HUNTING PANEL OF EXPERTS STARTS CONSULTATIONS

29/06/2005: “Following extensive discussions on the best model to apply in an effort to accommodate all interested and affected parties in this process, we have now resolved what should be done. We will during August be starting with community consultations” said Dr Crispian Olver, in his capacity as Chairperson of the Panel of Experts (POE) appointed to advise the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism on a regulatory framework on recreational and professional hunting. Olver was announcing the intention of the POE to consult affected communities on the 4 th and 5 th August 2005 about their concerns and proposals.
Other key dates announced by Olver were that whilst 30 th June 2005 remains the deadline for all interested and affected parties to register and make submissions, on the 11 th and 12 th August 2005 , public hearings will be conducted at which all stakeholders (interested and affected parties) will be invited to present their written submissions.

The POE was appointed by the Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk earlier this year to advise on the appropriate regulatory framework on recreational and professional hunting. The POE will in particular propose a draft set of norms and standards for professional and recreational hunting in buffer areas, as well as explore various policy and legal options needed to control the South African hunting industry.

“Our ultimate objective is to make sure that this process is open, inclusive and accessible. All interested and affected parties are encouraged to ensure that their inputs are appropriately submitted so as to ensure that we make an informed recommendations to the Minister” finally added Olver.