Malawi: Minister of Tourism, Vera Kamtukule has expressed his displeasure on the attacks against game rangers. The Minister of Tourism said that the attacks were counterproductive to wildlife conservation.
Kamtukule made these remarks during the joint Wetlands, Wildlife and Rangers Commemoration Day. The commemoration was held on Friday at Rumphi Boma
She said there have been several cases of rangers being attacked in the line of duty. Some of these rangers had also lost their lives due to the attacks of the people.
“If people attack rangers and then animals come out of their designated areas; do you think rangers will have the spirit to protect people from such animals? They are humans as well and have right to life like each one of us.
“2023 was one of the worst years for rangers. We are working with various stakeholders so that those who violate laws get stiff punishment,” said Kamtukule.
The minister presented awards to some rangers for their dedication and outstanding performance for the forest wildlife management. The members of the community have shared that the awards are a way for them to honor the rangers
“These awards given to show that rangers dedication to work in protecting nature is being noticed and to keep them motivated.” She said.
In light of this, the Minister appealed to organizations involved in natural conservation interventions. She further urged the people to be serving community members around their areas for them to also enjoy benefits of conserving nature.
The minister recalled the Nyika-Vwaza Gravity Fed Water Supply Project. She said that the project can be considered as an example of improving relations between nature and communities.
The project can be considered as an instance where everyone wins.
The project will tap water from Nyika National Park and is expected to benefit at least 18,000 people surrounding the park and Vwaza Game Reserve.
Chairperson for Rumphi District Council, Happy Chirambo, thanked government and stakeholders for erecting fences around Nyika National Park and Vwaza Game Reserve which, he said, has improved relations between communities and rangers.
He added that people now feel secure and have no reason to attack rangers and animals in the protected areas.
Country Manager for African Parks Malawi, Samuel Kamoto, said they record an average of three cases of attacks against rangers annually.
He said they have put in place several initiatives, such as supporting irrigation schemes and scholarships, aimed at improving relations with communities surrounding protected areas.
Kamoto urged people to understand that rangers protect natural resources on behalf of the people and they need their support.
The event, which commenced with a solidarity march from Kawajawaja to Rumphi Police Ground, provided a podium for sharing experiences in nature conservation amongst different stakeholders.