As the world faces a growing population and the loss of natural resources like land, plants, and wildlife habitats, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has taken steps to strengthen its efforts.
The organization is offering training programs, including leadership training, to address the increasing threats to protected areas and wildlife.
The training aimed to equip the officers with essential skills and knowledge to manage resources, collect revenue, plan conservation strategies, and make effective decisions to protect natural resources.
During the closing ceremony on March 3, 2025, Massana Mwishawa, the Deputy Commissioner of Conservation and Business Development, said, “Leadership is not just about authority. It’s about influencing and teaching others to understand and carry out their duties correctly.
Leadership also involves working together with your team to protect our national resources for the benefit of today and future generations.”
He also added, “You have learned how to recognize signs of terrorism and how to deal with it. Remember, we manage more than 10% of Tanzania’s land, and there are no other security forces in these areas except us.
It is our job to manage these areas well by carrying out regular patrols so they are not used by criminals or terrorists.”
Commissioner Mwishawa encouraged the officers to love their country and stay committed to their work.
He emphasized that by doing so, they would be motivated to perform their duties well and guide their teams to protect Tanzania’s natural resources for the benefit of all citizens.
However, Mwishawa also warned the officers that if soldiers are not given clear tasks and guidance, they may make their own decisions.
If mistakes happen, the leader who failed to give proper instructions will be held accountable. Therefore, it is the leader’s responsibility to manage their team effectively.
The famous Indian revolutionary once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.
” The leadership given to these officers to protect wildlife and guide the soldiers who guard these resources will determine whether these resources are sustained for future generations or not.
Dr. Emilian Kiwele, the Assistant Commissioner of Conservation and Director of Katavi National Park, welcomed Deputy Commissioner Mwishawa and shared, “The main challenges we face in conservation include poaching, livestock entering protected areas, and revenue loss.
As new leaders, you have the power to address these issues for the benefit of TANAPA and the entire nation.”
Speaking on behalf of her colleagues who were promoted, Officer Paulina Mkama, a Second-Class Conservation Officer, said, “We thank TANAPA leadership for promoting us based on our qualifications. This has motivated us to work even harder.
The training has helped us develop patriotism, discipline, and skills to perform our duties efficiently. We aim to be great leaders, not just good ones.”
The training ceremony, held at the Mlele Training Center in Katavi Region, included 31 officers from different departments and divisions, all of whom had furthered their education in the field of security.