At 10 am in African time on 23 November, the East Africa Conservation and Peace Research Team supported by China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF) visited Kaddu Sebunya, the President of African Wildlife Foundation (AWF). The Team is led by ZHU Qing, TIAN Yang, PAN Qing’an, founders of the American Division of CBCGDF. The Team aims to understand the sustainability operation mode for ecological protection in east African countries. AWF is a leading wildlife protection organization in Africa with bountiful experience in protected areas and eco-tourism.
In the meeting with President Kaddu, they reported the initial result of the “Eco-tourism in Protected Areas in East Africa”:
1. The protected areas and ecotourism mode are more advanced than China’s with systematic operation and service.
2. The “Belt and Road” initiative pushes the upgrading of consumption in the market of eco-tourism in east Africa. However, comparing to the European and American market volume, here is plenty room for growth in Chinese tourist number and custom Chinese products.
3. Constant unexpected surprises, pristine nature and diverse yet hospitable culture creates better enriching travel experiences comparing to Europe and America.
Kaddu also shared his comments on “Eco-tourism and Chinese Investment in East-Africfan Protected Areas”:
1. Founded in 1961, AWF is the most influential foundation in African wildlife
protection. It is committed to protect the wildlife and the land in Africa, ensuring the sustainable development of African people. The goal of AWF is to both achieve prosperity and protect the environment.
2. AWF lays emphasis not only on the protection of endangered species and habitat, but also on the ecological companies benefiting the local communities. Therefore, AWF has trained hundreds of experts to make sure the survival of the fabulous wildlife heritage. In the past, wildlife protection in Africa focused purely on the ecological protection, ignoring the local partners as well as lacking Africa leadership.
3. AWF thinks highly of Chinese investment and Chinese influences, which is a tremendous opportunity for Africa. On one hand, Africa needs to shoulder the responsibility to protect the environment by education and better policies, instead of requiring China to undertake all the responsibilities; on the other hand, China should control its demand market such as the one for the wildlife parts (including the legal but not reasonable products).
4. China also has the power to impose positive impact on such wildlife trade markets in Southeast Asia as Vietnam elephant ivory trade. By educating the youth generation and officials, we can raise the awareness of wildlife protection.
5. AWF strongly wishes to cooperate with Chinese education organizations and businesses. China-Africa cooperation on eco-tourism and protected areas has just begun, where numerous possibilities lying in front of us.
6. AWF is happy to provide information to people who aspire to develop protected areas and operate sustainable businesses.
In the end, president Kaddu and the Team reached a consensus in frequent communication in regard to jointly stimulate the deeper development of protected areas and eco-tourism in east Africa.
(Photo courtesy: Tian Yang)
(Photo courtesy: Ben)
(Photo courtesy: Pan Qingan)
(Photo courtesy: David)
(Photo courtesy: Cicy Lin)
Original Chinese article:
http://www.cbcgdf.org/NewsShow/4937/6870.html
By / Cat