Tanzania resolves Nyerere Park-Selous boundary dispute

DODOMA: TANZANIA has approved the removal of 1,617 square km of land from Nyerere National Park and its reintegration into Selous Game Reserve, in a move aimed at resolving the boundary dispute between the two game sanctuaries.

Nyerere National Park was established in late 2019 after being carved out of the Selous Game Reserve, one of Africa’s largest wilderness areas and safari destinations in Southern Tanzania, by the government and Tanzania National Parks Authority.

The Parliament has approved the government’s proposal as a strategic move aimed at resolving protracted boundary disputes and facilitating development efforts in surrounding communities.

The excised land will be reabsorbed into the Selous Game Reserve, effectively reducing the total size of Nyerere National Park from 30,893 to 29,276 square kilometers.

Presenting the motion in the National Assembly, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, said the decision marks a significant step toward strengthening coexistence between conservation areas and nearby villages.

ALSO READ: Tanzania engages tourism sector in promoting a middle-income economy

She said the aim is to eliminate persistent border conflicts between the park, surrounding communities, the Selous Game Reserve, and nearby Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), including Mbarang’andu, Juhiwangumwa, Iluma, Jukumu, Magingo, and Nalika.

Dr. Chana emphasized that the adjustment will improve security within protected areas, enhance community relations, and help create a more stable environment for wildlife conservation and economic activities.

In addition to conflict resolution, the boundary change is intended to protect a key ecological corridor connecting the park to the Selous Game Reserve and ensure the steady flow of the Rufiji River a lifeline for the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project (JNHPP), one of the country’s largest infrastructure investments.

Dr. Chana added that the move is expected to boost tourism and game hunting in the Selous ecosystem, potentially increasing revenue from the tourism sector and supporting local livelihoods.

“We are committed to enhancing the conservation of our natural resources, wildlife, vegetation, and aquatic ecosystems while also ensuring greater access to water for farmers, pastoralists, and fishers,” she added.