By Elia Chibwe

Lilongwe, July 12, Mana: Chiefs in Kasungu have vowed to use civic education as a measure against poaching of elephants in protected forest and game reserves.

Speaking in an interview with Malawi News Agency (Mana) on Thursday, Senior Chief Lukwa of Kasungu said chiefs are on the ground to sensitize communities to take full ownership of the reserves and protect the wild animals and natural resources.

“As Chiefs in Kasungu, we thought to join the fight against such practices. Currently, we are carrying out civic education in the surrounding communities including traditional leaders to ensure they take full control of protecting the wildlife.

“In this fight, we are working jointly with National Parks and community committees to discourage the malpractice,” he said.

Lukwa said they are also distributing goats to communities, to ensure they start businesses as one way of preventing them from poaching.

Concurring with Lukwa, Traditional Authority Chisinga urged the communities surrounding Kasungu National Park to prevent poaching, saying the act endangers their lives as they can be gun-shot by rangers.

“People should avoid entering parks for poaching because they may end up losing their lives,” said Chisinga.  

He also urged communities to prioritize the significance of having elephants and other wildl animals in the country since they attract tourists who contribute to the country`s economy.

Public Relations Officer for the Ministry of Tourism, Joseph Nkosi said the government is employing several measures to counter poaching in the country.

“Government is relentlessly working hard to stop the act of elephant poaching. It is employing more rangers, strengthening laws, improving infrastructure and also embarking on community and public awareness.

According to Nkosi, prior to 2014 elephant poaching was high but the problem has decreased, observing that from January 2023 to date, only two elephants have been killed by poachers and none poached in Majete Game Reserve for 19 years.