Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Daniel Sillo has attributed the growing participation of institutions, organisations, stakeholders and residents in the Manyara Tanzanite Marathon to increased public awareness generated through conservation and tourism activities by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
Mr Sillo said the campaign, particularly through Tarangire National Park, had helped strengthen the connection between conservation, tourism and community development in Manyara and beyond.
He made the remarks on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in Babati during the climax of the Manyara Tanzanite Marathon, which was held to raise funds for the construction of a specialised facility for treating premature babies.
The event was held under the theme “One Step; Save a Child’s Life.”
Mr Sillo said the marathon should not be viewed merely as a sporting competition, but as an initiative capable of addressing wider social and economic priorities.
“This marathon is not only about winning medals or prizes. It is also about promoting children's health, community welfare, tourism and conservation,” he said.
He said the expansion of maternal and child health services in Manyara demonstrated the importance of continued investment in healthcare. According to Mr Sillo, the number of facilities providing maternal and child health services in the region had increased from 10 to 28.
He said the development should encourage stakeholders to sustain initiatives that bring together public health, tourism and conservation.
Mr Sillo further credited TANAPA with helping to mobilise public participation through media campaigns, community outreach programmes and the promotion of tourism attractions.
He said Tarangire National Park had provided an important platform for promoting conservation, tourism opportunities and the potential benefits of the sector to communities in Manyara.
Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga said the marathon demonstrated how social events could be used to connect different sectors while addressing issues affecting communities.
She said the regional government would continue working with TANAPA, tourism stakeholders, the private sector and other institutions to promote initiatives that increase tourism while responding to key community needs.
Representing TANAPA Conservation Commissioner, Northern Zone Conservation Senior Assistant Commissioner Dr Noelia Myonga said the organisation would continue working with the Government, stakeholders and communities living around national parks to promote responsible tourism and conservation.
She said such partnerships were important in ensuring that the benefits of conservation and tourism contributed to the development of surrounding communities.
The Manyara Tanzanite Marathon brought together residents, leaders, institutions, tourism stakeholders and runners from different areas, with the event combining sports, health awareness, tourism promotion and conservation.
Beyond the race itself, the initiative has provided a platform for mobilising resources for premature-baby care while strengthening the link between tourism, conservation and community development in Manyara.
