The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), has directed the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to prioritize the welfare and safety of citizens in the implementation of wildlife conservation duties, in order to safeguard the broader interests of communities and the nation.
Dr. Kijaji made the remarks in Arusha during a meeting with the TANAPA Management Team, as part of a special tour aimed at monitoring and learning from the ongoing activities carried out by institutions under her ministry.
She emphasized that conservation cannot be separated from human dignity, while also acknowledging the difficult and often risky work performed by rangers and staff within protected areas.
“Ensure that every decision from patrol rangers to senior officers upholds dignity, the law, and respect. Maintain conducive working environments, provide motivation for rangers, and strengthen communication with communities living around the parks, as they are the primary stakeholders in conservation,” she said.
The Minister also instructed TANAPA to enhance modern patrol operations by adopting advanced technologies, including drones, surveillance cameras, and GPS collars, to boost effectiveness in combating poaching, illegal wildlife trade, and encroachment into protected areas.
She noted that as the country works toward the goal of attracting eight million tourists, TANAPA must improve existing tourist attractions, upgrade park infrastructure, and develop new tourism products, especially in newly designated protected areas.
“We must support the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, who has opened new doors for us through the Royal Tour initiative. To achieve our targets, we must strengthen efforts in the Southern, Western, and Eastern tourism circuits to increase revenues,” she stressed