The government has bolstered its conservation capacity with 680 new officers and rangers graduating from the College of Conservation Training in Mlele, Katavi Region, as part of efforts to enhance protection of the country’s natural resources.
The graduates, drawn from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and the Tanzania Forest Services Agency (TFS), completed both theoretical and practical training designed to sharpen leadership, discipline, and operational skills.
Speaking during the official closing ceremony on Saturday, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Hassan Abbas, urged the graduates to apply their training diligently, stressing teamwork and accountability as key to effective conservation management.
“You must now put what you have learned into practice serve with integrity, work together, and remain committed to your responsibilities. Your professionalism and dedication will determine the future of our conservation efforts,” Dr Abbas said.
He commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support in strengthening the natural resources sector, particularly through new employment opportunities for young Tanzanians.
“We should all appreciate President Samia Suluhu Hassan for authorizing the recruitment of 311 rangers and approving another 500 to join soon. She has also endorsed promotions for officers and rangers across the agencies. I urge young people to take advantage of these opportunities in natural resources and other sectors,” he added.
TFS Conservation Commissioner Prof. Dos Santos Silayo congratulated the graduates and called on them to be agents of change in protecting forests and promoting sustainable tourism.
“These trainings build the foundation for a more professional conservation force capable of addressing emerging challenges in forest and wildlife management. The knowledge and discipline gained here should translate into stronger protection of our natural heritage,” Prof. Silayo said.
On his part, TANAPA Deputy Conservation Commissioner for Business Development, Massana Mwishawa, said the training not only boosts operational capacity but also enhances the rangers’ understanding of their national duty.
“The Mlele training program empowers conservation officers and rangers to safeguard Tanzania’s natural resources on behalf of all citizens. As their leaders, we commit to guiding them and ensuring they live up to their oath of service,” said Mwishawa.
He added that the conservation force continues to strengthen through collaboration with other national security institutions.
“Our partnership with the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces, the Police, and other security agencies reinforces our readiness to protect natural resources and ensure safety across our national parks and forest reserves,” he said.
The graduation ceremony highlights the government’s broader commitment to building a skilled and disciplined conservation force capable of safeguarding biodiversity and promoting Tanzania as a top sustainable tourism destination.
