19 May 2024

Camp Logic has constructed an office worth P200 000 for Okavango Human Wildlife Foundation(OHWF).

This initiative is in support of OHWF’s mission to develop sustainable solutions for communities affected by human-wildlife conflicts.

The newly constructed office, complete with a carport and consultation area, is situated within the Camp Logic premises at Boseja ward. Camp Logic, known for its expertise in camp construction, tents, canvas work, and modular building solutions tailored to clients’ needs, operates extensively in the renowned Okavango Delta region.

During the official handover of the office in Maun on Friday, Managing Director Mr Gary Oliver expressed his admiration for OHWF’s endeavours in addressing the pressing issue of human-wildlife conflicts. Emphasising his company’s commitment to eco-tourism and conservation within the delta, Mr Oliver highlighted the crucial role of proactive measures in maintaining a harmonious coexistence between wildlife and humans. 

“We are proud to support this newly established foundation, dedicated to mitigating human-wildlife conflicts that pose a significant threat in our country,” Oliver stated.

Acknowledging the delta as a precious and valuable natural resource, Mr Oliver stressed the importance of safeguarding its pristine environment and allure for future generations.

Professor Joseph Mbaiwa from the Okavango Research Institute (ORI) commended Camp Logic’s contribution, recognising the complexity of wildlife conservation issues, especially concerning human-wildlife conflicts. 

He emphasised the necessity of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders in promoting conservation practices.

“As participants in conservation efforts and in addressing human-wildlife conflict, unity is key. We appreciate private sector involvement, such as  Camp Logic,” Professor Mbaiwa said.

The partnership between Camp Logic and OHWF is  a testament to the collective commitment towards preserving balance between wildlife and communities in the Okavango Delta region. 

Prof. Mbaiwa said they wanted to see tourism companies through their corporate social responsibility fostering partnerships citing that he would be pleased to see companies sponsoring some students from ORI to undertake researches on conservation or tourism with an aim to find sustainable solutions to human-wildlife conflict.

Issues of human-wildlife conflict, he said could not be ignored saying that 58 per cent of elephants in the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) region were found in Botswana.

 Prof. Mbaiwa said in reality they were talking about over 132 000 elephants and the question was how to manage them. This, he said was the time to talk about developing value chain industries as part of managing them”.

In other countries, Prof Mbaiwa said they had abattoirs where they slaughtered wildlife species such as elephants and buffaloes and sell meat.  

He said the concept could work in Botswana as some people were eating elephant meat.

For instance, he said Kruger in South Africa used to have an abattoir that processed mountains of meat.

Prof. Mbaiwa noted that value chain development in a form of construction of an abattoir could be a workable alternative to control elephant population.

“Of course it will not reduce the number because they are multiplying and yet the mortality rate is low.”

Prof Mbaiwa appreciated hunting exercise noting that it was not doing any harm because it was in a small percentage and believed that an establishment of an abattoir could work.

For his part, North West District commissioner, Mr Thabang Waloka thanked Camp Logic for the donation noting that the region was experiencing alarming cases of conflict between the community and wildlife.

Although, he acknowledged that animals were seriously affecting the livelihoods of the communities he expressed optimism that the foundation would promote education on co-existence between wildlife and the community so that people could understand the immense value of wildlife species on the tourism industry. ends