Environment, forestry and tourism minister Indileni Daniel said N$9 million was distributed to 86 communal conservancies as compensation for livestock and crops damaged by wildlife in the previous financial year.

She revealed this while motivating her ministry’s N$727.6 million budget allocation in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

“While this allocation remains below what is required to fully implement planned ministerial initiatives and programmes, the ministry remains committed to delivering maximum value from the allocation,” she said.

Daniel noted that during the 2024/25 financial year, nearly N$3.4 million was paid to communities outside conservancies for loss of life, injuries, and other damages resulting from wildlife interactions.

“We recognise the challenges posed by elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes, and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.

This year, our focus is on practical solutions, including alternative water points for elephants, protection walls for community water sources, and predator-proof kraals to safeguard livestock,” she stated.

Daniel added that with the current allocation, her ministry will be enhancing crocodile enclosures, supporting monitoring teams with camping allowances, and ensuring vehicle maintenance and fuel availability for effective wildlife-conflict management.

Despite the 83 rhino and nine elephant poaching incidents recorded in 2024, the ministry remains resolute in combating illegal wildlife killings and plant poaching.

“To strengthen conservation efforts, 50 young Namibians will be recruited into the Anti-Poaching Unit, focusing on protecting rhinos, elephants and pangolins, which are among the most-threatened species,” said Daniel.

The minister pointed out that Namibia currently has 86 conservancies, benefiting approximately 300 000 people through conservation-linked livelihoods and employment.

With the approval of the budget this year, Daniel said focus will be on enhancing conservancy management, ensuring compliance and good governance, and supporting wildlife management activities to improve community well-being and job-creation.

“Funding for this initiative is complemented by the German government (KfW & GIZ), the Global Environmental Facility, and Namibia’s Game Product Trust Fund,” she said.
 

Source - https://neweralive.na