WINDHOEK, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism (MEFT) announced on Monday an increase in compensation rates under the Human-Wildlife Conflict Self-Reliance Scheme from Sept. 1.

The policy adjustment is aimed at addressing the various impacts of human-wildlife conflicts (HWC), which have intensified due to factors like human and wildlife population growth, unplanned agricultural expansion, and climate change, Namibian Minister of MEFT Pohamba Shifeta said in a statement.

"We believe that the increment of the Self Reliance Scheme will effectively support communities, individuals, and farmers to directly offset the losses caused to livestock, and crops and also support persons injured by wild animals," he said, noting that this adjustment aims to better compensate communities and farmers affected by wildlife-related damages.

Compensation for livestock losses will rise significantly: payments for the loss of cattle increase from 3,000 Namibian dollars (about 164 U.S. dollars) to 5,000, goats from 500 to 800, sheep from 700 to 800, horses from 800 to 1,500, donkeys from 500 to 1,000, and pigs from 700 to 1,000.

Crop damage compensation will also see a boost, with payments for a hectare of crops destroyed by wildlife up from 1,000 to 2,000 Namibian dollars.

Additionally, compensation for wildlife-related injuries without loss of body parts, with loss of body parts, and with permanent disability has been raised from 10,000 to 15,000, 30,000 to 40,000, and 50,000 to 100,000 Namibian dollars, respectively.

Shifeta said that compensation for human deaths remains unchanged at 100,000 Namibian dollars, a figure that increased in 2018.

"HWC is a national issue that the government is committed to finding lasting and sustainable solutions to prevent and reduce the conflict while improving the livelihoods of people and at the same time conserving biodiversity for sustainable use and economic benefits of the country," he said.

The decision to increase the compensation follows consultations during the National Conference on Human-Wildlife Conflict Management in May 2023 and has got approval from the Cabinet. Enditem

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