12 Jul 2021

Tuli Conservation Trust (TCT) has donated camping equipment worth P256 000 to Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) to help the latter in the  preservation of flora and fauna.

When handing over the donation comprising 40 director camp chairs, 40 mattresses, 40 tents, 40 sleeping bags and 12 rechargeable spotlights, the trust representative Mr Francois du Toit said the equipment would assist wildlife officers ‘to better deal with human-wildlife conflict  in remote areas.

Mr du Toit explained that the grant, phase one of which was provision of camping equipment to wildlife officers, consisted of three legs at a total of P381 400.

On the second leg, Mr du Toit said that the trust would construct barriers to safeguard two water points and equipment used for watering livestock.

Upon completion of phase two the trust would then host educational problem animal control workshops when gatherings would be allowed in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

In doing so, he said the trust sought to fully support the vision of the Botswana government’s global conservation strategy as indicated in its mission.

Tuli Conservation Trust was established in 1993 in Botswana by Northern Tuli Game Reserve Land Owners Association, who funded the three legged donation.

“The efforts of TCT are evident in the grant that was made towards the Botswana National Museum to fully assess the archaeological remains of Motlhabaneng village as well as erecting the new backline fence to assist in curbing human wildlife conflict and making agricultural areas safer,”said Mr du Toit about their contributions towards communities in the area.

When receiving the donation  DWNP director ,Dr Kabelo Senyatso said the equipment would help officers to discharge their duties expeditiously.

He said it was difficult for officers to carry out their duties with limited camping resources at their disposal hence a move to seek assistance from the trust.

Dr Senyatso committed to making a positive difference in tackling human-wildlife conflict in Bobirwa.

He also promised the Mathathane community that with concerted efforts the community would start living harmoniously with wild animals in the next two years.

Though he conceded that elephants were a nagging problem especially when they encroached into human spaces, Dr Senyatso cleared that the jumbo animals also presented economic opportunities to the communities.

He informed attendants of the donation event that the department would engage communities in addressing such pertinent matters as poaching.

The observation, according to the director, had been that the task of anti-poaching had been the preserve of law enforcement agencies. ENDS