Parliament has approved a TZS 334.34 billion budget for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism for the 2026/27 financial year, setting the stage for an ambitious agenda focused on strengthening wildlife conservation, tourism growth and faster compensation for victims of human-wildlife conflict.
The approval, granted in Dodoma on Monday, will enable the ministry to implement nine priority areas aimed at protecting Tanzania’s natural heritage while boosting the tourism sector, one of the country’s leading foreign exchange earners.
Presenting responses to lawmakers before the budget endorsement, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ashatu Kijaji, said the government was preparing a comprehensive scientific study to determine the causes of persistent conflicts between communities and wildlife, particularly elephants.
She said the research would help authorities develop long-term and evidence-based solutions to ease tensions in affected areas where wildlife invasions continue to threaten crops, property and livelihoods.
The minister also pointed to improvements in compensation payments for citizens affected by wildlife attacks and destruction.
Through the upgraded PAIS system, she said, the government had sharply reduced delays that previously forced victims to wait between six months and a year before receiving compensation.
“Today, after a report is submitted, compensation can be processed within six to 14 days,” Dr Kijaji told Parliament, describing the reform as part of wider efforts to improve service delivery and restore public confidence.
The issue of compensation has long been a concern in villages bordering protected areas, where residents frequently complain about losses caused by elephants and other wild animals.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande, issued a stern warning to ministry officials, saying the government would not tolerate indiscipline, negligence or abuse of office in the management of natural resources.
He urged public servants and conservation experts to uphold professionalism, humanity and accountability while enforcing conservation laws and regulations.
Mr Chande also reminded citizens that protected wildlife and conservation areas are national assets whose sustainability depends on cooperation between communities and the government.
The newly approved budget is expected to support conservation programmes, tourism promotion, anti-poaching operations and institutional reforms as Tanzania seeks to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
