KWS calls for harmonised coexistence between humans, elephants
KWS calls for harmonised coexistence between humans, elephants
Phidel Kizito, Capital News FM
August 12, 2024
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has called for a harmonized coexistence
between humans and elephants following rise in jumbo mortalities in the
country.
According to KWS Director General Erustus Kanga, elephants play a critical
role in Kenya’s ecosystem and national heritage.
Kanga says Kenya has witnessed a drop in the population of elephants
despite a slight recovery, orchestrated by the scaling up human-elephant
conflict.
“Kenya’s elephant population has seen a remarkable recovery, growing from
16,000 individuals in 1989 to over 36,280 as per the 2021 National Wildlife
Census. However, this progress slowed down by ongoing challenges, including
habitat loss, climate change, and poaching,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the new KWS Strategic Plan, which focuses on
habitat restoration, conflict mitigation, and enhancing the value of
elephants to local communities, will address these pressing threats.
He averred that the strategic plan contains initiatives which will tackle
the root causes of human-elephant conflict and demonstrate KWS commitment
to finding effective solutions.
The KWS is advocating for the deployment of innovative methods, such as
barriers designed to reduce conflicts, and is encouraging the
identification of key sites to showcase these solutions.
The goal is to create a blueprint for peaceful coexistence that can be
replicated in other regions facing similar challenges.
Human -elephant conflict has been an issue in the country for a while now,
with locals in areas with national parks blaming the government for
negligence in dealing with the issue.
In March, the government asserted that it was working on hastening
compensation for human-wildlife victims, coming at a time when survivors
have been complaining of the lethargic process.
The State Department of Wildlife, in conjunction with the Kenya Wildlife
Services, pledged to ensure victims do not wait for long to get their
compensation from the government, which often increases animosity.
According to KWS, the national government is expected to compensate for
permanent injuries leading to disability, deaths, or property damages
arising from conflicts.