The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has organized a seminar for the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Land, Natural Resources, and Tourism, as well as MPs representing Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in their constituencies.
The seminar, held on October 30, 2024, at the Parliament Hall in Dodoma, aims to foster a shared understanding of community engagement goals in conservation, its benefits, regulations, and necessary amendmentsDuring the discussions, several MPs urged the government to enhance the regulations governing WMAs. They emphasized the need for direct revenue allocation to these communities, the establishment of a special mechanism to address challenges posed by dangerous and destructive wildlife, and the implementation of training programs for Village Game Scouts (VGS).
Moreover, the MPs proposed the continued existence of a body to connect these communities, enabling them to advocate for issues related to the development and management of WMAs effectively. They highlighted that such an organization would enhance collaboration and communication among the communities, ultimately leading to better conservation outcomes.
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In response, the Minister expressed gratitude for the MPs’ suggestions, noting that improving these communities is crucial for advancing conservation efforts. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dunstan Kitandula, the Deputy Permanent Secretary for Tourism, Nkoba Mabula, and several departmental heads from the Ministry.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening community involvement in wildlife conservation and management, ensuring that local populations benefit from the resources and biodiversity in their regions.