LionAid Campaigns

Dear MEP,

Lion trophy hunting is a major contributory factor in the continued decline of the species. There are established means in place within the EC Wildlife Trade Regulations to ban the further import of lion trophies, and if enacted, would constitute a significant measure to abate further declines in lion populations. I support this initiative by the UK Charity LionAid, and hope you will lend it your support as well.

There is an established means of supporting the action through Regulation 338/97.  As a first step, please contact MEPs Mr Keith Taylor (South East), Ms Linda McAvan (Yorkshire and the Humber),Catherine Bearder (South East England)  and Sharon Bowles (South East England), all of whom are actively supporting  the LionAid initiative.

Linda has already  tabled a Parliamentary Question to the European Commission about the decline in lion populations and  Catherine has also tabled a second question on “personal effects” derogation. (see below).

A parallel debate in the EU Parliament to that Andrew Turner MP (Isle of Wight) achieved in Westminster would be both beneficial and conducive to progress. Eventually, LionAid would like to see the issue discussed by the Scientific Review Group of the WTR to explore the possibility of a negative opinion for all lion trophy imports. LionAid, with your positive support, could begin to address the issue in a very effective manner.

Another issue to be resolved is the currently applicable abrogation of import permits for “personal effects” that extends to hunting trophies. This provision was first inserted into Regulation 1808/2001. Since then, the provision has attracted concerns over its possible conservation impact. Some NGOs sought its deletion from the draft Regulation that became Regulation 865/2006 but neither the Commission nor the Member States agreed at that time. The concern arises because it can happen that the SRG forms a negative opinion on scientific grounds but the main type of specimens in trade can still be freely imported as personal effects. For example, the current negative opinion for African Lion, Panthera leo, from Ethiopia cannot be enforced.

Background

As an MEP, you are both privileged and responsible to represent our constituencies on issues that relate to the UK and the world community. As you might be aware, Andrew Turner MP recently (November 17th, 2010) presented a Members’ Debate in Parliament on the issue of lion conservation and specifically lion trophy hunting (Hansard 518:73, 315WH-320WH). Mr Turner mentioned that continued trophy hunting pressure on remaining African lion populations (20,000 remaining in scattered locations from an estimated 200,000 fifty years ago) is highly detrimental to the conservation status of the species. He based his opinion on scientific reports concerning the impact of trophy hunting on lion populations in Tanzania and Zimbabwe. In addition, CITES figures indicate very high levels of export of a limited component of the population (adult and subadult males) from a species already in rapid decline. Such high and specific levels of offtake severely compromise reproduction of populations occurring in both protected and unprotected areas and are not sustainable. Mr Turner requested an intercession with whatever assistance the UK Government could provide. Minister Richard Benyon received the debate, and promised further action.

Progress

Subsequently, the Minister has requested further information from Tanzania as to the sustainability of trophy hunting in light of the overall precipitous decline in lion numbers, and if his officials judged that the reply was not satisfactory, the matter would then taken up with CITES that currently lists lions on Appendix II.

As you know, the UK is a minor importer of hunted lion trophies, but the European Union as a whole is a major destination. At present, trophy hunting of lions does not comply with many stipulations of Council Regulation (EC) 338/97 concerning the EC Wildlife Trade Regulation (WTR). Specifically, lion trophy hunting is NOT:

• Based on sound biological data collected from the target population(s);
• Demonstrably sustainable in terms of harvest levels;
• Monitored by professional biologists;
• Modified if necessary to maintain conservation aims;
• Producing significant and tangible conservation benefits for the species;
• Providing benefits to, or being in cooperation with, local people living with lions, or suffering from the presence of lions.

The WTR deals with the protection of wild fauna and flora by regulating the trade in such species within the EU. With a system of four Annexes, the Regulation lays down provisions for import, export, and re-export as well as internal trade in species. The EC generally follows CITES recommendations, but Member States can go beyond CITES in a number of respects. For example, import conditions for species listed in WTR Annexes A and B (roughly equivalent to CITES Appendices I and II) can be stricter than those of CITES.

There is also a possibility under the WTR to upgrade a CITES Appendix II species (regulated trade) to WTR Annex A (no trade within the EU). Precedents to afford greater protection for certain species within the WTR have been established.

Overall, the process towards establishing an import restriction for lion trophies into the EU is straightforward and there are many levels at which input is requested to facilitate an informed opinion. The most significant advantage, however, is that the process is scientifically guided and not as prone to the political lobbying characterizing CITES decisions. Among other advantages are the regular meeting schedules of the Scientific Review Group established under Council Regulation (EC) 338/97 (3-4 times per year instead of once every three years for CITES), the immediate and tangible benefits of removing a significant contributory factor to the decline of lion populations, and also, the important message that could be sent worldwide.

There are presently 28 UK MPs supporting this issue brought by Mr Turner and the UK charity LionAid, and the number is growing, plus 8 UK MEPs.  It is an indication of the effectiveness of a parliamentary debate.

I would be very pleased to hear back from you about this important issue, and for further information please contact LionAid Trustee, Christine Macsween, directly at chris@lionaid.org

All best regards,