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撫平戰後危機 肯亞國家公園4月暫停收費

2008年03月20日
摘譯自2008年3月16日ENS肯亞,奈洛比報導;謝芳怡編譯;莫聞審校

納庫魯湖豐富的海藻吸引紅鶴聚集。圖片來源:Thath肯亞人民為了保護野生動物的安全,日前發生選後暴動事件,導致超過1000人死亡,60多萬人被迫遷離等。肯亞野生動物管理局近日為了對民眾表示謝意,開放18歲以下的青少年及兒童在3月21日到4月30日的復活節期間,免費進入肯亞的國家公園和保留區。

由納庫魯市長吉卡利亞( David Gikaria)、肯亞觀光聯盟主席肯倫加(Peter Karanja)、旅館業者、肯亞野生動物管理局官員以及其他政府官員,帶領市議員共同出席這場開放儀式。

這份極具歷史意義的條款,讓2007年12月27日國家選舉後發生為期2個月的暴動劃下句點,並可望在18日頒佈成為正式法案,為未來的聯合政府做準備。

國家調解法案將正式批准由總統吉巴基(Mwai Kibaki )和橙色民主運動黨領導人歐丁嘉( Raila Odinga )2月28日所簽署的權力分享協議,憲法修正案也將在肯亞憲法中確立此協議的效力。

根據觀光危機委員會所於2月公佈的報告,為期2個月的選後暴動,使得肯亞觀光的遊客減少了90%,這對仰賴觀光作為經濟來源的東非國家來說,無疑是場經濟災難。

為了重振觀光業,肯亞野生動物管理局正極力將國家公園入園費及露營費用提漲的時機,從2008年7月1日延後到2009年1月1日。

此外,管理局正著手進行小型機場改建計劃,讓觀光客能更方便地進入欣賞野生物的區域

納庫魯湖豐富的海藻吸引許多紅鶴聚集,是國家公園最著名的觀光景點,觀光客同時也能在此欣賞約450種的鳥類與56種哺乳動物,其中包括了黑、白犀牛。

肯亞野生動物管理局也成立緊急管理單位,並指派5台特殊設計的消防車,其中一台即負責納庫魯湖國家公園。先前該鎮唯一的消防設備,近來因為在接獲報案電話後太遲趕到現場,而被民眾燒毀。

在接下來的會計年度,東察沃國家公園內的Voi、西察沃公園的坎波猶以及阿布岱爾公園的Mweiga等區域的小型機場也將陸續改建,每個區域都將有一架飛機,作為國家公園巡邏與保育行動之用。

保育服務及通往肯亞著名野生動物的設備都會進一步更新,觀光客也可能需要付出更多費用來觀賞鳥類和動物。野生動物管理區已針對所有國家公園和保留區的門票價格進行分析,並就觀光景點訂立最適當的入園費用。

一套名為「Safaricard」的新式電子售票系統正在進行測試,預計於7月正式啟用。國家委員會可望將稅收挪用至該套系統,使觀光客未來能更便利地進入所有國家公園。

Kenya Wildlife Service Suspends Fees to Heal Post-Election Crisis
NAIROBI, Kenya, March 16, 2008 (ENS)

To thank Kenyans for leaving wildlife safe through recent post-election violence that resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people and the displacement of 600,000 others, the Kenya Wildlife Service is allowing children under 18 free entry into Kenya's national parks and reserves during the Easter holidays from March 21 to April 30.

The function was attended by local councilors led by the Nakuru Mayor David Gikaria, Kenya Tourism Federation Chairman Peter Karanja, hoteliers, Kenya Wildlife Service staff and other government officials.

The historic pact that ended two months of violence after the national election December 27, 2007 is expected to be enacted into law on Tuesday, setting the stage for a coalition government.

The National Accord Bill will legitimize the power-sharing agreement signed by President Mwai Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga on February 28, while a constitutional amendment will entrench the agreement in the Kenyan Constitution.

During the two months of post-election violence, tourist visits to Kenya dropped by 90 percent, according to a February report by the Tourism Crisis Committee, an economic disaster for this East African country where tourism is a foundation of the economy.

To allow the tourism industry get back on its feet, the Kenya Wildlife Service is pushing back the date for raising fees for park entry and camping six months from July 1, 2008 to January 1, 2009, Kipngetich announced.

In addition, the Service is undertaking a program of airstrip upgrades to make access to wildlife viewing areas more convenient for visitors.

Lake Nakuru's abundance of algae attracts the vast number of pink flamingos that attract most tourists to the park. Visitors can also look for about 450 species of other birds, and 56 species of mammals, including black and white rhinos.

The Kenya Wildlife Service has set up an Emergency Management Unit and ordered five specially designed firefighting vehicles with one for Lake Nakuru National Park. The town's only fire engine was recently burned by the public after firefighters arrived late to a distress call.

In the next financial year, more airstrips will be upgraded at Voi in Tsavo East National Park, Kamboyo in Tsavo West National Park and Mweiga in the Aberdare National Park. Each region will have an aircraft for patrols and other conservation activities.

Conservation services and access to Kenya's famous wildlife will be updated, but visitors will likely pay more to see the birds and animals. The Service is to conduct a comprehensive pricing study for all national parks and reserves to determine the appropriate entry charges in relation to other tourist destinations in the region and beyond.

A new electronic ticketing system called Safaricard is being tested and is to be launched in July. County councils will be approached to link their revenue collection to the system to allow tourists enter all parks easily.

全文及圖片詳見:ENS