KWS Integrates Technology to Mitigate Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Taita Taveta
TAITA TAVETA COUNTY – The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has adopted innovative technology solutions to monitor wildlife movements and address the increasing human-wildlife conflicts in Taita Taveta County, as detailed in a recent statement.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Assistant Director in charge of Community Wildlife Service, during the 2024 World Wildlife Day celebrations held at the Tsavo Conservation Area Headquarters in Voi, KWS is actively utilizing tracking devices and drones. These technologies are aimed at preventing damage to property, injuries, and fatalities resulting from interactions between the community and wildlife. The theme for this year’s World Wildlife Day, ‘Connecting People and Planet, Exploring Innovation in Conservation,’ underscores the importance of technology in conserving biodiversity and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
Erupe emphasized the deployment of tracking gadgets for elephants and the use of drones to enhance the monitoring and location of wild animals. This approach not only aims to protect communities but also conserves wildlife by minimizing the risks they face from encroachment into human settlements.
To further alleviate these conflicts, KWS has established youth groups responsible for liaising between communities and area wardens in instances of stray wild animals. This initiative ensures timely interventions and has, according to Erupe, led to the creation of buffer zones around areas like Mwambiti, Kajire, Sagala, and Kasigau. These efforts have been instrumental in preventing elephant encroachment and contributing to a successful harvest season for the residents.
Erupe highlighted the collaborative efforts involving devolved units, Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), and the public in addressing these challenges through a multi-agency approach. He pointed out that the adoption of technology in wildlife conservation is a cost-effective long-term strategy that reduces the financial burden on KWS in terms of compensation to affected individuals.
Assistant County Commissioner James Ole Seneyia and County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water, Sanitation, Environment, Climate Change, and Natural Resources, Grantone Mwandawiro, reiterated the county’s commitment to working alongside the national government and KWS. They aim to find lasting solutions to human-wildlife conflicts, ensuring peaceful coexistence and leveraging the benefits derived from Tsavo National Park.
Mwandawiro also addressed the ongoing dialogue for a revenue-sharing model from the park, acknowledging the constitutional provision for equitable benefit sharing. Furthermore, he pointed out the role of climate change in exacerbating human-wildlife conflicts and mentioned ongoing projects with the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF) to construct water pans at the edges of conservation areas, aiming to mitigate these conflicts effectively.