Tanzania seeks innovative strategies to address human-wildlife conflicts

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, has called on the management and heads of institutions under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to develop innovative strategies that transform operational challenges in the conservation and tourism sectors into opportunities that promote citizens’ welfare and strengthen the sector’s contribution to Tanzania’s economy.

Speaking at the opening of a four-day strategic meeting bringing together the ministry’s management and heads of its institutions at Nyerere National Park, Dr Kijaji said the natural resources and tourism sector remains one of Tanzania’s key drivers of economic transformation. She noted that the sector plays a critical role in stimulating economic growth, creating employment, generating foreign exchange earnings, and supporting community development. She emphasized that its operations must therefore be strategic, people-centred, and focused on delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

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Dr Kijaji further said the achievements recorded under the leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan including increased investment in wildlife conservation, improved tourism infrastructure, strengthened economic diplomacy, enhanced international promotion of Tanzania’s tourist attractions, and a more conducive business and investment environment—should inspire greater innovation rather than complacency.

She stressed that the 2026/2027 financial year should mark a new phase of operational reforms aimed at addressing the sector’s persistent challenges, particularly human-wildlife conflicts. The minister also urged the leaders to abandon routine approaches to service delivery and instead embrace a results-oriented culture built on accountability, efficiency, and prudent use of public resources to deliver measurable benefits to both citizens and the national economy.