The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is proposing some measures to check the increasing rate of elephants and human conflicts in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Some of the proposed measures include the creation of an elephant sanctuary in the area, provision of adequate training to some selected youths in the area with a view to guarding the forests against the activities of poachers as well as sensitising the communities to regard the animals as one of their heritage.
An elephant biologist and a consultant to the UNDP, John Msheltbewala said at a training session in Ngo, headquarters of Andoni Local Government Area, that the increasing rate of urbanisation on the Andoni mainland was bound to bring conflict between elephants and communities in the area.
Msheltbewala also decried the destructive activities of the Nipa palm in the area, stressing that though the palm will always occupy a place, it will not contribute meaningfully to the increase of the elephant population and other wildlife.
The expert stressed the need for the Andoni Local Government Council to enact by-laws that will designate some parts of the area as wildlife sanctuary for endangered species.
According to him, the local government council must also train and develop the capacities of the local communities to enforce the by-laws.
“Create awareness in the value of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection among communities. Promote wildlife, cultural and ecosystem conservation tourism,” he said.
Also speaking, a retired forestry officer with the Bayelsa State Ministry of Agriculture, Amoru George Waripabo said that since 1992, when the population of elephants in the Island was put at 46, the number has continued to decline due to the activities of poachers.
Chief Waripabo said that he was sent by the Government of old Rivers State to contain elephants aggression in the area in 1992.
He said that the expedition led to the destruction of two elephants, stressing that the conflict can be reduced if the UNDP’s proposal for the creation of an elephant sanctuary is implemented.
According to him, Andoni Local Government Area with 124sq km will find it difficult to contain the elephant population, stressing that the local government council must do everything necessary to maintain the elephant population.
The retired forestry officer described the Andoni elephant forest as an untapped treasure.
“The fact is that elephants need more areas. 124sq km is not enough for 46 elephants. Elephants are not trouble makers. Andoni is already sitting on treasures,” he said.
Also speaking, a retired forestry officer with the Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Elijah A. Leh said that since previous administrations in the state had failed to put in place measures towards preserving the elephants, it now behoves the people to take up the challenge of preserving the animals for their unborn generations.
Mr. Leh, who spoke on community-based conservation approach, said that several communities stand to benefit from the programme.
He thanked UNDP for bringing the programme to the community level and urged the communities to key into the programme with a view to improving their capacities and their economies.
Some of the participants that included Awajimam Jonah Ogwuokwa from Ngo, Lambert Wilfred from Okoroboile, Sam Benoni Thompsom from Agana town and others described the training as timely, adding that it has helped them to know that elephants are not enemies to mankind, but treasures to be preserved for future generations.