The Commissioner for Conservation at Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), CPA (T) Musa Nassoro Kuji, has commended officers and rangers at Udzungwa Mountains National Park for their efforts in strengthening biodiversity conservation and enhancing scientific approaches to wildlife protection.
Speaking during a visit to the park headquarters in Mang’ula, Morogoro Region on July 1, 2025, Commissioner Kuji applauded the park's management for notable progress in ecological monitoring and conservation science.
He said Udzungwa has set an example in implementing science-driven conservation strategies.
“I commend the entire team for improving biodiversity protection and applying scientific approaches to wildlife conservation. Your efforts are evident in how the park has embraced ecological monitoring, wildlife health surveillance, disease outbreak control, fire management, coordination of research activities, and tracking of rare species,” said Commissioner Kuji.
He noted that the park’s efforts align with TANAPA’s broader vision of ensuring long-term sustainability of Tanzania’s protected areas through science and innovation.
Commissioner Kuji also emphasised that the successful implementation of ongoing strategic projects within the park will contribute to increased tourist arrivals and boost government revenue.
In his remarks, the Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Eastern Zone Manager, John Nyamhanga, said the park’s achievements are rooted in a balanced approach that combines conservation, community engagement, and tourism development.
“We continue to engage local communities through good neighbourliness initiatives that help reduce poaching threats and enhance public support for conservation. This model has contributed greatly to the stability and development of the park,” said Nyamhanga.
Meanwhile, Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Chief Park Warden for Udzungwa, Theodora Batiho, said the park is preparing to introduce a range of new tourism products in the 2025/2026 fiscal year as part of efforts to boost both visitation and revenue.
“We plan to open new entry points at Msosa and Mbatwa, introduce cycling tourism and a tourism village, and promote sports and event-based tourism. We’re also encouraging private sector investment within the park,” Batiho said.
She added that these initiatives will not only diversify tourism offerings but also create opportunities for surrounding communities through job creation and increased economic activity.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park has also been nominated for the prestigious World Travel Awards 2025 in the category of Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park.
The nomination is seen as a strong endorsement of the park’s contribution to biodiversity protection, ecological tourism, and the promotion of Tanzania’s natural heritage on the global stage.