Community Voices Shape Conservation Agenda
A packed meeting in Tore Payam gathered traditional chiefs, state wildlife officers, Enjojo Foundation staff, and local officials. After hours of debate, all sides endorsed ongoing wildlife protection, provided that decisions start at the village level and remain accountable to residents.
“The project must be community-driven,” explained Salah Aggrey, Secretary General of the Land Committee. “Our people stay part of every decision.” His words echoed throughout the hall, underscoring a collective insistence on ownership rather than top-down directives.
Demand for Inclusive Memorandum of Understanding
Participants welcomed the existing MoU between Enjojo Foundation and the national ministry but called its secrecy unacceptable. Villagers want full disclosure of terms and a rewritten document that lists clear roles for community leaders, conservationists, and government agencies.
Aggrey confirmed the stance: “We need a fresh MoU that names each party’s responsibility, including ours.” By anchoring the agreement in transparency, residents hope to build lasting trust and avoid misunderstandings that historically derail similar projects.
Safeguarding Land Rights and Buffer Zones
Boundary lines sparked the hottest exchanges. Tore Payam’s delegates insisted the park stay in the southern section to prevent forced relocations. They also requested a designated buffer zone separating wildlife habitat from farms and homesteads.
“Development must never cause displacement,” Aggrey stressed. Ensuring land security, he argued, will let conservation and livelihoods coexist, protecting both elephants and maize fields from future conflict.
Next Steps for Transparent Dialogue
With conditional approval secured, stakeholders plan follow-up forums to refine the new MoU and map buffer zones. Wildlife rangers will begin joint patrols with community scouts, a move expected to strengthen trust and data collection.
Aggrey sees momentum but stays cautious. “We said yes, yet the process is only starting. Continuous engagement is vital for everyone’s rights and for the park’s future,” he concluded, as nods of agreement filled the room.