Kenya mulls constructive model to tackle human-wildlife conflict

Kenya plans to put in place a constructive wildlife conservation model that includes all stakeholders to help solve human-wildlife conflict which is rampant in the country, government officials said on Monday.

Cabinet Secretary for Environment and Natural Resources Professor Judy Wakhungu told wildlife stakeholders in Nairobi on Monday that a multi-stakeholder approach effort is required in solving the problem.

"Pressure on available land and preservation of the heritage requires that we protect the habitats for the current and future generations," Wakhungu said during the launch of the Conservation Alliance of Kenya (CAK), an umbrella body of wildlife conservationists.

Wakhungu said wildlife is the pillar of Kenya's economy and that the existing challenges have to be fast-tracked to achieve the needed growth, adding that those who are bent at derailing this plan will be dealt with according to the law.

"As stakeholders, we must speak with one voice and articulate concerns of wildlife much more effectively since this is the winning formula against forces that are bent at clearing wildlife from the world," she noted.

CAK Chairperson Steve Itela said there is need to integrate the goals with the aim of spurring growth in the country.

"We want to enhance conservation efforts outside protracted areas by encouraging security of the wildlife in the whole country," Itela said.

He observed that the country must begin to encourage communities to protect and benefit from the wildlife, since over 65 percent of wildlife is out of the national parks.

Itela revealed that the alliance is already working with the judiciary and wildlife law enforcement agencies in enhancing effective implementation and enforcement of relevant wildlife and environment related legislations and regulations.

Kenya is set to burn more than 105 tons of ivory at the end of April as a way to discourage illegal trade in ivory. Enditem