Tanzania has outlined measures it is taking to promote sustainable conservation and ensure tourism generates wider benefits for communities, as the country seeks to strengthen its position as a leading tourism destination.
Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Dr Ashatu Kijaji said Tanzania was implementing strategic measures aimed at making tourism sustainable while ensuring communities living around protected areas directly benefit from the sector.
Dr Kijaji made the remarks on Thursday, September 24, 2026, while participating in the 9th Ministerial Round Table during Tourism Expo Japan 2026.
She said one of the key measures was the establishment of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) in communities located near protected areas.
According to Dr Kijaji, the approach has helped communities understand the economic importance of conservation while encouraging them to work with the government in combating wildlife crimes and protecting natural resources.
She said the WMAs had also created employment opportunities, enabling communities to benefit economically from conservation and tourism activities.
“Community participation is important in ensuring conservation is sustainable because people are more likely to protect resources when they see direct benefits from them,” she said.
Dr Kijaji also highlighted the use of technology in conservation, including drones and GPS satellite collars to monitor wildlife and help manage human-wildlife interactions.
She said the technologies had produced positive results by supporting efforts to monitor wildlife movements and reduce conflicts between communities and animals.
Tanzania is also improving tourism infrastructure, including roads in and around protected areas, as part of efforts to create a more conducive environment for conservation and tourism.
Dr Kijaji said improved infrastructure had helped make tourism destinations more accessible and contributed to increased interest in Tanzania among international visitors in recent years.
She said Tanzania's approach was aimed at ensuring that tourism supports both conservation and local livelihoods while preserving natural resources for future generations.
Tourism Expo Japan 2026 provides a platform for countries and industry stakeholders to showcase destinations, exchange experiences and discuss strategies for developing sustainable tourism.