Communities in the Kunene Region have called for human-wildlife conflict compensation to be reviewed as they feel it is not adequate for the damage suffered.

The is according to a press release issued by the National Assembly on the Sub-committee on Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s visit to Kunene from 28 January to 04 February. It said community members want the compensation policy reviewed as the amounts paid for human-wildlife conflict losses are insufficient when compared to the value of livestock and other losses.

The sub-committee visited the Kunene Region to gain an understanding of the Community-Based Natural Resource Management in Namibia (CBNRM) programme which empowers communities to set up conservancies. This helps them generate an income and bring about development through the sustainable use of natural resources.

Another issue highlighted during the visit was rhino and elephant poaching which adversely affects the ability of the conservancies to manage their operations and generate an income.

Community members also mentioned the prolonged drought affecting the region which has caused wildlife to either migrate to other areas or resulted in many animal deaths. Conservancies therefore implored the ministry to increase the quotas for trophy hunting.

Other issues covered included the impact of COVID-19 on revenue generation, the mismanagement of conservancy money and the lack of coordination between the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism and the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

The Sub-committee on Environment, Forestry and Tourism was resolved from the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Natural Resources to fulfil the mandate to consider any matter related to the protection of Namibia’s natural resources.

Hangula said a detailed report is expected to be submitted to the main committee for adaptation and tabling in the NA before the end of February

Source: The Namibian Press Agency