Zimbabwe is to increase the export of wildlife, including elephants, to China, says the environment minister. She is quoted as saying that the move will reduce the chances of elephants dying because of drought.
Critics have previously condemned the exports as “stealing from the future generation’s natural resources”.
Zimbabwe is also seeking China’s help to obtain anti-poaching technology, including drones.
Game parks in Zimbabwe are famous, but their wildlife is being increasingly threatened by poachers who see China and several other Asian states as a lucrative market for illicit exports.
Ivory is used for trinkets, souvenirs and also in traditional medicines.