19 Sep 2017

Elephants Without Borders joined hands with Chobe community and hosted a global parade for elephants, rhinos and lions conservation.

The parade’s intention was to embrace Botswana’s conservation successes and celebrate Botswana’s wildlife.   

Co-founder of Elephant Without Borders and programme manager, Ms Kelly Landen said this was the fifth year they had conducted such an event.

She said this year it was a free fun community event that involved children from schools, the community and government officials to spread the message.

Ms Landen also commended the Chobe Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) and Botswana Defence Force (BDF) for the good job they were doing in standing against poaching.  

She said Botswana had the least cases of poaching and most poachers were from other countries.  

Chobe Regional Wildlife Officer, Mr Lesole Montshiwa acknowledged the people of Chobe for finding the need to co-exist with wildlife despite the challenges they were facing of human-wildlife conflict.  

Mr Montshiwa said that he was aware of the fact that human wildlife conflict was at a high degree, but urged people to report all problem animals to DWNP officials.

“Let us not take the law into our own hands by killing elephants and predators in retaliation to the damage to our properties.

Let us continue using human/wildlife mitigation measures such as the use of chilli bomb, herding dogs, predator proof kraal and many more indigenous knowledge, which are wildlife conservation tolerant.” He noted.

Mr Montshiwa said it was impressive to see the community, leadership and wildlife stakeholders in Chobe joining hands in standing against wildlife exploitation.

He said Chobe district was blessed with abundance of wildlife as some animals from neighbouring countries were even finding a safe place here, where there is love and care for them.

“It is upon us to see this as an opportunity for economic development for our district, which we should embrace as we see more and more visitors from within the country and abroad coming to our district for tourism,” he added.

Deputy Chobe District Council chairperson, Mr Tengenyane Tuelo said since this was a global celebration that was conducted in 140 cities all around the world, it is important that Botswana was represented as it was a great example when it comes to wildlife conservation.

“Chobe is truly an example of what can be achieved with a belief in conservation and community involvement and participation in programmes both actively protecting wildlife such as installing wildlife corridors and efforts to reduce pollution, keeping the environment clean and increasing fire safety,” He said.

Mr Tuelo said this has made Kasane and Chobe National Parks an example to all other areas, where wildlife is facing challenges.

He also urged the community to remain vigilant and ensure that illegal activities like poaching and laying snares did not become common and take hold in the community as driving animals away means driving the chances of prosperity away. Ends