Day: April 15, 2023

Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism Pohamba Shifeta revealed that a total of 33 people have died as a result of the human-wildlife conflict from 2019 to date.

Shifeta, in the National Assembly, while giving an update on the current status of human-wildlife conflict in the country on Thursday said a total of N.dollars 3.3 million was paid towards the loss of lives, with crocodiles, hippos and elephants being the main culprits.

He said since 2019 a total of N.dollars 24.2 million (N.dollars 24 168 162) was paid towards losses caused by wild animals, noting that N.dollars 2.9 million was paid towards livestock, whilst N.dollars 2.5 million for crop damages and N.dollars 650 000 for injuries sustained by people.

Shifeta further revealed that in terms of crop damage 2 637 hectares were destroyed by wild animals, mainly by elephants, whilst, a total of 862 livestock were killed by predators mainly crocodiles, hyenas, lions, wild dogs, leopards and jackals. A total of 54 people were injured within the same period.

“Human-wildlife conflict is a serious issue within our communities. The incidents have intensified following the ministry’s successful wildlife management strategies that have led to growth in wildlife populations outside protected areas, however, the situation is worsened by recurrent droughts across the country leading to increased competition over resources and space between people and wild animals,” he noted.

The minister went on to say that the ministry together with other stakeholders are involved and implemented measures such as elephant and lion collaring; early warning system; lion ranger programme; construction of predator-proof kraals; translocation of problem-causing animals; declarations and putting down of problem causing animals and wildlife population management.

The ministry will host a national conference in May 2023, where stakeholders will dissect the issue of human-wildlife conflict and propose a long-lasting solution to address it.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency

World Bank (WB) President, Malpass emphasized the Bank’s strong support to Ethiopia, including budget support in the form of grants and highly concessional credits as the Government of Ethiopia is implements a robust reform program to restore macroeconomic stability and poverty reduction.

This was disclosed after the bank’s President David Malpass met with Ahmed Shide, Finance Minister of Ethiopia.

In his conversation with the Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, President Malpass discussed the progress achieved by Ethiopian authorities in the implementation of the November 2022 peace agreement.

President Malpass emphasized the “World Bank Group’s strong support to Ethiopia, including budget support in the form of grants and highly concessional credits as the Government implements a robust reform program to restore macroeconomic stability and poverty reduction.”

President Malpass encouraged further steps toward durable peace and prosperity for all Ethiopians.

President Malpass and Minister Shide spoke extensively about the challenging global outlook for developing countries and Ethiopia’s urgent need to restore macroeconomic stability.

The President also emphasized the benefits of rapid and decisive policy reforms amid the challenging context of drought, internal conflicts, debt distress, and compounding structural challenges.

He further urged the government to remove macroeconomic distortions which will help slow inflation and unlock investment.

It is important to move away from a state-driven economic model, and to enhance the business enabling environment, allow for more competition in the financial sector, and facilitate private-sector led growth, Malpass stressed.

Noting slow progress in the implementation of the G20 Common Framework, President Malpass urged a rapid agreement of official bilateral and private sector creditors on a debt treatment for Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

Ethiopian Religious fathers have urged the faithful to maintain the unity of the country through reconciliation and support the needy people.

Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church His Holiness Abune Mathias, in his Easter benediction conveyed a message to the faithful of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

Easter will be celebrated in Ethiopia tomorrow.

In his message, Abune Mathias stated that when we celebrate the feast of Easter, it should be by promising to maintain the unity of the country on firm basis through reconciliation and supporting the needy people.

“We say man confesses when he leaves the bad deeds he used to do and returns to good deeds,” he noted.

The patriarch stressed the need to celebrate the holiday extending our hands to those who are in need.

Ethiopian Catholic Church Cardinal, Abune Birhaneyesus Surafel said on his part during the feast of Easter, we should support the poor, the weak, and those in needs.

He urged the faithful to change hate thoughts and speech with good ones.

Secretary General of Council of Evangelical Churches of Ethiopia, Dereje Jemberu said that tomorrow’s hope of the youth will be brighter when the peace and unity of the country is maintained.

He urged all to work together and give priority to the peace of the people and the country.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency