23 Jul 2013

The Ministry of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism (MEWT) has no plans to relocate elephants from Boteti because that will be an economically unsustainable exercise.

Answering a question in Parliament recently, Mr Tshekedi Khama said the ministry, with the support of the World Bank, was piloting a project called the Northern Botswana Human Wildlife co-existence at Khumaga and Moreomaoto in Boteti Sub-district.

Mr Khama stated that the project’s success depended on ownership by the community and the use of pro-active human-elephant conflict prevention interventions such as chilli pepper and beehives to protect livestock, crops and property.

Plans, he said, were underway to roll the project to other affected areas in Boteti Sub-district, saying it was worth noting that the presence of elephants had brought opportunities through lodges and community projects which provided benefits including employment and revenue.

Member of Parliament for Boteti North Mr Slumber Tsogwane had asked the minister if he had plans to relocate elephants that have moved to parts of Boteti which is not part of their habitat.

MP Tsogwane also asked the minister to state how residents can protect their property and themselves from the threat posed by the elephants. ENDS