Wildlife Conservation received funding to conduct research and produce the inaugural State of the Wildlife Economy in Africa Report to illustrate the current and potential value of wildlife to economies in Africa and through this to encourage investment in this important economic asset.
The report development process highlighted data gaps that should encourage the collection of robust data related to wildlife economies in order to understand better the vast contribution of wildlife resources to local, national and regional economies.
Although SA Hunters do not agree that photographic tourism is non-consumptive, the report highlights the benefits that various forms of wildlife utilisation contribute to conservation and the economy.
It is critical that future studies of this nature, consider full cost accounting of the various wildlife-based activities to ensure transparency in determining the sustainability of the various activities. This is nevertheless a significant first step in demonstrating the value of wildlife resources, and with contributions and inputs from role players in the Wildlife Economy, the results can only improve in future.
