Wildlife conflict becoming more severe

The Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, says human and wildlife conflicts in Namibia have become more frequent and severe in recent years.

This is as a result of increased human population growth, wildlife population growth, unplanned agricultural activities, drought and the expansion of agricultural and industrial activities that have led to increased human encroachment on the wild and uninhabited areas.

Shifeta said competition for the available natural habitat and resources has increased and the effects of climate change are exacerbating these conflicts.

Shifeta raised the concerns during the 2017/18 financial year address to staff employed by the ministry.

According to the minister, one of the most difficult challenges that the ministry is faced with is human-wildlife conflict.

Shifeta said it has also been observed that the prevalence of these conflicts has frustrated people, in particular farmers, to the extent where they have resorted to taking the law into their own hands when they find themselves in threatening human-wildlife conflict situations.

“I urge therefore that our esteemed farmers and the public at large work closely with the staff members of the Ministry who are deployed nearest to them to handle this problem. In the same spirit, I would like to encourage our staff members to be prompt in responding to issues of human- wildlife conflict.”

He said that delayed responses could worsen the situation.

“As we have seen in the past, some frustrated farmers have hunted and killed predators that have caused damages to their properties without the consent of the ministry.”

Furthermore Shifeta said farmers and agencies that intend to set up development programs in the wildlife habitats should comply with the law (Environmental Management Act).

He reiterated that the setting up of livestock farming units or large scale agricultural development in a wildlife habitat or close to national parks requires an environmental clearance certificate by the Environmental Commissioner.

Shifeta said that the Environmental Commissioner is under instruction to strictly apply the EMA without fear, favour or prejudice.

Any project which does not comply with EMA should be issued with a compliance order without delay and failure to comply must result in the closure of that project without delay, said Shifeta.

“I have noted that there are still some development projects in defiance with the EMA.” Sand mining, waste disposal sites by different authorities, agricultural projects, construction, and transportation of dangerous toxic materials are some that are notorious for being defiant of the law.

“I call upon all those involved to comply in order to avoid disappointment and inconvenience which may be caused by the sudden closure of their programs.”

Shifeta said that there will be no further warning.

He called upon the public to report any suspicious listed activity undertaken anywhere to the environmental commissioner for investigation.

Shifeta said the impacts that stem from a disturbed environment can be catastrophic and therefore much more needs to be done to educate the public and ensure compliance by the of the Environmental Management Act.

He said that monitoring of the Act is crucial there has been progress in this regard.

ELLANIE SMIT