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Babati, Tanzania. The government has signed a contract to protect the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor, a critical area that connects Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park.
This
corridor is essential for wildlife movement between the parks, and the new
agreement aims to prevent human activities that have been threatening this
natural pathway.
The
Kwakuchinja Corridor spans 137 kilometers and passes through several villages,
including Vilima Vitatu, Kakoi, Minjingu, and Olasiti.
Unfortunately,
in recent years, people have started building homes and farming in the area,
which has led to conflicts between humans and wildlife.
Faraja
Ngerageza, the Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Manyara Region,
stressed the importance of protecting this corridor for both the local economy
and the country.
"The
Kwakuchinja Corridor holds substantial economic benefits for the Manyara Region
and the entire country, so it must be protected and preserved," Ngerageza
said.
He noted
that the government has already marked the boundaries of the corridor to ensure
it is safeguarded.
Wildlife Officer Felix Mwasenga added that a significant portion of the corridor lies within village lands, while the rest is part of the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
To address
the ongoing human-wildlife conflicts, the government, in partnership with the
Chem Chem Association, has launched this conservation effort. Eligi Kimario, the
Assistant Director of the Wildlife Department, explained that the contract will
help reduce these conflicts by ensuring wildlife can move freely between the
parks.
“There
have been conflicts in the area, particularly after some residents-built houses
and cultivated land within the wildlife corridor,” Kimario said.
The Chem
Chem Association will assist in managing the corridor and training staff to
protect it. Charles Sylvester, the association’s Secretary, highlighted the
importance of this partnership.
“This
five-year contract will be crucial for the conservation of this important area,
which is vital for the tourism and conservation sectors in the country,” he
said.
The
signing ceremony in Dodoma was attended by local leaders and conservationists,
marking a significant step towards preserving Tanzania’s wildlife.
