The Ngorongoro Conservation Area has received international recognition for its conservation and sustainable tourism efforts, winning an award presented to the authority's Board Chairman, retired Chief of Defence Forces General Venance Mabeyo.
The award, recently received in Ghana, was formally handed over to General Mabeyo by Ngorongoro Conservation Commissioner Abdul-Razaq Badru during a ceremony attended by members of the authority's board.
Mr Badru said the recognition was conferred by the Africa Business Forum and Awards following research that identified Ngorongoro as a leading destination in conservation and sustainable tourism.
He said the award reflected the authority's performance in managing natural resources while promoting tourism activities within the conservation area.
Congratulating the management, General Mabeyo said the achievement demonstrated the positive results of efforts to strengthen conservation, tourism development and community welfare.
He commended the management for its role in securing the international recognition, saying it reflected the importance of effective leadership and management in protecting the area's resources.
Ngorongoro is among Tanzania's major tourism destinations, attracting international visitors through its wildlife, archaeological sites and cultural heritage.
Its conservation model combines the protection of wildlife and natural ecosystems with the preservation of cultural heritage, making the area an important part of Tanzania's tourism industry.
The recognition also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between tourism growth, environmental protection and the interests of communities living within and around the conservation area.