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Human-Wildlife Conflict - A Conservationist's Nightmare

By Mr. Genesis Okello - Livelihood and Environment - Ecological Trends Alliance

The conflict starts right from the term Human Wildlife Conflict or Conflict of Human and wildlife coexistence or conflict of people over wildlife, the nightmare of a conservationist starts here. Human-wildlife conflict occurs when the needs and behaviour of wildlife impact negatively on the goals of humans or when the goals of humans negatively impact the needs of wildlife.

Conflicts between people over wildlife are widespread and damaging to both the wildlife and people involved. Such issues are often termed human–wildlife conflicts. Scholars have argued that this term is misleading and may exacerbate the problems and hinder resolution. Some scholars suggest that we should distinguish between human–wildlife impacts and human–human conflicts and be explicit about the different interests involved in conflict. Those representing conservation interests should not only seek technical solutions to deal with the impacts but also consider their role and objectives, and focus on strategies likely to deliver long-term solutions for the benefit of biodiversity and the people involved.

The complexity of the issue is that it is wide spread and practically unmanageable by an institution. It is a national disaster and hence of national interest and has to be managed by every citizen of Uganda. However, the citizens have put all their trust in Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to manage such conflicts. These conflicts may result when wildlife damage crops, injure or kill domestic animals, threaten or kill people. Or when humans invade wildlife teritories for various resources including water, pasture, food and wood energy amongs others.