Ministry of Tourism has announced that significant progress is being made in the effort to reduce conflicts between wild animals and communities living near national parks nationwide.
In an interview with MBC, the Ministry of Tourism spokesperson, Joseph Nkosi, stated that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, in collaboration with its partners, is actively working to lessen friction within protected wildlife reserves.
“We are collaborating with developmental partners to reduce human-wildlife conflict. For instance, the construction of wire fences is underway in Kasungu National Park. Furthermore, we are economically empowering communities through job creation, and this, coupled with the fencing, will lead to a decrease in conflicts,” he explained.
Leonard Moyo, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Divisional Manager for the Centre, elaborated on the progress in Kasungu National Park, stating that 114 kilometers of the planned 135-kilometer wire fence have already been completed.
“The surrounding communities participating in the project are receiving K3,500 daily, which is contributing to the improvement of their economic well-being,” he highlighted.
Mathews Malata, the team leader of the Movement for Environmental Action (MEA), applauded the development as a significant step towards resolving conflicts between animals and humans.
“By involving local populations in the conservation efforts within the parks, there is optimism that communities will appreciate wildlife, which significantly contributes to the nation’s economy,” he commented.
Globally, conflicts between wildlife and people are a prevalent and major challenge in conservation.
