A new European Union (EU)-funded project aimed at strengthening conservation and community tourism opportunities in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park was officially launched in Gaborone, Botswana, on May 12.
Speaking at the launch, South African Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Narend Singh said the €2.7 million (US$3.1 million) investment supports conservation, biodiversity protection and community development linked to the park.
The project is part of the EU’s NaturAfrica Programme and is supported by partners including African Parks, the SADC Secretariat and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Singh said the initiative will support the construction of a 35km game fence at the Miershoop Pan-Khomani San community-owned game farm to strengthen the local wildlife economy and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
“The fence will create temporary employment opportunities during implementation, provide income support to local households and contribute to much-needed work experience for members of the community,” he said.
The project also includes plans to restock the game farm with wildlife to support eco-tourism, game viewing and biodiversity economy activities aimed at generating long-term community revenue.
