Millions paid out for wildlife damage, says minister

Nearly N$9 million was paid out to 86 registered communal conservancies over the past financial year to compensate for livestock and crop losses caused by wildlife.

An additional N$3.4 million went to communities outside conservancies for deaths, injuries and other damages linked to wildlife encounters.

Minister of environment and tourism Indileni Daniel, in her recent budget motivation, said around N$346 million has been allocated to the Wildlife and Protected Area Management Programme for the 2025/26 financial year.

The programme covers park management, wildlife protection, human-wildlife conflict mitigation and community-based resource management.

The programme covers park management, wildlife protection, conflict mitigation and community-based resource management.

To reduce human-wildlife conflict, Daniel said preventative measures include protecting water infrastructure from elephants, building predator-proof kraals, collaring and tracking problem animals and developing elephant-friendly water sources.

“We recognise the challenges posed by elephants, crocodiles, buffalo, and predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas," she noted.

The minister added that with a focus on practical solutions this year, the ministry is also upgrading crocodile enclosures, supporting monitoring teams with camping allowances and maintaining vehicles and fuel supplies for effective conflict response.

Boosting anti-poaching units

Daniel said that despite the 83 recorded rhino poaching cases and nine elephant poaching incidents in 2024, the ministry remains resolute to combat 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.”