Namibia offers little support for royal rhino fight

THE FIGHT by Britain’s Prince Harry to save Africa’s black rhino has been hailed by conservationists, but, on the ground, he has hardly been welcomed with open arms.

Having left the armed forces last month, the prince is in Namibia lending his efforts to tackle ivory poachers. The trip is part of a three-month tour which also sees him travel to South Africa, Tanzania and Botswana.

But while some might expect the Namibian government to be flattered by Harry’s attempts to help save its wildlife, the country’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, has warned against the royal trip turning into a publicity stunt.

“Harry is not the first prominent person to visit Namibia and get involved with its conservation projects,” he said. “We appreciate this, but don’t want it to turn into a public relations exercise.”

Shifeta, whose spokesman claimed the ministry was not even aware of Harry’s arrival two weeks ago, also defended Namibia’s tolerance of so-called “trophy hunting”, the legal hunting of rare and endangered species.

In May, it was reported that Texan Corey Knowlton had shot a black rhino in Namibia after paying $350 000.

Although the practice has been attacked by The Tusk Trust, of which Harry is an active supporter, the minister claimed it generated millions each year for conservancies.

“People need to understand that the hunting of these animals is totally legal,” he added.

One columnist at The Namibian newspaper remarked: “Let us be honest: His royal highness is here for an adventure holiday. He or his visit will not save one single rhino. Sad but true.” – Daily Mail