11 Aug 2016

The proposed Land Use Conflict Identification Strategy (LUSIS) has been received with mixed feelings in Chobe District.

Consultant Kent Burger said LUSIS sought to identify conflict needing negotiation, promote dialogue and collaboration as well as taking into consideration stakeholder preference as used in the Tawana and Seronga areas.

Some stakeholders, however, had concerns about the strategy being used for ulterior motives. 

Mr Richard Kashweeka said he wanted to see the strategy applied to all sectors of the community without any prejudice. 

“I do not want to see results of this strategy manipulated to satisfy certain pressure groups,” he said.

Land board chairperson, Mr Nelson Masule, noted that the strategy must take cognisance of concerns that wildlife corridors were being marked in built up areas around Kasane/ Kazungula area raising chances of human-wildlife conflict.

Elephants without Borders (EWB) official, Ms Kelly Landen pointed out that the emphasis must be on access to water. 

“We do not mark corridors ourselves, but animals do so as they are adaptive,” she said.

The consultant highlighted that it was necessary that people who were part of the problem must admit it.

He highlighted that LUSIS process creates space for negotiation to allow decision-making by consensus.

Workshop organiser, Mr Mokolwane Mokolwane noted that this was a consultative meeting bringing together district knowledge experts and the consultants. 

He highlighted that the strategy sought to address wildlife, tourism and agriculture sectors regarding issues of land use conflict and management. Ends