In terms of economical aspects, reinforcing those national parks with sophisticated anti-poaching patrols - these poachers are beefed up like the army. In the case of Cameroon, that's a perfect example of the lack of finance. The government could not provide the national park with more guards. Therefore, they lost the majority of the elephant population. I don't want to see that anywhere else.
Veronika VarekovaSouth Africa is not Cameroon. It's a strong economy. I think they should be the first ones setting an example - improving the legal punishments for those that are involved, reinforcing the borders from every angle, meaning that even the diplomatic plane that lands in South Africa should not have the green light to leave without having the plane inspected. Obviously, those guys are often involved. If I get killed for saying that, so be it. That is the fact. There's way too many important people that are involved that don't want to change.
Veronika VarekovaIn terms of security for wildlife and our society, it's an incredibly alarming situation, and we need to address that.
Veronika VarekovaMany of the local institutions and politicians and veterinarians are involved in illegal trade. To crack that down, it's a big crime and big names to reveal.
Veronika VarekovaMy grandmother said it very simply: "If you don't like dogs, you don't like humans, and vice versa." I really believe that.
Veronika VarekovaI think there is a scientific approach to it and there is a political approach to it and an economical approach to it. All of this combined, we might find a solution.
Veronika VarekovaIn terms of economical aspects, reinforcing those national parks with sophisticated anti-poaching patrols - these poachers are beefed up like the army. In the case of Cameroon, that's a perfect example of the lack of finance. The government could not provide the national park with more guards. Therefore, they lost the majority of the elephant population. I don't want to see that anywhere else.
Veronika Varekova