Imagine waking up to an elephant strolling through your backyard! 🐘 In Botswana, this isn't just a scene from a movie—it’s real life. But while it’s super cool, it also brings big challenges for local communities.
This week, Botswana's top officials gathered in Gaborone, the nation's buzzing capital, to tackle a pressing issue: human-wildlife conflict. Grace Muzila, the powerhouse permanent secretary of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, highlighted that their current methods, like shelling out compensation when animals cause damage, just aren't cutting it.
\"We’re spending megabucks—over 148 million pula (that’s around $10.8 million USD!)—on compensations since 2018,\" Muzila shared. \"It’s clear we need a better plan that’s sustainable for both our people and our amazing wildlife.\"
The meeting was all about brainstorming fresh ideas. Stakeholders from all over pitched in, aiming to find that perfect balance where humans and animals live in harmony. 🌍❤️🐾
Botswana is home to some of the planet’s most incredible creatures, and protecting them while ensuring local communities thrive is no small feat. But with teamwork and innovative thinking, they're on a mission to make it happen! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
