09 Mar 2020

The Regional Wildlife Officer, Mr Goitseone Lebonetse has urged escort guides to work vigilantly and diligently, putting the interests of the country at the forefront and work within the parameters of set procedures.

Mr Lebonetse was speaking during training to prepare escort guides for operations in their community leased area at West Hanahai  over the weekend.

Organised by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks, the workshop targeted community trusts of GH1, GH3, GH10 and GH11.

Mr Lebonetse said the workshop was befitting, as government had lifted the hunting ban and the targeted community trusts had hunting quota. 

He expressed hope that lifting the hunting ban would improve the livelihoods of communities, particularity community trusts.

He reminded escort guides that the world would be watching closely, especially that the lifting of hunting received much attention and criticism. 

Mr Lebonetse said they should shun malpractice and any practice that could spoil the success and benefit of the community as well as dent the country’s image.

He said they should resist any kind of temptation, including bribery, saying that some safari owners may try to buy their allegiance.

Mr Lebonetse encouraged escort guides warned them against alcohol abuse, saying  it could affect their efficiency.

He urged them to be well equipped with food and camping equipment during trips.

He also advised them to gather any information about environment that could be useful in decision making.

Mr Lebonetse further expressed concern that although the Community Based Natural  Resources Management (CBNRM) programme was intended to benefit members of the community, through sustainable use of natural resources in their locality, some communities were still  poor.

He said some community trusts in Ghanzi remained unproductive, despite the abundance and diverse environmental wealth and conservation related enterprises, while others were on the verge of collapse. 

He said some’s accounting books were not properly done and there were no good work ethics.

In his welcome remarks, Kgosi Duxwa Xaogae of West Hanahai said community trusts had proved to be sustainable enterprises, saying the Maun region was benefiting a lot from trusts. 

In his presentation, Wildlife Officer, Mr Vincent Ramatsabana said escort guides should know their community trust boundaries, particulars of the Safari operator, client, professional hunter and the area and the booked period.

He urged them to inspect licences, permits, hunting cards to ensure validity and confirm they were carried on the hunt at all times.

Mr Ramatsabana advised guides to record the calibre and serial numbers of all firearms to be used, adding that the suggested maximum number of people per hunt is seven.

He said a hunting licence shall be endorsed immediately on completion of the hunt and wounded animals should be recorded as hunted.

Senior wildlife Warden, Mr Julius Rakose encouraged escort guides to declare any gift to the accounting officer before use. ends