Emergence of COVID-19 has drastically reduced tourism activities. Communities that used to benefit from these activities have been left with nothing to support their day-to-day lives. Hence, another challenge has emerged, now in the reserves. Communities surrounding reserves have reverted to heavy poaching, careless cutting down trees and setting wild bush fires in order to economically support their families. We, through engagement of communities, have outlined various controls to these.
Emergence of Corona Virus pandemic (COVID-19) has drastically reduced tourism activities. Apart from the risks of being affected by Corona Virus, 147 communities that used to benefit from tourism activities have been left with nothing to support their day-to-day lives. Hence, another challenge has emerged in the reserves. Communities surrounding reserves have reverted to heavy poaching, careless cutting down trees and setting wild bush fires in order to economically support their families.
Boarder Network WE through engagement of the affected communities, has outlined various methods of controlling the spread of COVID-19; poaching; careless cutting down of trees; and wild bush fires. These include video documentation; training community team leaders; conduct awareness campaign; hiring of medical personnel; procure COVId-19 protective materials; procure COVID-19 testing gadgets; conduct civic education; and source materials for temporal shelters and bedding among others.
Boarder Network WE anticipate potential long-term impact to include reduced cases of COVID-19 resulting to protected and health communities; economically stable communities; increased love and support for Environment and Wildlife; end of poaching and wild bush fires; increased population and healthy Wildlife; tourism activities restored that would boost community economy; and sustainable Environment among others. It is our belief that by engaging communities, long-term impact can be achieved.
