Experts recommend techdriven solutions for HWC

ARUSHA: CONSERVATION and tourism researchers have agreed on ten key action points, including designing and deploying modern technology to address challenges affecting both wildlife and human communities.

The commitments were announced in Arusha recently by the Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (Tourism), Nkoba Mabula, while closing the 15th International Scientific Conference organised by the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI).

The three day conference brought together more than 600 participants.

Mr Mabula said researchers and tourism stakeholders must adopt innovative technologies to enhance efficiency in the conservation and tourism sectors, which play a crucial role in national economic growth.

He added that digital tools and research technologies can significantly support policymakers in finding effective and costefficient solutions to emerging wildlife and tourism challenges.

TAWIRI Director General, Dr Eblate Mjingo said the conference concluded with ten resolutions, including transforming the problem of invasive plants into an economic opportunity, such as producing alternative charcoal and using technology to address various sectoral challenges.

He noted that human–wildlife conflict remains one of the country’s most pressing concerns.

Through new research and technologies presented at the conference, stakeholders hope to develop sustainable solutions to minimise such conflicts.

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Dr Mjingo also highlighted the threat posed by invasive plant species in some protected areas.

He said the resolutions encourage innovative approaches such as producing eco-friendly charcoal to help control the spread of invasive species.

Another issue discussed at the conference was the transfer of pathogens between humans and animals.

Presentations explored new research findings and possible interventions to reduce the risk of zoonotic and reversezoonotic diseases.

On his part, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation Imani Nkuwi from the Ministry’s Research and Training Unit said the ten resolutions address key challenges related to environmental degradation of wildlife habitats and tourism development.

He emphasised the need to integrate technology into conservation and tourism planning.

“We must now use technology to ensure tourism grows while solving existing challenges,” Mr Nkuwi said.

One of the conference participants, Dr Kezia Mkwizu, said the meeting provided an important platform to explore innovations, including the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to increase productivity and encourage youth participation in research.

She stressed that Tanzania is richly endowed with natural resources and must continue to invest in research to ensure their sustainable development.