Samia vows Ngorongoro rescue

• Says community interests must also be embraced

DODOMA: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has assured that the government will continue protecting Ngorongoro Conservation Area, as a premier UNESCO World Heritage Site while safeguarding the interests of local communities living in and around the area.

The Head of State gave the assurance yesterday at State House Dodoma after receiving reports from two commissions she established to examine key issues affecting the conservation area.

One commission, led by Court of Appeal Justice Gerald Ndika, investigated land disputes in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, while another chaired by retired Permanent Secretary, Musa Iyombe assessed the voluntary relocation of residents from the area.

President Samia emphasised that Ngorongoro is of great importance not only to Tanzania but also to the global community.

“This area must be conserved for the benefit of the country, local communities and the world. It is home to diverse tourism attractions, wildlife species, plants and birds,” she said.

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges highlighted in the two reports.

“We still need Ngorongoro,” the president said, pledging that the government would take measures to resolve issues identified by the commissions.

The Head of State also said the government will address challenges raised in the voluntary relocation pro

gramme involving residents moving from Ngorongoro to areas such as Msomera, Saunyi and other designated locations.

“We have heard about the challenges that emerged. We made mistakes in some areas and we will correct them,” she said, noting that the relocation programme was initiated with good intentions.

According to President Samia, the issues raised relate to policy, legal, social and economic aspects. She acknowledged that the process has generated mixed reactions but stressed that Ngorongoro remains a national treasure.

“Ngorongoro is our diamond and a world heritage site. It is our responsibility to protect it for the future of the nation,” she said.

ALSO READ: Dr Samia hails the commission assessing land use in Ngorongoro for its dedicated work

Dr Samia further noted that the reports revealed the presence of valuable natural resources in the area, including minerals that are in global demand, highlighting the need to ensure the area is properly conserved for the benefit of both the country and the international community.

She said the government will continue implementing the voluntary relocation programme while introducing improvements to address the identified challenges and ensure the initiative benefits citizens and the nation as a whole.

President Samia also commended members of the two commissions for their dedication and patriotism in carrying out their assignments.

“Despite the challenges, you carried out your work diligently, with integrity and professionalism, enabling the collection of important information that will support sound decision-making for the benefit of the nation,” she said.

The commissions were tasked with conducting in-depth assessments of land related grievances and reviewing the progress and effectiveness of the voluntary relocation programme.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) manages the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania, a globally renowned ecosystem that includes the vast volcanic Ngorongoro Crater and supports diverse wildlife species, including the “Big Five” lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros.