58 families relocate from Ngorongoro Conservation Area

ARUSHA: IN an ongoing voluntary relocation effort, a total of 58 families comprising 228 individuals and 350 livestock have left the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for Msomera Village and other selected locations in Monduli, Meatu and Simanjiro districts.

During a farewell ceremony for the 19th group of the second phase of relocations, Ngorongoro Relocation Project Manager and Chief Conservation Officer, Flora Assey, said that of the 58 families relocating, 30 families with 151 people and 235 livestock are moving to Msomera Village.

“The remaining 28 families, consisting of 78 people and 115 livestock, are relocating to areas of their choice in Monduli District, Arusha Region; Meatu District, Simiyu Region and Simanjiro District, Manyara Region,” she said.

Ms Assey further revealed that since the voluntary relocation initiative began in June 2022, a total of 1,627 families, involving 9,778 individuals and 40,051 livestock, have moved out of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as of September 7, 2024.

Representing the Ngorongoro District Commissioner, District Administrative Secretary Hamza Hussen Hamza, commended the continued response from residents to relocate, noting that it helps reduce human activities within the conservation area.

He said that the move not only mitigates challenges residents face, such as coexisting with dangerous wildlife and limited economic opportunities, but also allows them freedom to own motorised vehicles and engage in unrestricted economic activities outside the conservation area.

“We congratulate you for making the decision to relocate to allow for conservation efforts. The government has already provided essential services in your new areas, including schools, health centres, water, livestock dips, communication services, electricity, quality housing and farming and grazing land.

Adding, “For those who have not yet decided to move, I assure you that the government will continue to provide social services and ensure that all relocations are conducted according to legal guidelines and respect for human rights,” Hamza added.

Speaking on behalf of the Conservation Commissioner, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Conservation, Gloria Bideberi, who oversees community development at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA), said that the government is continuing offering education, registration and relocation process for residents who wish to move voluntarily.

She added that once a resident registers and their assets are valued, payments are processed within two weeks and the individual is promptly relocated.

According to Ms Bideberi, alongside the ongoing relocations, conservation and tourism activities are thriving in areas vacated by residents and the natural environment is already beginning to regenerate with visitors from both within and outside the country continuing to flock the area’s attractions.

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Speaking on behalf of the families relocating voluntarily, Elizabeth Saiboko from Nainokanoka Village spoke of her decision to move out of the conservation area, saying she decided  to seek greater freedom and a better future for her children.

She said that living in Ngorongoro comes with restrictions under conservation laws, including limits on farming, permanent construction, vehicle ownership and the freedom to move freely around the clock, unlike areas outside the reserve.