Campaign launched to protect Lake Natron

ARUSHA: CONSERVATIONISTS have launched a campaign to protect Lake Natron, warning that the globally important flamingo breeding site is vital for tourism, biodiversity and local livelihoods.

The campaign was launched during a two-day workshop organised by Nature Tanzania, a non-governmental organisation involved in biodiversity conservation, in Arusha recently.

Speaking at the workshop, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) Senior Conservator, Mr John Sulle said Lake Natron hosts between 75 and 80 per cent of the world’s lesser flamingos during the breeding season, with an estimated 1.5 million to 2.5 million birds using the lake.

“There are only a few flamingo breeding sites worldwide, but the largest is at Lake Natron, making this area globally unique,” Mr Sulle said.

He added that the lake is one of the country’s major attractions for photographic tourism and forms part of an important wildlife migration corridor.

Mr Sulle said the Lake Natron landscape is surrounded by prominent mountains, including Oldoinyo Lengai, an active volcano rising to 2,962 metres, Mount Gelai (2,942m), Mount Kitumbeine (2,850m), Mount Kirimasi (2,602m), Oldonyo Sambu (2,045m) and Mount Shombole (1,565m).

According to him, other unique attractions include numerous hot springs along the shores of Lake Natron, particularly in Pinyinyi and Engaresero villages. The springs contain minerals such as fluoride, chloride, magnesium and calcium.

“The Lake Natron area also features spectacular Great Rift Valley landscapes, including the Leparakash Highlands, God’s Chair in Wosiwosi Village, the baboon resting area and Creta (God’s Hole), a remarkable geological feature,” Mr Sulle said.

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He added that Lake Natron also offers rich cultural attractions, including traditional Maasai and Sonjo fishing practices, indigenous dances, bead-making, herbal medicine and traditional foods and beverages.

Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) Senior Researcher, Dr Ally Nkwambi, said Lake Natron, located within Longido and Ngorongoro district councils in Arusha Region, supports a wide range of aquatic flora and fauna.

“Protecting Lake Natron is not only about flamingos; it is also about safeguarding an important ecosystem that supports many other species,” Dr Nkwambi said.