By Joel Loongo’nyo, GZT’s El Barta Regional Coordinator
The Elbarta Conservation Council (ECC) was established by GZT in 2014 and is responsible for creating awareness within communities on conservation, peace and traditional law enforcement. In this way, the Council members help to reduce conflict and ensure harmonious coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Recently, as the El Barta Regional Coordinator, I have been very busy working with the ECC members to resolve conflict issues in the area. Tensions have been running high since November last year, with the different ethnic groups clashing over grazing resources and the accompanying stock theft. In response to this, the ECC members have been working with community elders during this volatile time to get information on livestock theft, using their mediation skills to resolve disputes. This often led to them being able to find and retrieve stolen animals – a total of 49 cows and 17 donkeys were returned to their grateful owners.
It was so heartening to hear the communities from all sides express their appreciation for the invaluable work of the ECC, recognizing the contribution it makes to restoring calm when tensions run high. Building peace in this region is critical the success of our Grevy’s zebra conservation work.
