Placido Hilukilwa
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has issued a stern warning to members of the public who are harvesting edible tree worms — locally known as “Omagungu” and “Okatalashe” — not to stray into the Etosha National Park.
The Deputy Director for Wildlife and National Parks, Marthin Kasaona, addressed a writ to councillors whose constituencies border the Etosha National Park requesting them to use their good offices to specifically warn worms harvesters not to cross over into the Park.
“Community members harvesting Omagungu and Okatalashe along the boundaries of the Etosha National Park are reminded not to cross over into the Park as it is by law not permissible. It is not only in violation of Park rules and regulations but, equally, compromising the Park security and protection on wildlife,” said Kasaona.
He is sending a stern warning to the public to refrain from illegal activities in the Park.
On the other hand, he is requesting community members to support and cooperate with police officers, members of the NDF and officials of the Wildlife Protection Services who are deployed along the Park’s boundaries.
The five constituencies that border Etosha on the northern side where the worms are harvested are Omuntele in the Oshikoto Region, Okatjali and Uuvudhiya in the Oshana Region, and Okahao and Otamanzi in Omusati.
It is currently the harvest season for the delicious and nutritious mopani worms and Okatalashe and people are flocking to the forests where they encamp for weeks, each trying to harvest as much as possible, either for own consumption or to sell and earn much needed cash.
