By Witness Chipwere:
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has expressed worry over increased cases of attacks on wildlife rangers, saying the development is a setback to wildlife protection efforts.
It describes game rangers as critical to wildlife protection efforts.
Line minister Vera Kamtukule raised the concern in Rumphi District, where she presided over joint commemorations marking 2024 World Wetlands, Wildlife and Rangers Day.
Kamtukule said poaching leads to the decline of endangered species and disrupts biodiversity.
“Killing rangers creates a dangerous environment that can deter tourists from coming to the country, leading to reduced revenue from tourism, which is vital for local economics and conservation efforts,” Kamtukule said.
Commenting on the matter, Country Manager for African Parks in Malawi Sam Kamoto said addressing poaching requires collaboration among countries, non-governmental organisations and international organisations to combat wildlife trafficking and enhance protective measures.
Kamoto added that raising awareness on the importance of wildlife conservation could help foster a culture that values and supports rangers and their work.
“This is very critical, considering that rangers play a very big role in trying to protect natural resources. We get at least two or three incidents in a year and, as such, there is a need for stronger government policies and enforcement against poaching, including better training and equipment for rangers,” Kamoto said.
The commemorations were held under the theme ‘People and Nature Conservation’.
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