{Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda has called upon regional and international security agencies, like Interpol, to join Tanzania in the fight against wildlife crimes.}
He made the appeal over the weekend when summing up the just-concluded Regional Summit on Wildlife crime and conservation in Arusha where over 200 participants from across the globe attended.
“Poaching targets elephants for their ivory because of high demand and prices in the international black market,” Pinda noted.
The Premier said organised and intricate poaching networks in and outside the country sustains the illegal trade making it difficult for Tanzania to win the battle alone.
“As a country, we call upon regional and international communities to cooperate with us in undertaking this important, urgent and demanding task,” he said.
He said the government has been taking various measures against poaching including increased routine patrols and joint comprehensive special anti-poaching operations with regional law enforcement agencies.
“Despite the commitment and efforts of the government there have been many challenges, including inadequate financial and human resources that limits implementation of supportive initiatives and enforcement of the law,” the Premier lamented.
“There has also being very low participation of the general public,” Pinda added emphasising the need for neighbouring Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC, Mozambique and Zambia to join hands with Tanzania in the fight against poaching.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
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