Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lugeretzia Kooper
Published on 2024-04-12 11:23:24
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism recently made headlines after having to make the difficult decision to put down a lion in order to save the life of Likando Mambena, a 44-year-old man who was attacked by the lion in the Chefuzwe area on the outskirts of Katima Mulilo. The incident occurred while the lion was roaming around with a lioness, which managed to escape and is currently still at large.
Following the incident, the ministry faced criticism from members of the public on social media, accusing them of acting hastily and without exploring alternative solutions before resorting to shooting the lion. However, Environment ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda refuted these claims in an interview with The Namibian, stating that their initial intention was to capture the lions alive and relocate them to the nearest national park.
Muyunda explained that during the tracing operations conducted by their staff members, they encountered challenges such as curious community members following them around. The presence of the lions in the area posed a safety risk to the communities, and when the lion attacked Mambena, the ministry had to make the difficult decision to shoot the lion in order to save his life. Muyunda emphasized that while the ministry prioritizes the preservation of wildlife, human life is of utmost importance.
Addressing the criticisms against the ministry, Muyunda stressed that the public may not be aware of the various interventions put in place by the ministry to minimize and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. He mentioned that the ministry has successfully captured and translocated animals, including lions, from conflict hotspot areas to safer locations where they will not pose a threat to humans. Lethal measures, such as shooting animals, are only taken as a last resort when all other options have been exhausted.
Muyunda also highlighted that the ministry’s actions are aimed at maintaining a balance between conservation efforts and ensuring the safety of human lives. He expressed disappointment at the unfounded criticisms and emphasized that such allegations are intended to tarnish the ministry’s reputation in the field of conservation.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is committed to implementing measures that prioritize the well-being of both wildlife and human communities. While the decision to put down the lion was a difficult one, it was made in the interest of public safety and to prevent further incidents of human-wildlife conflict. The ministry continues to work towards finding sustainable solutions to coexist harmoniously with wildlife and minimize potential risks to human lives.
Read the original article on The Namibian
