Challenges Threaten Wildlife Conservation in Maurus Nekaro Conservancy

Strategic Insights -

The Maurus Nekaro Conservancy, established in 2016, is facing significant management challenges that threaten its wildlife conservation mission. Despite achieving notable successes in community development and protecting wildlife resources, the conservancy is struggling with issues such as illegal settlement and fencing within the wildlife exclusive zone, resource allocation, and conflict with the Kavango West Regional Council over a proposed road construction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The conservancy operates under a governance structure with 19 management committee members and one traditional authority representative, aiming to ensure community involvement in decision-making processes.
  • A major dispute has emerged over a proposed road construction from Seco to Gcaruhwa that would pass through the wildlife exclusive zone, with the conservancy requesting documentation to provide evidence of the planned route.
  • The conservancy has proposed an alternative route through Nepara that would avoid the protected wildlife area while still serving transportation needs.
  • Despite challenges, the conservancy has delivered significant community benefits, including drilling four boreholes, donating school uniforms to 48 vulnerable individuals, and establishing water connections from NamWater stations to local villages.
  • The approved hunting quota of one trophy elephant and limited species is insufficient for the large conservancy area and community needs, requiring resource allocation improvements.
  • Cooperation between the conservancy management committee and traditional authorities is crucial to prevent unauthorized settlement in conservancy areas.
  • Illegal fishing activities along the Kavango River threaten fish populations despite community-established fishing regulations.

Statistics:

  • The conservancy spans 1,117 square hectares and was gazetted in August 2017.
  • The conservancy has achieved notable successes in community development.
  • 19 management committee members and one traditional authority representative make up the conservancy's governance structure.
  • 48 vulnerable individuals from 18 schools have received school uniforms donated by the conservancy.
  • Four boreholes have been drilled by the conservancy.
  • The approved hunting quota includes one trophy elephant and other limited species.
  • The Kavango River forms the border with Angola, where illegal fishing activities threaten fish populations.

Sources:

  • [Muhepa Matheus, Manager of Maurus Nekaro Conservancy]
  • [Tobie Aupindi, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources]
  • Unnamed parliamentary standing committee members specializing in natural resources.