Tanzania has intensified its efforts to monitor and safeguard the ecological health of its national parks as part of a broader strategy to protect the country’s rich biodiversity and vital natural ecosystems.
Dr. Robert Fyumagwa, a board member of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and Chair of its Legal and Conservation Oversight Committee, on Wednesday led a high-level scientific review meeting with conservation officers and ecological researchers at Lake Manyara National Park.
The three-day session brings together experts from TANAPA’s Conservation Science Unit to evaluate the state of ecological systems across Tanzania’s 21 national parks.
It marks a critical step in building a science-based approach to environmental protection, particularly in the face of growing climate pressures and increasing threats to natural habitats.
“Our responsibility is to generate and apply scientific knowledge to guide conservation planning, identify ecological priority zones, develop sound management strategies, and evaluate the success of our efforts,” said Dr. Fyumagwa.
“Only through science-led decision-making can we effectively safeguard our natural heritage.”he added
The meeting focuses on several core areas, including wildlife demographic research, monitoring animal health, controlling invasive plant species, managing water and fire systems, and applying cutting-edge digital tools such as the Survey123 app for ecological data collection and analysis.
Massana Mwishawa, TANAPA’s Deputy Commissioner for Conservation and Business Development, commended Dr. Fyumagwa’s leadership and reaffirmed the central role of national parks in Tanzania’s environmental and economic landscape.
“Tanzania’s national parks are not only home to unique biodiversity and ecosystems, but also key sources of freshwater and a cornerstone of our tourism industry,” said Mwishawa. “Protecting these resources is crucial to our national development.”
Dr. Yustina Kiwango, Conservator of Lake Manyara National Park, described the meeting as a vital platform for collective reflection and scientific collaboration.
“We are here to examine the current status of our ecosystems, share findings, and refine strategies to ensure that our conservation efforts remain effective and sustainable,” said Dr. Kiwango.
“What we discuss and decide here will directly shape how we manage these natural landscapes for generations to come.”he added
With increasing environmental stressors such as habitat degradation, climate change, and human-wildlife conflicts, Tanzania’s move to institutionalize science-backed conservation practices comes at a critical time.
The ecological health assessments being undertaken during the workshop are designed to detect shifts in ecosystem dynamics, identify early warning signs of environmental threats, and recommend targeted interventions to enhance resilience.
By reinforcing ecological monitoring and conservation planning, TANAPA aims to ensure that the country’s national parks continue to provide essential ecosystem services, support livelihoods, and contribute to global biodiversity conservation goals.
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic protected areas, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Ruaha, which attract millions of tourists annually and play a vital role in regional and international conservation efforts.