Staff Reporter
ENVIRONMENT, Forestry and Tourism Minister Indileni Daniel has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening community-led conservation and working closely with traditional authorities to address governance and wildlife management issues in conservancies.
Daniel made the remarks during a meeting with Mfumu Joseph Mayuni III of the Mashi Traditional Authority in the Zambezi Region. The discussions focused on governance and benefit-sharing in community-based conservancies, the importance of conservation at community level and strategies to manage human-wildlife conflict.
Photos: Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism
The minister said collaboration between government and traditional leaders remains key to promoting sustainable biodiversity conservation and ensuring that communities benefit from natural resources in their areas.
Mayuni III is known as a strong advocate for conservation initiatives within his jurisdiction and has supported efforts aimed at protecting biodiversity while promoting community participation.
During a separate engagement in the Mukwe constituency of the Kavango East Region, Daniel received a formal submission from Fumu Erwin Mbambo of the Hambukushu Traditional Authority.
The submission included a dossier outlining the traditional authority’s concerns on several issues, including the management of the Bwabwata National Park.
Daniel said the ministry would study the submission and respond after consulting relevant stakeholders.
The minister was accompanied by Environment Ministry Executive Director Sikongo Haihambo, Deputy Executive Director for Natural Resources Management Colgar Sikopo, and other senior officials.
Also present were Kavango East Regional Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka, Mukwe Constituency Councillor Augusta Katembo, and Regional Police Commander Commissioner Andreas Haingura.
