Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture, Owen Chomanika, has emphasized the need for forensic research in order to deal with wildlife crimes and trafficking in Africa.
Chomanika made the remarks in Salima during the 9th meeting of the African Wildlife Forensic Network.
According to Chomanika, wildlife crimes and trafficking in Africa are common hence the need for forensic research in order to provide scientific evidence on wildlife related crimes. He 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 notes that the country 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.
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.
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.