The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, has called on the residents of Makete District in Njombe Region to cease encroaching on protected areas and instead utilize these spaces for income-generating activities that promote sustainable conservation practices.
Dr. Chana made the call while officially opening a seminar aimed at enhancing the capacity of conservation stakeholders on the establishment of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and strategies to address the challenges posed by dangerous and destructive wildlife. The seminar took place on April 15, 2025, at the Makete District Council hall.
"Makete is surrounded by critical protected areas, including Kitulo National Park, the Mpanga-Kipengele Game Reserve, and forest reserves like Chimala and Maguli managed by TFS, as well as Livingstone and Ipuji Forests managed by the Makete District Council. The Ndukunduku wildlife corridor, which connects Kitulo National Park with the Mpanga-Kipengele Game Reserve, also passes through this area. It is essential that we take responsibility for safeguarding these regions," said Dr. Chana.
"We must not engage in farming or settle in these crucial conservation zones. Let’s protect them for future generations."
The Minister stressed the importance of balancing conservation with development and emphasized that the protected areas could provide sustainable livelihood opportunities.
"These areas are not only vital for preserving our natural heritage, but they also hold the potential to boost local economies through tourism and conservation-related activities," she explained.
During her address, Dr. Chana also outlined the Ministry’s efforts to combat human-wildlife conflict and manage destructive wildlife.
"To address these challenges, the Ministry has taken several steps, including joint patrols with TAWA, TANAPA, and local authorities in Makete; using technology such as bee drones, GPS satellite collars, and non-lethal deterrents; and conducting awareness seminars for 122 wildlife officers across various districts, including Njombe," she added.
Deputy Permanent Secretary for Natural Resources in the Ministry, CP Benedict Wakulyamba, also addressed the gathering, urging Makete residents to take advantage of the Ndukunduku wildlife corridor to establish a Wildlife Management Area.
"The Ndukunduku corridor is a critical resource, and we have an opportunity to manage it sustainably for both conservation and community development. I urge the people of Makete to embrace this opportunity for their own benefit and the environment’s," he said.
CP Wakulyamba further shared the Ministry's plans for the 2024/2025 financial year: "We are committed to continuing our work in building the capacity of stakeholders across the country. This includes managing WMAs, wildlife corridors, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict," he explained.
Makete District Commissioner, Kissa Kasongwa, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry for organizing the training, acknowledging the area's potential for tourism and conservation.
"Makete is a beautiful region with rich forests and wildlife. We are committed to protecting our natural resources and using them responsibly to enhance our local economy," he said.
The seminar was attended by Assistant Commissioners from TAWA, TANAPA, and TFS, experts from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, conservation stakeholders from Makete, and religious and government leaders from the district.
