Staff Writer
Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism today received consignment of equipment worth approximately N$21.7 million from projects of the MEFT funded by the German Governmentthrough KfW development bank.
Pohamba Shifeta, Minister of MEFT received the equipment consisting of 10 vehicles, park management and law enforcement equipment.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, I am delighted to be here this morning to receive this consignment of critical equipment worth approximately N$ 21.7 million. This
consignment that includes ten (10) 4×4 off-road vehicles, water maintenance equipment, camping equipment, wildlife monitoring equipment, predator transport crates, workshop tools, equipment
for spatial monitoring and reporting and IT equipment will significantly support our efforts to protect wildlife and manage of our National Parks efficiently and effectively,” said Shifeta.
Shifeta said the donation comes at a convenient time as the country recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 global health pandemic which put unprecedented strain on the country’s economy.
“Our daily operations were severely affected and it has been extremely difficult to maintain and manage activities such as water provision to game, wildlife crime prevention, inspections and law
enforcement, human wildlife conflict management, infrastructure development, rural community involvement and participation in wildlife management. Additionally, tourism was particularly hard hit. This support also comes at a time when the country is experiencing an increase in crime against wildlife particularly rhinos and pangolins. These crimes are closely linked to the international trade of species and their products,” he stated.
Moreover, he stated that 55 rhinos have been poached so far this year compared to 44 last and 36 people have been arrested for rhino related cases this year, compared to 80 in 2021.
As for elephants, two have been poached so far this year compared to eight in 2021. 58 people have been arrested for elephant related cases this year, compared to 98 in 2021.
