Hunting... "ethically bankrupt"

I found the following piece about hunting on Dereck and Beverly Joubert's website (http://www.wildlifeconservationfilms.com) interesting:

As much as we can debate this and as sad as it may be, we can no longer stand behind hunting! For years we tolerated it because it seemed like some spiritual journey in itself. Today we have come to the conclusion we should have years ago: hunting is no longer anything like this, It is all about the kill, and sadly now there is no doubt that hunting now falls under the category of recreation (even mentioned as such in official brochures and websites.)

We don't believe that it is ethical to enjoy killing animals (or anything) and while it may be acceptable to kill and eat meat, the enjoyment of that process is shameful. Sport hunting, recreational hunting, blood sports are no longer acceptable morally.

To any who say that they enjoy hunting for the bushcraft and chase we say that it is easy to find a substitute today for both of those. In a place called Palmwag in Namibia for example (a Wilderness safaris area) Chris Bakas will take you walking up to black rhinos. His challenge to you will be to get close enough to take a photograph, however you will have failed if the rhino detects you, and failed twice if it charges. Now that is a challenge greater than driving up and shooting an elephant the size of the average African dwelling from your vehicle.

That deals with the clients, but the guides or professional hunters should know better, many have grown up with the scent of African sage in their noses and understand her songs. But so many things are being done today in the hunting industry under their watch (that we have seen and filmed or photographed) that the words "ethically bankrupt" are applicable here.

If there is to be a hunting industry at all in the future there must be a new way of management of the hunters, by the hunters themselves, with full accountability for their actions, as morally disturbing as sanctioned killing of animals for the fun of it is.

About the Filmmakers

Dereck and Beverly Joubert, recently nominated "Explorers-in-Residence at the National Geographic Society are multiply awarded filmmakers, photographers, writers and conservationists. Their prime goal in life is to use their particular talents to enhance conservation and efforts to inspire other people to take care of the planet. Through their films, largely on the big cats of Africa; lions and leopards, as well as elephants they show a side of the natural world that is often hidden to people, and they explore the meanings, and relevance of the natural world to each and every one of us. "We have to understand that every thing is connected, and as soon as we understand that we are a part of every system in Earth, the easier it will be for us to find that balance here instead of forever being in conflict with nature, its wild animals and wild places."

Working with the National Geographic and based out of Botswana, the Jouberts have managed to influence policy and people's perceptions of the wild for over twenty five years. They continue with new projects all the time, honing their skills and widening that footprint of like minded people who simply believe that every decision you make today needs to be based on a sound and well thought out "internal  environmental impact assessment" of your own. "We all know roughly what is right and what is wrong. Make every decision based on that alone and we will all be in better shape."

More info: http://www.wildlifeconservationfilms.com

SA filmmakers win World Ecology Award

South African filmmakers Beverly and Dereck Joubert were awarded the 2008 World Ecology Award earlier this month for their contribution to raising public awareness around issues of global ecological concern.

Through their production company Wildlife Conservation Films, the husband and wife filmmaking team have spent almost three decades researching, exploring, filming and documenting wildlife in Africa. Consequently their efforts have resulted in 20 films, six books, scores of international awards and earned them an explorer's residency at National Geographic.

The World Ecology Award was presented to the Jouberts by the Whitney R. Harris World Ecology Centre at the University of Missouri-St Louis, USA. Speaking at a gala dinner held at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, executive director of the Centre Patrick Osborne praised the work of the Jouberts in raising awareness around environmental issues.

"Through their films and publications, the Jouberts show the natural beauty and harsh reality of African wildlife, educating people throughout the world on why it is so vital that these wild places be protected and conserved for future generations," he said.

To read the rest of the article click here: http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/south_africa_in_the_world/sa_filmmakers_win_world_ecology_award.html

To find out more about Beverly and Dereck Joubert, visit Wildlife Conservation Films.