France’s Trophy Ban Sparks An Urgent Battle That Could Hit Zimbabwe Safari Operators
Zimbabwean safari operators are facing growing concern over France’s proposed ban on trophy imports, with international hunting organisations mounting an urgent campaign to stop the move before it becomes law.
France Moves To Halt Trophy Imports
The campaign follows a proposal by French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to prohibit imports of hunting trophies from species listed under CITES Appendix I and II.
The Herald reports that the proposal has triggered concern among Zimbabwean safari operators, who fear the move could have wider consequences for wildlife conservation and communities that benefit from hunting-related income.
In a letter dated August 20, 2026, Association des Guides de Grande Chasse president Jean-Pierre Bernon warned that the situation had reached a critical stage.
Bernon said:
“The prime minister intends to shortly impose the ban through a prime ministerial decree, bypassing both the national assembly and the senate.”
He added that the measure could have implications beyond France.
“Its consequences extend far beyond France. They could affect France’s international commitments under CITES, relations with African countries, conservation financing, rural communities, and the management of large natural areas.”
Zimbabwe Safari Industry Raises Alarm
The proposed restrictions would affect species including elephants, lions, hippos, white rhinos and Nile crocodiles, as well as threatened species such as leopards, cheetahs and black rhinos.
Safari operators argue that further European restrictions could undermine Zimbabwe’s wildlife management and conservation model.
Bernon also warned that other European countries could follow France if the proposal succeeds.
African Leaders Urged To Intervene
International hunting organisations are calling for African governments to take a more direct role in discussions with French policymakers.
Bernon argued that African political leaders could have greater influence in challenging the proposed restrictions than hunting organisations operating in Europe.
The debate now places Zimbabwe’s safari industry and its conservation model under renewed international scrutiny.
Why France’s Trophy Ban Has Zimbabwe Watching Closely
The proposed French restrictions could have consequences beyond trophy imports, with conservation funding, rural communities and wildlife management all forming part of the wider dispute.
African governments are being urged to engage directly as the campaign against the proposed decree gathers momentum.
The post Zimbabwe Safari Operators Join Urgent Fight Against France’s Trophy Import Ban appeared first on iHarare News.
