The Sunday Mail
Online Reporter
THE International Fund for Animals Welfare (IFAW) recently convened its second meeting with traditional leaders in Malawi.
Six countries, including Zimbabwe, were represented.
The network aims to create an influential platform for traditional leaders and communities to spearhead co-existence, conservation and wildlife protection efforts in the context of IFAW’s Room-to-Roam initiative.
Backed by 20 years of science and fieldwork, the initiative’s new approach to conservation in Africa aims to ensure viable, stable, resilient elephant populations long into the future with little to no human interference.
Zimbabwe was represented by Chief Siphoso (born Alphius Msindazi) from Tsholotsho. He was accompanied by Tsholotsho District development coordinator, Mr Aaron Gono.
The meeting was also attended by other chiefs from South Africa, Zambia, Botswana and Kenya.
Host and Senior Chief, Felix Lukwa of Kasungu said:
“They (traditional leaders) are the driving force behind reclamation of wildlife corridors and developing alternative livelihoods.”
IFAW president, Mr Azzedine Downes said through collaboration with traditional leaders and communities, lasting solutions would be sought to ensure both people and animals thrived in the same environment.
