 |
answer text |
<p>The international rules for the import and export of hunting trophies are established
under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). A hunting
trophy of an endangered species can only be exported if the exporting country is satisfied
that the hunt was both legal and sustainable. CITES controls are implemented at an
EU-wide level and the UK works with other EU Member States to agree a collective approach.</p><p>
</p><p>In light of growing concerns about the sustainability of the hunting of some
species, the EU has introduced stricter controls on the import of hunting trophies
of six species, including lions and African elephants. These require that both the
exporting and importing country must be satisfied that the animal was hunted sustainably.
As a result the import of hunting trophies of certain species from certain countries
is currently prohibited by the EU, including lion trophies from Cameroon and Mozambique
and elephant trophies from Tanzania. Imports of lion and elephant trophies from Zimbabwe
are currently allowed into the EU as they are considered to be sustainable. The import
of lion trophies from Tanzania is under consideration by the Scientific Review Group,
which brings together the Scientific Authorities of EU Member States to provide advice
on CITES matters and which is expected to decide at its next meeting whether the importation
of lion trophies from Tanzania should be prohibited.</p><p> </p><p>A full list of
EU CITES trade suspensions can be found at: <a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32015R0736"
target="_blank">http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32015R0736</a></p><p>
</p><p>I recognise that there are real concerns about the impact of trophy hunting
on lion conservation. As I announced in Parliament on 24 November 2015, the Government
will ban lion trophy imports within the next two years unless there are improvements
in the way hunting takes place in certain countries, judged against strict criteria.
We will work with our European and international partners, and experts in the field,
to reach a common approach to this issue.</p>
|
|
