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Thank you for the invitation to present a short opening address at this conference on the consumptive use of wildlife. I would like to compliment the three organisations responsible for the initiative that has led to this conference. They are: the South African Institute of Ecologists and Environmental Scientists, the Southern African Wildlife Management Association and the Marine Science Society of Southern Africa.

All three organisations are highly regarded for their scientific orientation. It can therefore be expected that the discussions at this conference will be characterised by a factual, scientific and constructive approach. This is to be welcomed in a field where emotions can rise very quickly and debate is often polarised into a "for" or "against" attitude. The purpose of this conference is to try and formulate a rational approach to the many questions and problems that have developed around the killing of wild animals for either pleasure, profit or conservation reasons. I am aware of the many contentious issues that will be raised during the discussions. It is therefore mandatory that a balanced, factual and constructive approach should prevail.

Die benutting van natuurlike hulpbronne is vandag nie meer so 'n eenvoudige saak soos 50 jaar of meer gelede nie. Die wˆreld het dramaties verander. Die natuurlike omgewing het toenemend plek gemaak vir 'n mensgemaakte omgewing. Die snelle ontwikkeling van die moderne wˆreld het die natuurlike omgwing al meer onder druk geplaas - bedreig - en ongelukkig in baie opsigte - selfs venietig. Onherstelbare skade is reeds aan die omgewing aangerig. Die mensdom het in die naam van ontwikkeling en vooruitgang 'n verwoestende spoor agtergelaat.

Gelukkig is alles not nie verlore nie. 'n Nuwe meer verantwoordelike houding teenoor die omgewing het ontstaan.

Daar is 'n groter besef as ooit vantevore dat die natuur beskerm en versorg moet word.

A greater environmental awareness has developed and with it a reappraisal of the relationship between the human being and his environment. This positive development and the new focus on and interest in environmental matters has brought up questions and problems that previously received little or no attention.

Serious questions concerning the killing of wild animals merely for the pleasure and exictement of the hunters were raised. Old traditions and ancient sporting practices came under growing attack - such as fox hunting and even the famous Grand National steeple chase, horse racing event. The ethics of killing or culling became a topic of serious and often intensive debate. The emotional nature of many of these issues created media attention which further raised interest and let to more media attention. Popular perceptions developed that are often far removed from the scientific reality. The emotive content of many arguments and perceptions on which the public are mobilised to exert pressure on government makes a rational debate difficult. A new industry of non-governmental bodies driven by the motivation to promote a particular cause has developed. Many of these NGOs have done outstanding work. They have made a major contribution to create a new sensitivity about nature. Through their endeavours and by successfully mobilising public support, they have compelled governments to be far more sensitive to environmental matters in the execution of policy.

This conference is therefore very timely and appropriate. We need a rational debate on these contentious issies. We need to find a responsible way to manage our valuable natural resources. We urgently need to develop and grow economically as a country. This means that we need to put our most precious resource at the top of our agenda. I refer to our natural environment.

At the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio the principle of sustainable development of natural resources was accepted by all the parties as the guiding principles to direct our endeavours.

This is of particular importance for a country such as South Africa (and Southern Africa) with its great eco-tourism potential.

To the majority of tourists the unique feature of South Africa is its rich and diverse flora and fauna. This wide spectrum does not only include our many excellent game parks but also the very successful development of a network of game hunting and fishing facilitites around the country. Sustainable development has been the principle that has guided the development of both our game parks and hunting/fishing attractions. However, are we all in agreement when we talk about sustainable development? What does this term or concept really mean? Has it not become a general catch phrase? I am asking these questions because we need to question the obvious if we wish to gain in understanding. It was Socrates who taught us the wisdom that only when we discover that we do not possess knowledge can we obtain knowledge. Let me set the example by professing that I do not have the answers to many of the difficult problems that you will be discussing today.

I have noted in your programme that the discussions will be developed along the lines of a "letter to the Minister". I would strongly encourage you to pursue this approach because it will allow me the benefit of sharing in your collective wisdom - it will provide me and the government with a set of guidelines that we can utilise in developing policy positions.

I would like to wish you a very fruitful and constructive day. May your deliberations provide new insights and directions as to how these difficult issues should be addressed.