Metro

Gabon begins anti-poaching operations. See what villagers think about it

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2022

In response to cases of increased poaching activity in some parts of Gabon, authorities have launched an operation in search of weapons belonging to potential poachers.

The campaign, which is led by Jerry Ibala Mayombo was initially formed in 2020 through a partnership between Gabon’s ministry for Water and Forests, a Belgian NGO called Conservation Justice, and a Swiss-Gabonese sustainable forestry firm, Precious Woods CEB.

“We’ve observed strong poaching activities in these areas so we had to be present on the ground to regulate these activities”, said the brigade leader, Mayombo.

According to a World Bank report, Gabon alone has 13 national parks teeming with numerous animal species, including the world’s largest leatherback turtle population. However, many of these species, even those in protected areas, are being threatened by poachers. This is the case with forest elephants, whose numbers have plummeted by almost 80 percent in just 10 years.

A truck driver Alain Moussavou whose vehicle was inspected by the authorities told journalists that an anti-poaching campaign “is necessary because we have a lot of animals in the area and then the natives. It’s true that there are people who try to make a living out of it (hunting), but there are those who do a little more. I think it’s often good”

Many of the locals stress the conditions that have made preserving the animals for the villages given the potential damage some of them could cause at a session organized by Belgian NGO Conservation Justice who are explaining the hunting restrictions and how to deal with these.

“Elephants are more important than us. So we are just going to die as they come to eat our food in the village… We don’t have the means! We don’t work.
I don’t have money to buy the rice, the crops are destroyed…” laments local villagers Hélène Benga who has experienced problems in the past.

Another villager, Léon Ndjanganoye, argued that “we can preserve them. But what if I’m going to go to the bush and a gorilla confronts me. I have my rifle. Am I going to let him do it? An elephant destroys my plantation, I have a bullet in my rifle, do you think I’ll take pity on the elephant?”

Related Topics:Anti-poaching operations Featured Gabon Poaching

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Metro

World Bank pledges $3b to support Zambia’s development goals

Published

5 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The World Bank Group has pledged to avail Zambia with approximately $3 billion to support the country’s development goals under the new Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for 2025-2029, with nearly half of the funds already disbursed.

World Bank Country Manager, Achim Fock, who made this known at the CPF launch at the Mulungushi Conference Centre in Lusaka on Wednesday, outlined the global lender’s focus areas, which included enhancing jobs, human capital, and climate resilience.

Fock highlighted that $200 million had been approved to strengthen Zambia’s social protection programs, including the Refugee and Host Community Project.

He also expressed optimism for upcoming approvals, including the Climate and Economic Resilience Financing and the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector.

Zambia’s Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, who also spoke at the event, noted that 2.3 million Zambian households have so far benefited from social protection interventions such as the Cash for Work Programme, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives amid crises like the recent drought.

Musokotwane further reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting lives during times of crises such as the recent drought.

“More than two thirds of the Zambian population was affected by the drought. It was the government’s view that the first priority was to save lives,” Musokotwane stated.

Metro

Chinese mining giant CNMC set for $1.6 billion investment in Zambia

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Isaac Dachen

A Chinese mining giant, China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC), has announced the investment of over $1.6 billion in Zambia, following successful discussions with President Hakainde Hichilema at the State House on Tuesday.

CNMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Wen Gang, who held the discussions with Hichilema along with the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, confirmed the company’s commitment to furthering Zambia’s economic development.

“We are actively investing in critical sectors of Zambia’s economy,” Gang said after the meeting.

He noted that CNMC was currently pumping water from Shaft 28 at Luanshya Copper Mine, where 29.9 million cubic liters have been cleared as part of intensified dewatering efforts, adding that the company plans to inject an additional $200 million to develop a greenfield mine on the Copperbelt.

President Hichilema who welcomed CNMC’s commitment, highlighted the potential economic impact of the firm’s investment which will include job opportunities for Zambians.

“This $1.6billion investment, alongside advanced technology and expansion, will extend operations and create more jobs and opportunities for Zambians, especially in mining contracting and supply,” the President said.

He also expressed gratitude to Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese government for their shared commitment to fostering growth and cooperation between the two countries.