Windhoek: Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, Indileni Daniel, announced that N.dollars 9 million was distributed to 86 communal conservancies to compensate for livestock and crop damages caused by wildlife in the previous financial year.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Daniel revealed this information while motivating her ministry’s N.dollars 727.6 million budget allocation in the National Assembly on Wednesday. She acknowledged that while the allocation is below what is needed to fully implement planned ministerial initiatives and programs, the ministry is committed to delivering maximum value from the current allocation.
Daniel noted that during the 2024/25 financial year, nearly N.dollars 3.4 million was provided to communities outside conservancies for loss of life, injuries, and further damages resulting from wildlife interactions. The ministry’s focus is on practical solutions, including alternative water points for elephants, protection walls for community water sources, and predator-proof kraals to safeguard livestock.
Daniel added that with the current allocation, her ministry will enhance crocodile enclosures, support monitoring teams with camping allowances, and ensure vehicle maintenance and fuel availability for effective wildlife conflict management. Despite 83 recorded rhino poaching cases and nine elephant poaching incidents in 2024, the ministry remains resolute in combating illegal wildlife killings and plant poaching.
To strengthen conservation efforts, 50 young Namibians will be recruited into the Anti-Poaching Unit, focusing on protecting rhinos, elephants, and pangolins, which are among the most threatened species. The minister pointed out that Namibia currently has 86 conservancies, benefiting approximately 300,000 people through conservation-linked livelihoods and employment.
With the approval of the budget this year, Daniel said the focus will be on enhancing conservancy management, ensuring compliance and good governance, and supporting wildlife management activities to improve community well-being and job creation. Funding for this initiative is complimented by the German government (KfW and GIZ), the Global Environmental Facility, and Namibia’s Game Product Trust Fund.