Elephant Conservation Schemes (Hansard, 2 April 1990)

§ Mrs. Chalker

Elephant conservation forms part of our wider assistance to African wildlife in general. We are supporting an increasing number of long-term wildlife and conservation projects on which we receive regular reports. However, many of these projects are at an early stage of implementation and it is too soon to assess their full impact. We remain willing to consider further requests for help. The conservation projects receiving our support are as follows:

BRITISH SUPPORT FOR WILDLIFE CONSERVATION IN AFRICA

Country and activity

Botswana Provision for one United Kingdom expert as Deputy Director of Department of Wildlife and National Parks to assist the Government of Botswana to develop a Wildlife Department which can effectively manage the wildlife resources of the country. Likely costs approximately £92,000.

Cameroon Jointly funding with the International Council for Bird Preservation a project to conserve forest resources in the Oku mountains. Approximate cost £80,000.

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Kenya The provision of three United Kingdom experts (one wildlife adviser and two gamewardens) working in Kenya Wildlife Department. One gamewarden acts as co-ordinator of Kenya Rhino Rescue Project. Approximate annual cost £130,000. The provision of spare parts for and rehabilitation of 19 ex-Army Bedford trucks previously gifted by Ministry of Defence for use in anti-poaching efforts. The provision of seven new Landrovers for the Department of Wildlife and a review of radio communications needs. Total cost likely to be £250,000.

Nigeria Assistance planned for the Foresty Sector could include the management and conservation of forest reserves in the Cross River and Bendel States encompassing the Oban Hills National Park and the Okomu forest sanctuary. Costings not yet available.

Rwanda Landrover presented to Karisoke Research Centre, internationally renowned for its research on gorillas. Cost £15,000.

Tanzania Joint funding of the Faith Foundation's Operation Rhino Rescue Project, a scheme designed to provide sanctuary for Tanzania's dwindling rhino population. Cost £50,000. Three Landrovers have been presented to the Ruaha Game Park for use in anti-poaching activities. UK consultants have undertaken a study to identify possible ways of helping with wildlife conservation. Their proposal to assist with planning and management at Ruaha National Park is under consideration. Estimated cost of the study is £10,000. Final cost of proposal to be determined.

Zambia Funding of a Wildlife Management Consultancy to review the management of wildlife in Mpika District. No costs available as this forms part of a wider District Development support project.

Zimbabwe Equipment and buildings to Chirundu Conservation Education Camp in the Zambezi Valley. Cost approximately £9,000. Co-financing Action Plan: an education programme aiming to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. (The environmental health magazine produced as part of this project is also distributed throughout schools in Botswana and Zambia.) Cost £85,000. Communal Areas Wildlife Management Projects in Northern Zimbabwe, to help local people develop the ability to manage their wildlife resources sustainably. Cost appoximately £800,000. Wildlife Disease Epidemiology Project involving the provision of one UK expert and support equipment to carry out wildlife disease research and establish a database of the incidence and distribution of wildlife diseases. Estimated cost £340,000.

Regionally £1 million block grant to World Wide Fund for Nature (formerly World Wildlife Fund) to help conserve forest and other resources, important habitats for many endangered wildlife species. Projects are being funded in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania and Zambia.