all showcasing what we offer. In my opinion South African taxidermy work in general is on the same standard, and sometimes even better than some of the international work. We always have to strive to improve, and to learn. The feedback from the hunting outfitters is that they are fully booked for the 2024 hunting season, which is good news for every sector in the industry.

Not the real thing…An imitation lion display. There is a small, legitimate place for this type of product, but it could become a threat to the taxidermy industry.

Artificial goods threatening our products
From specifically a taxidermy perspective I was somewhat surprised and concerned on the prevalence of artificial taxidermy work at the show. I attach photos of replica trophies – fake hides and fake horns! While there is a very small specific need and place for those – industry must tread very carefully and must continue to promote the value and sustainability of using the actual natural products.
As an industry we need to guard against the domino effect, where if one block falls others are soon to follow.  We have seen this pattern at CITES, where often an insignificant specie is uplifted, but it creates a loophole for the next and so on. We cannot afford to think or operate in silos! For example – for many years we have tolerated fake fur and artificial leather products, maybe thinking it does not affect me, or there will always be enough clients wanting the more expensive natural product…. but we have been mistaken and allowed the public to believe that artificial is more beneficial than the real thing.
Some of these fake items look more real than the natural item – and this will provide more ammo (excuse the pun) for the anti-hunting and anti-trade lobbyist in their trade and export bans.

International Trade Bans a threat to our industry
Which brings us to the very concerning fact that several campaigns are resurfacing or expanding to establish international trade bans for trophies and wildlife products. I am not going to go into detail – there is enough coverage in mainstream media, except to say that it is heartening to see that many African countries are starting to stand up for their rights.

Is CITES our only hope?
While we all should continue to promote our industry through social media, education, and similar programs, CITES continues to be our best avenue to fight these international anti-hunt and anti-trade groups. Despite public pressure, the final decisions remain with governments, and CITES is where we can influence and share science, can network with officials and like-minded associations.
A team from SUCo-SA will be traveling to Geneve again in July for the CITES Animals & Plant Committees where we will spend 11 days in meetings trying to convince decision makers to use science, logic and proven practices when considering proposals.
While SUCo subsidizes much of the expenses, most comes out of own pocket. Apart from the travel and accommodation costs, which is considerable, we need proper research, marketing material, etc. I urge everyone again to assist us in this through a financial contribution. Can you afford not to?
On this note – SUCo-SA will launch our Membership and Benefactor Programme at HuntEx at the end of April. Please visit our stand in Hall 2.

Meanwhile back at home
I attended the DFFE Biodiversity Indaba and Investment Summit in Gauteng on 24-26 March, and while there were very concerning outcomes, there were also some positive take aways. The networking between industry, officials and communities was invaluable. We found common ground on many issues, and foundations were laid for future talks and collaboration.
BUT political campaigning taking preference over sound wildlife policies and science has consequences for conservation, the wildlife industry, and our future.  
This, seen together with other developments – notably the recent Cabinet approval of the revised policy on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Elephant, Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros, as well as the Ministerial Task Team (MTT) report on the captive lion industry, and the recently published National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES)  are causing concern for the wildlife industry.
Under leadership of Wildlife Ranching South Africa (WRSA), various stakeholders are meeting in the coming days to assess the situation and formulate a response. We will keep you up to date.
As a reminder governmental statements, including cabinet-approved policies, remain tentative until they are formalized into law. This gives a small window of opportunity for industry to mobilise and address these issues.
For more information on how to join or support SUCo-SA please contact me on info@suco-sa.org.za or 082 770 8556