10 May 2021

Okavango Research Institute (ORI) Director, Professor Joseph Mbaiwa says a solution to human wildlife conflict will require an approach that equally considers all stakeholders.

Prof Mbaiwa made the remarks at the launch of the Okavango Human Wildlife Conflict Foundation in Maun recently. 

He said the foundation came at the right time, as human wildlife conflict needed partners that can bring applicable solutions, adding that the conflict was exacerbated by varying interests in the delta by different stakeholders.

Prof Mbaiwa said on one hand, the traditional community had interest in livelihoods activities such as agriculture, hunting and gathering, while emerging stakeholders such as the government and the private sector from the tourism industry aspired to conserve wildlife.

He said even some emerging stakeholders had different interests as some wanted to engage in photographic tourism, while some wanted trophy hunting. 

Prof Mbaiwa therefore said there was need for an integrated land use plan to address the conflict of interest.

The approach taken, he said should above all, consider the socio-ecological framework, which is to ensure that the animals in the Delta had a right to live and be conserved, as well as to respect the socio-economic aspect of the communities found in the Delta.

“Communities must benefit from the wildlife resources and tourism in their areas,” he said.

When launching the foundation, Okavango Member of Parliament, Mr Kenny Kapinga urged its members to prioritise their core mandate over individual benefit when acquiring funding.

Mr Kapinga said the foundation should make a difference in the lives of people affected by human wildlife conflict.

He also challenged it to help survivors of wildlife attacks with psychosocial support and some medical procedures, where necessary. 

The foundation chairman, Mr Gakemotho Satau said the non-governmental organisation aimed to address challenges of human wildlife conflicts, especially in the North West region, adding that it also aspires to be people centric and to support a research based approach. Ends