Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule, on Tuesday commissioned the 133-kilometre perimeter fence constructed on the entire eastern stretch of Kasungu National Park, a project she said puts to rest the human-animal conflict in the area.
The Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has constructed the K2.8 billion solar-powered fence with technical and financial assistance from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
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The minister hailed the project, saying it will help the 20,000 communities living close to the park to thrive together with animals without clashes.
“We were having a challenge of human-wildlife conflict where animals were coming out of the park, destroying lives, crops and property, but now that’s the thing of the past.
“And again, when the animals were just straying out of the park, they were being killed by poachers and community members, but now, people, their property and animals are safe,” Kamtukule said.
She also stressed the importance of collaboration between park authorities and community members in the park conservation activities in reducing cases of communities damaging the fence and invading the protected area for livelihood.
“I am a prime believer of the fact that the community is our first line of defence as far as conservation is concerned. What that means is that there must be something that the communities are benefiting from by living close to the park.
“Otherwise, they will attack the park, cut down trees for firewood or sell, kill the animals or be used by poachers; so, it is incumbent upon those that are managing the park to ensure that they are providing alternative livelihood activities to support the communities,” she said.
IFAW Country Director for Malawi and Zambia Landscape Connectivity, Patricio Ndadzela described the fence as an effective tool to deal with human-animal conflict.
He said: “People and animals must live together and for this to happen, we must mitigate human-wild conflicts.
“This fence will go a long way in protecting people’s lives, crops and providing enough security for animals. It’s momentous for us to support the government of Malawi in wildlife conservation.”
Speaking on behalf of communities surrounding the park, Senior Chief Lukwa expressed gratitude to IFAW and urged the community to take care of the fence.
During the event, IFAW also donated to DNPW three vehicles worth K473 million and 11 motorcycles bought at K66 million to ease mobility challenges faced in managing the park.
