In a distressing turn of events, the Babile Elephant Sanctuary, a vital haven for elephants in Ethiopia, has lost a staggering 200,000 hectares of its land. Regional authorities have made the land available for investors, sparking concerns about the future of the sanctuary and the lives of its resident elephants.
Situated between the Oromia and Somali Regional State, the Babile Elephant Sanctuary spans an expansive area of approximately 6,982 square kilometers. It serves as a crucial habitat for numerous elephants and plays a vital role in the country's conservation efforts.
Kumara Wakjira, the Director General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, expressed deep concern over the expansion of investment and settlement within the sanctuary.
During a meeting with parliamentarians at his office to discuss the works of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, Kumara said land grabbing is posing a significant threat to the sanctuary and the lives of its resident elephants.
He stated that the extent of the land grabbing at the sanctuary has reached an alarming level, posing a serious threat to the lives of the elephants.
"We are facing a critical situation. Unless the government provides a solution to it, the problem is beyond our capacity," urged Kumara, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
Kumara, the Director General, emphasized the urgent need for action from the two regional authorities involved in the Babile Elephant Sanctuary land loss. He stressed that they must fully comprehend the criticality of the issue and work together to devise a solution that will effectively save the sanctuary.
"The two regional authorities must take into account the gravity of the situation and prioritize finding a solution to preserve the sanctuary," urged Kumara.