Human- Wildlife Conflict continues to be a challenge to the livelihoods of rural communities.

It has been one of the most worrying situations in the country and has been a heavy blow for communities living in the tourism areas which have a large number of wildlife especially elephants.

Minister of Environment and Tourism Philda Kereng said for the fiscal year 2022/ 2023, 4,491 human- wildlife cases have so far been reported and an amount of P11,459,096.16 ha s b e e n sp e nt a s compensation to the affected farmers. She said as a mitigation strategy for human- wildlife conflict, the rehabilitation of the 40km Tuli backline fence in Bobirwa, implemented in collaboration with the private sector, was completed in December 2022.

“The Mi n i s t r y i s also undertaking the construction of a 138km fence on the southern and western parts of Makgadikgadi National Park and the project is implemented in four phases.

The first phase which covers 60km was completed in the last financial year. The second phase covering a distance of 84km has been awarded whilst the third phase which covers 54km is at adjudication stage.

The fourth and last phase of the fence will be implemented during the TNDP period. In addition, the rehabilitation of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and Khutse Game Reserve Predator Proof Fences are ongoing, and expected to be completed by August 2023,” said the Minister.

She stated that wildlife management continues to be a priority within her Ministry.

“Our wildlife is an endowment that requires a wise- use and management approach to benefit present and future generations,” Kereng told Parliament this week, adding that the natural environment provides a rich array of goods and services that have supported and continue to provide opportunity for economic development and improved livelihoods.

She said to that end, the Ministry is implementing ecosystems management plans for areas which are significant for biodiversity c o n s e r v a t i o n a n d livelihoods sustainability.

The Ministry, she said continues to prioritise the maintenance and provision of infrastructure, water for wildlife, fences and roads within the Protected Areas as well as the development and implementation of species management plans particularly for High Value Species such as elephants, rhinos and leopards.

“Ministry collaborated wi t h t h e Ge rma n Government to undertake an aerial survey of elephant and other wildlife in the entire KAZA region which was funded to the tune of P32,000,000. The survey started in August 2022 and was completed in October 2022.

Data analysis and report writing are ongoing, and the report findings are expected to be ready during the first quarter of financial year 2023/ 2024. This report will enhance the management of elephants within the KAZA region.”

According to Kereng, the Ministry has also collaborated with Safari Club Int e rnat iona l Foundation ( SCIF) to undertake the Botswana National Leopard Pilot Survey at CT 1 Wildlife Management Area. She explained that the project was funded to the tune of P1,140,000 and the pilot survey was completed in December 2022.

The Mi n ister told P a r l i ame n t w h e n presenting her Ministry’s 2023/ 24 financial year budget that a country wide leopard survey roll- out is planned for April/ May 2023 and is expected to be completed by end of 2025. She stated that one of the conservation strategies is consumptive utilisation of wildl i fe, through which hunting quotas are allocated to community based organisations ( CBO) throughout the country.