Govt to review live bird export trade

Ambassador Khamisi Kagasheki

The government is set to review live wild bird trade, in an effort to come up with a better arrangement that will make Tanzanians benefit from the sub-sector.

Opening the 13th Pan-African Ornithological Congress (PAOC 13), which kicked off yesterday in Arusha, the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Khamisi Kagasheki, said despite the fact that the country is the 3rd world nation with a large number of birds, Tanzanians are still not benefiting from the sector.

It is estimated that Tanzania has a total of 1,500 bird species, whereby 30 species are danger of extinction.

“In recent years, we have witnessed a number of birds exported, but our people do not benefit much from this trade, that is why we want to review the policy and procedures governing this it,” the minister said.

He said the government was determined to create a win-win situation in this important wild bird sector, whereby both exporters and Tanzanians benefit accordingly.

The minister however expressed concerns on the threat facing the wild bird sector in Tanzania, saying some bird species are in danger of extinction due to a number of factors.

“For the sustainable management of birds in the country, we are going to work in details on the entire sector, as we are aware of the 30 bird species which are in danger of extinction and after that we will reveal the government’s stand,” he said.

Ambassador Kagasheki further expressed fears over the speed at which wetlands are drying off due to climate change and other anthropogenic factors.

“Drying off of wetlands is a challenge for aquatic species as they depend on them for their survival. So, among other issues, PAOC meeting will provide a good platform for experts of wild birds to extensively discuss and exchange views on how to conserve the sector,” said Kagasheki.

He also noted that bird-watching, a popular hobby around the world, can present significant economic opportunities for the country through sustainable tourism.

“Bird-watching could play a significant role in the growth of tourism industry as well as creating direct and indirect economic benefits for many countries and communities amongst developing countries,” he said.

Simon Mduma who is the director general of the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) said that PAOC meeting is held under the theme "Birds in a Changing Environment".

He said that the meeting has brought on board researchers from almost all African countries.

“This is an opportunity for Tanzania to promote its wild bird’s tourism outside the country,” said Mduma.

PAOC chairman, Dr Mshiiwua Manu said that the meeting aims at promoting the preservation of African birds as an integral part of the African heritage to foster the appreciation of birds and discussion of African birds in relation to man.

BirdLife International said that globally, 1,331 types of birds, or 13 percent of the world’s 10,064 total bird species were listed as being at risk on this year’s Red List of Threatened Species issued by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. That is up from the 1,253 species classified as threatened on last year’s list.

Scientists predict that global warming could contribute to the mass extinction of wild birds in the near future.

An overheating world is creating a big change in climatic conditions and this can harm the delicate ecosystem