The Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has rolled out a new system aimed at curbing human-wildlife conflicts in Babati District, Manyara Region.
Dubbed 'Problem Animal Management Information System (PAIS)', the platform will facilitate quick reporting, verification, and compensation for wildlife-related damages.
Through PAIS, residents can report sightings of dangerous or destructive animals via mobile phones, enabling wildlife officers to respond swiftly and prevent harm.
The system also simplifies the process of filing claims for damages, speeding up verification and payment, a significant improvement over past processes.
Babati District Commissioner Emanuela Kaganda, while inaugurating a training session for government leaders from the Manyara-Tarangire ecosystem, lauded the ministry for introducing the system.
She expressed hope that PAIS will play a crucial role in reducing conflicts between communities and wildlife.
Kaganda also commended Chemchem Association for sponsoring the training sessions, which aim to prepare leaders to educate residents about the system.
“I appreciate the ministry for developing this tool, which helps prevent damages before they happen and ensures timely compensation for those affected. Its success will depend on how well leaders adopt it and raise awareness among communities,” Kaganda said.
Kelvin Mtei, a senior ICT officer at the ministry, emphasized the system’s efficiency, noting that it integrates key wildlife management authorities, including the Director of Wildlife, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), the Tanzania Forest Services (TFS), and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).
“This tool allows residents to report wildlife incidents using mobile phones, ensuring quick interventions,” Mtei explained.
Wildlife officer Hamisi Ashery added that PAIS would ensure faster compensation payouts to affected individuals and reduce the workload for officers by streamlining damage assessments and claim processing.
Maingo ole Kili, a community outreach officer from Lake Manyara National Park, described PAIS as a major step toward resolving the long-standing challenges of human-wildlife interactions.
The training sessions for PAIS were sponsored by Chemchem Association, which invests in conservation and tourism initiatives within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area in Babati.
If properly implemented, the system is expected to foster coexistence between wildlife and communities in the region.