Conservationist urges wildlife issues on FOCAC agenda

The upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in South Africa in December will serve as an opportune moment to promote wildlife protection in Africa, a conservationist said.

Patrick Bergin, CEO of the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), told Xinhua the high-level gathering of political leaders, policymakers and scholars from China and Africa is a significant milestone in China-Africa relations.

The landmark summit will discuss ways to strengthen Sino-Africa cooperation in diverse fields like energy, infrastructure development, trade and habitat protection.

The wildlife conservation organization noted that Sino-Africa cooperation to strengthen protection of iconic mammals in the continent has blossomed.

According to Bergin, joint Sino-Africa programs to advance wildlife protection have flourished lately thanks to political commitments from both sides.

He revealed that a series of dialogue meetings facilitated by AWF and The Aspen Institute between prominent Chinese and African influencers have explored innovative ways to enhance protection of wildlife species in the continent.

He added that conservation lobby groups were impressed by robust commitments made by Chinese and African leaders to promote wildlife protection but called for more action.

"It is very encouraging to see that wildlife protection will likely be part of high-level discussions at FOCAC. That alone is a tangible achievement," Bergin said.

China's provision of anti-poaching gear alongside training of wildlife rangers is helping to combat poaching in Africa and protect the continent's elephants and rhinos.

In September, Chinese President Xi Jinping and United States President Barack Obama signed an agreement to promote wildlife protection in Africa.

Bergin hailed leaders from the two super powers for re-invigorating the wildlife conservation agenda in the continent.

He added that a ban on ivory trade by Chinese and American governments alongside other wildlife protection measures will give some relief to African elephants and rhinos, which are threatened by poaching, climatic stress and human intrusion on their habitats. Endit