By The Respondent Reporter
Tanzania has graduated 238 new conservation officers and rangers as part of efforts to strengthen its conservation and forestry workforce, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism said on Tuesday.
The new recruits completed their training at the Conservation Army Training Center in Mlele, Katavi Region, where they received instruction in military regulations, leadership, daily operations planning, conservation management, and tourism development.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Conservation, Police Commissioner Benedict Wakulyamba, urged the officers to apply the skills they have acquired in their daily work to improve discipline, accountability, and ethical standards.
“These lessons must not remain theoretical,” Wakulyamba said. “You must apply them practically, work together, and set a good example in your areas of responsibility to bring positive change to the ministry.”
Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner Godwell Meing’ataki, head of the ministry's Southern Zone, praised the trainers and staff for preparing the graduates to serve with commitment, loyalty, and patriotism.
Training center head Bernadeta Aloyce said the program combined both theory and field exercises to ensure the rangers are fully equipped to handle conservation responsibilities professionally.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including ministry leaders and Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) management.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most renowned national parks and reserves, which face growing threats from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and environmental degradation. Strengthening ranger capacity is seen as a key part of safeguarding the country’s rich biodiversity.