Conservationists hail Nyerere on wildlife
A SECTION of wildlife experts have paid growing tribute to Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere, describing him as a force to reckon with.
Commemorating the nation founding father’s 23rd death anniversary, the conservationists attributed Mwalimu’s famous Arusha manifesto as an exception for the stance he held in the conservation world.
About sixty years ago Mwalimu Nyerere recognised the integral part wildlife plays in this country.
In September 1961 at a symposium on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, he gave a speech that laid the foundation for conservation in post-independent Tanzania. The extract of that speech has become known as the Arusha Manifesto.
The conservationists unanimously agreed that the manifesto was still valid, 61 years on since it was delivered in Arusha.
“The message is still valid today, despite the increasing challenges and threats facing the wildlife such as shrinking of wildlife habitats due to growing human activities, urbanisation, poaching, pollution and invasive species, among others,” opined Professor Jafari Kideghesho, a rector with College of African Wildlife Management (MWEKA).
According to the expert, such a message in the document remains relevant to date and continues to inspire the international community to act to halt the threats facing wildlife.
“Thanks to such a message, more lands have been set aside for conservation; relevant curricula are being developed to equip conservation practitioners with specialised knowledge, skills and right attitudes; efforts to educate and involve communities in conservation is growing; research,” he said.
Prof Kideghesho added that it is for such a message, new technologies and innovations are being adopted to provide practical solutions against the challenges facing wildlife.
He further noted that there was an increasing collaboration with international community through ratification, signing and enforcement of relevant conventions and agreements; participation in different conservation forums.
Much as the message continues to see the light of the day, an Assistant Conservation Commissioner with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Dr Bakari Mnaya, was of the opinion that there was a need of ensuring that national parks were well managed and their resources therein are well protected for public benefits such as provision of ecosystem services and revenue generation.
Dr Mnaya, who heads the conservation section, also rooted for the integrity of ecosystem health for the parks so as the generations to come may benefit as well.
“We engage the public in conservation efforts of TANAPA so as they can feel the ownership of the national parks.
According to Dr Mnaya, Mwalimu Nyerere had a vision of conserving natural resources within the country including wildlife for the benefit of mankind in the present and future generation.
To enhance his vision, Mwalimu established TANAPA to make sure that it manages, develops and enhances sustainable conservation of wildlife resources.
TANAPA has been protecting these resources under its mandate via various approach including science driven technologies, improvement of wildlife habitat to ensure their survival which involves removal of control wildfire, ensure water availability for animal use by digging.
“TANAPA also has been developing these areas by allocating sites for investors, developing tourism infrastructure including roads, picnic sites, accommodation etc which will enhance suitable use for tourists who visit these protected areas…by doing this, the thoughts and vision of Mwalimu Nyerere are well implemented,” he added.
In honouring Mwalimu Nyerere, Dr Mnaya and his colleagues have placed the founding father’s statue on the entrance of its headquarters here in Arusha, inscribed with such wealth of wisdom.
