In June, the interns of the Leadership Programme for Conservation in Mozambique (PLCM), took part in a training course on the management of conflicts between people and wild life and on community development, organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), through the Kheta project.

The training took place in the Maputo Special Reserve (REM) and involved the participation of extensionists, representatives of WWF, the National Sustainable Development Fund, the Provincial Forestry and Wildlife Services, and members of the community living near the Conservation Areas.

The training course was given by Mike Lagrande, a representative of the Kheta project, and on the occasion, the Conservation Areas showed the techniques they use to manage the existing conflicts, focusing on the REM, which has used ropes dipped in creosote or burnt oil, bullets of chilli peppers, and spotlights to frighten off large animals. The spotlights can be used to drive away elephants, buffaloes and hippopotamus. The same is true of the ropes, mixed with chillies or burnt oil, since they give off a strong smell which ensures that the animals avoid these populated areas.

Lagrande recommended that, in the case of hippos, the paths they use when they go to their pastures should be identified, and kept open so that they return by the same route. The communities should put fences around their fields so that the hippos do not cross into them.

For António Simão and Odiela Massingue, PLCM interns stationed at the REM, this training has been of great importance because previously they only possessed theoretical knowledge about managing conflicts between people and wild life, while in practice it is necessary to find local solutions.