Chinese community in SA donates to fight wildlife crimes

JOHANNESBURG — The Chinese embassy in South Africa and the Chinese community in the country on Sunday donated $17,000 to the Kruger National Park to help fight wildlife crimes.

The donation was presented by the Chinese ambassador to South Africa, Lin Songtian, to Glenn Phillips, managing director of the Kruger National Park on Sunday. The money was raised in the last two days during Lantern Festival through charity sales.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Lin said his government is committed to fight wildlife crimes in South Africa and the world at large. He pointed out over the last two days they managed to raise awareness in the Chinese community and South Africans about the importance of preserving nature.

"I am very pleased to announce that our charity sale has raised US$17,000, and we hereby donate the full amount raised to the Kruger National Park of South Africa," Lin said. "It is our sincere hope that this charity sale and donation will contribute to wildlife protection in South Africa, and that through this event, more and more Chinese and South African people will increase awareness in wildlife protection."

Lin stated respecting nature is part of Chinese culture. The diplomat said Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed them to create a harmonious relationship between man and nature. In December 2017 the Chinese government banned the sale of ivory products in their country. In November 2017, large internet companies in China joined hands to combat wildlife cybercrimes. China has also joined South Africa, the United States and Interpol to protect endangered species.

Lin mentioned that in 2014, his country donated $10 million to support Africa’s wildlife protection. He pointed out there are few Chinese committing wildlife crimes.

"It is very sad to see that despite all of our efforts, there are still a few Chinese, driven by interest, who commit crimes of illegal poaching, smuggle wild animals, plants and their products," he said. "Their crimes gravely undermine the image and interest of China and the Chinese people. I am sure those individual cases cannot and will not obliterate the important contributions and firm resolve of the Chinese government and the Chinese people for wildlife protection."

Lin said his government has declared zero tolerance for wildlife crimes in China and anywhere else. He pledged his country is ready to work with South Africa, Africa and the world to combat wildlife crimes. He lamented some who have committed wildlife crimes in South Africa, who have been fined. He said those who commit wildlife crimes should be jailed as a deterrent.

Phillips thanked the Chinese community for the donation, which he said would go a long way in assisting in the fight against wildlife crimes. He said is expensive to fight criminals.

Speaking to China Daily, Phillips said: “I would like to thank the Chinese community for the kind donation. We would like to see other embassies and countries doing what China has done.”