Phalaborwa - The Kruger National Park has launched a pilot project in which it allows members of local communities to harvest mopani worms in what it says will be a sustainable manner.
For a period of two weeks until 28 December, 60 community members from the Nxanatseni region in the north, between Punda Maria and Phalaborwa, will be given permits to harvest the worms for their own consumption.
"With high unemployment levels in the rural communities outside the park around the harvesting area, we want to contribute positively towards the wellbeing and livelihoods of some of those families, especially during Christmas time. Mopani worms are a great source of protein and most of the people in Limpopo eat them," said park spokesperson William Mabasa.
He said the pilot project would be monitored closely to assess its impact and prevent overharvesting.
"Scientists will monitor the ecological, social and economic impact of the harvesting process before, during and after the project has taken place to ensure that it does not negatively affect the ecosystem," Mabasa said.
He added that the harvesters would be divided into six groups of 10 people each, with each group being accompanied to the harvesting zone by a ranger and guide who will protect them against attacks from animals.
