The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has reiterated the importance of risk management as a key pillar in promoting good governance, accountability and operational efficiency within public institutions.
This was said by the Deputy Commissioner for Conservation in charge of Business Development at TANAPA, Mr Massana Mwishawa, while officially closing a five-day risk management training programme held at Lake Manyara National Park. The training, which began on January 5, concluded on January 9, 2025.
Mr Mwishawa said effective risk management enables institutions to anticipate challenges, make informed decisions and safeguard resources in an increasingly complex and fast-changing operating environment.
He noted that TANAPA is exposed to various strategic, operational, financial, environmental and governance-related risks, which require a structured and proactive approach.
He stressed that embedding risk management across all levels of the organisation strengthens transparency and improves service delivery, while ensuring the institution remains resilient and responsive to emerging challenges.
Deputy Commissioner for Conservation in charge of Corporate Services, Mr Abdallah Kiwango, emphasised the responsibility of Risk Champions to apply the knowledge gained beyond the training room.
He said risk management should be integrated into strategic planning, budgeting processes, day-to-day operations, quality management systems and internal audits in order to enhance preparedness and reduce institutional vulnerabilities.
Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Certified Internal Auditor, Mr James Paschal, called for the training to be institutionalised and extended to all management levels.
He said continuous capacity building would promote shared understanding, strengthen coordination and support more effective allocation of resources based on clearly defined priorities.
Speaking on the importance of data-driven decision-making, a representative from the Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, Senior Conservation Officer Mr Bertiller Massawe, urged participants to regularly update the organisation’s Risk Management Information System.
He said timely and accurate risk information is essential for guiding management decisions and improving organisational performance.
The training aimed at enhancing professionalism and competence among officers and rangers in the execution of their duties.
It involved 27 officers and three rangers from TANAPA, with facilitation support provided by experts from the Institute of Finance Management.