IFAW ropes in traditional leaders in conservation efforts
IFAW ropes in traditional leaders in conservation efforts
BUSINESS REPORTER
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) met traditional leaders this week as it pushes the co-existence, conservation and wildlife protection efforts in its “Room to Roam” initiative.
The meeting, held in Lilongwe from July 3 to 4 is the second in seven months following the inaugural meeting of traditional leaders in Kenya in December.
Traditional leaders and communities have a voice in conservation but this network strives to implement policies that affect the lives of people living with wildlife. Their involvement is integral to long-term success of conservation efforts and the development of sustainable solutions.
The Lilongwe meeting was hosted by Senior Chief Felix Lukwa of Kasungu, Malawi.
“Landscapes are increasingly fragmented, disrupting free movement of elephants and other wildlife, leading to more frequent human wildlife conflict,” said Azzedine Downes, IFAW President and CEO who led the gathering.
Senior Chief Lukwa said traditional leaders are the custodians of nature and wildlife outside of protected areas and are the driving force behind reclamation of wildlife corridors and developing alternative livelihoods.
“At the same time expressing the challenges communities face due to living with wildlife like damaging harvests and killing of livestock,” he said.
Downes said the combined forces will find solutions that allow animals and people thrive together.
“IFAW is committed to lead this process where traditional leaders and communities are at the forefront of our planning as we proceed to advance IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative to protect key landscapes across Eastern and Southern Africa,” he said.
The Lilongwe meeting was attended by Chief Siphoso, Alphius Msindazi of Tsholotsho community in Zimbabwe, chairman Daniel Leturesh of the Olgulului-Ololarashi GR Amboseli, Kenya, Princess Nikiwe Pauline Bam, South Africa and Chieftainess Mwanya Grace Banda (Zambia).
It was also attended by Chieftainess Mwasemphangwe, Laecia Phiri (Zambia), Chief Lesoma B. Lesoma (Botswana), Aaron Gono (District Development Coordinator, Tsholotsho), Jimmy Phiri District Commissioner, Lumezi District, Zambia, Seitisho Philadelphia Ramutla, AYIL, South Africa and Koikai Oloitiptip, Amboseli Ecosystem Trust, Kenya.
IFAW’s Room to Roam initiative aims to ensure viable, stable, resilient elephant populations long into the future—and with little to no human interference.
IFAW is a global non-profit which helps animals and people thrive together.
