By Our Correspondent
Members of the Joint Permanent Commission of Defence and Security (JPCDS) technical committee from Tanzania and Zambia have visited the Ngorongoro Conservation Area while attending a five-day bilateral meeting in Arusha aimed at strengthening cooperation in addressing cross-border crime and emerging security threats.
The delegation was led by Tanzania’s Minister for Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, and Zambia’s Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jacob Jack Mwiimbu.
During the visit on February 26, 2026, the officials had an opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Ngorongoro, one of the world’s most renowned conservation areas.
Officials said the tour formed part of efforts to deepen understanding of the importance of protecting natural resources as part of the broader regional security agenda.
The Ngorongoro Crater, the centrepiece of the conservation area, was formed between two and three million years ago following a massive volcanic eruption and the collapse of a large volcano.
Today, the crater forms a vast caldera about 600 metres deep and covering more than 260 square kilometres, surrounded by steep natural walls that help preserve its unique ecosystem.
Inside the crater are expansive grasslands, small forests and water bodies that support a wide range of wildlife. One of the notable features is Lake Magadi, a shallow alkaline lake known for attracting flamingos and other bird species.
The crater is considered the largest intact and unfilled volcanic caldera in the world and is home to a high concentration of wildlife living permanently within its ecosystem.
Ngorongoro is also among the few conservation areas globally where humans and wildlife coexist. The Maasai community lives within the conservation area and grazes livestock alongside wildlife under a legally recognised multiple land-use system.
The area was officially established as a conservation area in 1959 and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 due to its outstanding natural and historical significance.
Located near the conservation area is Olduvai Gorge, a globally recognised archaeological site that has produced important fossil discoveries shedding light on early human history.
During their visit, the security experts observed various wildlife species within the crater, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, wildebeests, hippos, zebras, antelopes, hyenas and several bird species.
The presence of such a diverse range of wildlife within a single ecosystem reflects the success of ongoing conservation efforts.
The visit also reinforced the importance of cooperation between Tanzania and Zambia in combating cross-border crime, particularly offences targeting wildlife and natural resources.
Participants emphasised the need to protect the region’s natural heritage for future generations, drawing inspiration from the vision of the founding leaders of the two countries, Julius Nyerere and Kenneth Kaunda, who championed regional unity and responsible stewardship of national resources.
