Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji has ordered officials to resolve disputes involving protected areas fairly and peacefully, warning that no citizen should be deprived of their rights in the name of conservation.
Dr Kijaji issued the directive on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after receiving a report on the state of Tanzania’s wildlife sector, including its achievements, challenges and measures being taken to address outstanding issues.
She also reviewed a report on boundary disputes involving protected areas and the Government’s efforts to resolve them.
During a meeting held at the ministry’s offices in Swaga, Dodoma, the minister directed ministry officials and institutions under her docket to ensure that all disputes are handled transparently and in accordance with the law.
The directive places citizens’ rights at the centre of efforts to address long-running conflicts between communities and conservation authorities.
Dr Kijaji said President Samia Suluhu Hassan had directed that such disputes be resolved quickly and peacefully to enable communities to continue working with the Government in promoting sustainable conservation.
The minister emphasised that conservation efforts should go hand in hand with justice, particularly in areas where communities and protected areas share boundaries.
The approach is expected to help strengthen public confidence in conservation programmes while reducing tensions arising from disagreements over boundaries and land use.
The Government has continued to face the challenge of balancing the protection of wildlife and natural resources with the interests and rights of communities living around protected areas.
Dr Kijaji’s directive therefore signals the need for authorities to address disputes through dialogue, proper verification of claims and lawful procedures rather than approaches that could leave affected communities feeling excluded or unfairly treated.
During the same meeting, Dr Kijaji received and discussed a report on the performance of the Tanzania Forestry Research Institute (TAFORI).
The report covers the institute’s achievements, challenges and proposed measures to address the issues facing its operations.
It is expected to be presented to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources, Tourism and Land.
The review comes as the ministry assesses the performance of institutions under its supervision and prepares to account to Parliament on progress, challenges and corrective measures within the natural resources and tourism sectors.
For communities living alongside protected areas, however, the minister’s directive on disputes could prove particularly significant, as fair and timely resolution of boundary-related conflicts is critical to maintaining cooperation between citizens and conservation authorities.
The Government’s ability to resolve such disputes without undermining citizens’ lawful interests will be an important test of efforts to promote both sustainable conservation and community participation.
