Tanzania has taken another step towards strengthening the professionalism and effectiveness of its conservation force after 29 officers and rangers from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) and the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) graduated from a structural transformation training programme in Katavi Region.
The graduates completed the training on June 20, 2026, at the Conservation Force Training Centre in Mlele District, a programme designed to transform civilian conservation personnel into disciplined members of the Conservation Force capable of protecting the country’s wildlife, forests and other natural resources.
Closing the training, TAWA Board Chairman, retired Major General Hamis Semfuko, challenged the graduates to uphold discipline, professionalism and obedience to the laws and regulations governing the force.
“You have undergone a transformation from civilians into members of a disciplined conservation force. The expectation is that you will apply the skills and knowledge acquired to work diligently in protecting the nation’s natural resources and advancing conservation efforts,” he said.
Mr Semfuko said the future of Tanzania’s conservation sector depends not only on laws and policies but also on the commitment and integrity of the officers entrusted with safeguarding protected areas.
Mlele District Commissioner Majid Mwanga congratulated the graduates and urged them to become ambassadors of patriotism, courage and ethical conduct in their workplaces and communities.
He noted that conservation officers play a strategic role in protecting resources that support tourism, create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the national economy.
Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru encouraged the graduates to use the training to strengthen conservation activities while promoting sustainable tourism and community development around protected areas.
He said conservation remains a key pillar of Tanzania’s development agenda, requiring well-trained personnel capable of balancing environmental protection with the needs of surrounding communities.
Acting TAWA Commissioner Mlage Kabange said the successful implementation of the programme reflected growing cooperation between TAWA and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority in building a strong and professional Conservation Force.
“The collaboration demonstrated during the training is evidence of our shared commitment to safeguarding Tanzania’s wildlife and forest resources while enhancing the operational capacity of conservation institutions,” he said.
According to the training commander, Major Breyman Rulenguka, 29 participants successfully completed the programme and achieved satisfactory performance scores, while one trainee was unable to graduate due to health-related reasons.
The training is part of ongoing efforts by conservation authorities to improve discipline, professionalism and operational readiness among officers tasked with protecting Tanzania’s globally renowned wildlife and natural ecosystems.
As pressure on natural resources continues to increase, authorities say investing in skilled and disciplined conservation personnel remains critical to preserving the country’s biodiversity and sustaining the tourism industry, one of Tanzania’s leading foreign exchange earners.
