By our correspondence, Arusha
Tanzania has no plans to suspend or ban trophy hunting, a senior government official said, as authorities move to strengthen regulation of the sector to balance conservation and economic benefits.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbas, said the government is instead focusing on improving policies, laws, and guidelines to ensure hunting activities are conducted sustainably.
“The government recognises the wildlife sector as a unique national resource with a significant contribution to the economy, environmental conservation, and community development,” Dr. Abbas said while opening a meeting with stakeholders from the hunting industry.
He said reforms are aimed at ensuring that trophy hunting supports wildlife conservation, increases government revenue, and benefits communities living near hunting areas.
The meeting brought together members of the Tanzania Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA) and government officials to discuss challenges facing the sector and identify strategies to improve its performance and global competitiveness.
Dr. Abbas urged operators to uphold professional standards, strengthen conservation efforts, and combat poaching while complying with tax obligations and ensuring communities receive their fair share of benefits.
The Director of Wildlife in the ministry, Alexander Lobora, said such engagements have helped both the government and private sector to address key challenges affecting the industry.
TAHOA chairman Michel Mantheakis welcomed the government’s continued support, saying the association remains committed to operating within legal and regulatory frameworks.
Mantheakis warned that any decline or suspension of trophy hunting could reduce government revenues and undermine conservation efforts, potentially threatening the sustainability of wildlife resources.
