The Conservation Commissioner of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), CPA (T) Musa Nassoro Kuji, has issued a directive for intensified strategic security in the southern corridor of Nyerere National Park to reduce human-wildlife conflict, especially in areas bordering Ruvuma and Lindi regions.
Speaking during a working session with park officers and rangers at the Likuyu Sekamaganga Zonal Headquarters in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma, Commissioner Kuji emphasized the urgent need to strengthen security in response to increasing incidents involving wild animals damaging crops and threatening the lives of residents living near the park.
“TANAPA remains committed to building strong relationships with local communities through social projects. Alongside that, it is critical to enhance strategic security to curb the impacts of dangerous and destructive wildlife on people’s livelihoods,” said Commissioner Kuji.
He noted that TANAPA will continue investing in infrastructure, including road networks, staff housing, bridges, guest facilities, and patrol equipment to improve operational capacity and enhance wildlife management efforts.
Commissioner Kuji’s directive comes as the southern corridor of Nyerere National Park particularly Likuyu Sekamaganga, Kalulu, and Liwale faces growing challenges related to human-wildlife interaction. The initiative aims to protect communities while ensuring conservation goals are met.
Briefing the Commissioner, Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner John Nyamhanga, who leads TANAPA’s Eastern Zone, outlined several development projects being implemented in the southern part of the park under the 2024/2025 financial year.
“These include the construction of the main entrance gate for tourists at Likuyu Sekamaganga, staff houses, the Likuyu Sekamaganga airstrip, and an eco-friendly tourist lodge under the Sustainable Environmental Conservation and Development (SECAD) Project,” Nyamhanga said.
Chief Conservation Officer Davis Mushi, who represented the Head of Nyerere National Park at the meeting, said the infrastructure improvements have contributed to increased tourist arrivals and higher revenue for the park.
“With the new Likuyu Sekamaganga gate now operational, we are witnessing a steady increase in visitors. This is largely due to the improved infrastructure and intensified promotion of the park’s unique tourism offerings,” Mushi explained.
Nyerere National Park, one of Africa’s largest wildlife conservation areas, was recently named Africa’s Best Scenic Attraction at the 2025 World Travel Awards, held on June 28 at Johari Rotana Hotel in Dar es Salaam.
The park’s recognition is part of a broader achievement for TANAPA, which won a total of seven awards, further boosting Tanzania’s image as a top-tier conservation and tourism destination.
The awards highlight not only the park’s natural beauty and ecological value but also the efforts of park management and the government in promoting sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.