ECONOMIC ISSUES
Initial calculations indicated that AFWR would find it
virtually impossible to carry all the expenses emanating
from the rehabilitation and development of Coutada 5.
The rehabilitation costs are calculated to be US $32,6
million, of which the major portion would be the
rehabilitation of the denuded wildlife populations.
Annual operating costs will run to an estimated US $450
000, giving an operational deficit of some US $140 000.
This rather bleak forecast indicate that the break-even
point may be reached in year six, at which time the
cumulative deficit will be in the order of US $840 000.
Measured against this loss, however, must be firstly the
scope and national importance of a successful wildlife
rehabilitation program, and the monthly income boost of
US $27 000 to the local project-involved people. These
figures are unheard of not only locally, but also in the
whole region. The successful development of the Coutada
5 project, will thus have a hugely beneficial impact on
the local economy. AFWR hopes to attract donor
assistance to pave the way to get the challenging but
ultimately highly deserving project off the ground.
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