World Tourism Day celebrations at Gombe National Park on Sunday turned into a lesson on chimpanzee conservation, highlighting the threats posed by climate change and human activity to one of Tanzania’s rare wildlife species.
The September 27 celebrations focused on tourism’s contribution to livelihoods and the national economy, while using Gombe’s chimpanzees to demonstrate why protecting natural ecosystems remains central to sustainable tourism.
Second-class Conservation Ranger Isaya Mkude said Gombe is home to 14 chimpanzee communities that are being monitored, with each group having a different number of animals.
He said Gombe was also notable for its chimpanzees’ habituation to humans, allowing researchers, conservationists and tourists to observe them without the animals fleeing from people.
Gombe National Park, known for its forests, biodiversity and chimpanzees, remains an important conservation area in Tanzania.
The World Tourism Day activities brought together tourism and conservation stakeholders and members of the community, with participants being reminded that protecting wildlife, forests, water sources and ecosystems requires cooperation between the Government, conservation institutions, the private sector and local communities.
The celebrations also highlighted the link between conservation and sustainable tourism, with protected and healthy ecosystems helping attract visitors while creating opportunities for employment and businesses in surrounding communities.
Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Chief Warden of Rumanyika-Karagwe National Park Charles Ngendo, speaking on behalf of the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Conservation Commissioner, said the organisation uses World Tourism Day to promote tourism and increase the value of the country's attractions.
At Gombe, Assistant Conservation Commissioner and Chief Warden Kevin Nkulila urged residents and visitors to become ambassadors for environmental conservation.
He also warned against practices that threaten chimpanzees and other primates, including using them as bushmeat.
The conservation message comes as Gombe continues to position chimpanzee protection alongside tourism, demonstrating how wildlife conservation can support the long-term value of Tanzania's natural attractions.