Government has partnered with Bangweulu Wetlands to help curb illegal poaching in Lavushimanda National Park of Muchinga Province.
ZANIS reports that speaking during the sensitisation meeting with the community members, Lavushimanda District Commissioner, Terris Kunda explained to the community the importance of preserving wildlife in order for the government to collect revenue from the park.
Mr Kunda urged the people of Muwele to work with the government and the Banweulu Wetlands Projects in a bid to curb illegal poaching and further appealed to them to avoid taking the law into their own hands whenever they are angered.
His remarks came in the wake of reports of violence that escalated between community members in Muwele area and workers from Bangweulu Wetlands Projects, who were allegedly attacked by an angry mob for stopping them from conducting illegal poaching in the area.
“Preserving wildlife is very important as the government is able to collect revenue from the activity, so allow this project to assist you and avoid taking the law into your own hands,” he said.
Speaking at the same meeting, Bangweulu Wetlands Project Parks Manager, Edward Chomba refuted allegations from community members alleging that the project has killed 5000 species of Black Lechwe leading to the depletion of the animals.
Mr Chomba however, explained that the aim of the Bangweulu Wetlands Project was to protect animals, empower the community and curb illegal poaching so that the government benefits from the activities.
“We are not here to kill the animals but to protect them and empower you so that you stop killing these animals because preserving the animals means increasing revenue for the government and is for your own benefit,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chief Chiundaponde of the Bisa people of Lavushimanda District, also spoke against illegal poaching in the area.
The traditional leader advised members of the public to avoid conflicts with workers under the Bangweulu Wetlands Project and work together for development purposes.
“You need to stop attacking these people because they are here to assist end illegal poaching and this will bring about development to the area,” he said.
And one of the community members, Edward Kasongo said the community was ready to work with the Bangweulu Wetlands Project.
Mr Kasongo further appealed to the project implementers to assist in ploughing back to the community by constructing schools, grading of the roads, improving mobile network among other social responsibilities.
“This project should assist the community by bringing development in various areas so that we also benefit from the project,” he said.
The team visited the people of Muwele area, where they held a meeting and sensitised the community against illegal wildlife trading.
