Ngorongoro Crater hosts 14th Lusaka Council delegates

NGORONGORO: THE Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Commissioner of Police Benedict Wakulyamba, has praised the visit of delegates from the 14th Lusaka Governing Council to the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area, describing it as a great success.

He noted that the delegates had the rare opportunity to see Africa’s “Big Five” animals lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes and more, up close in one location.

Speaking at the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area over the weekend, Mr Wakulyamba underscored the area’s international reputation and award-winning conservation efforts, highlighting it as one of Tanzania’s premier tourist destinations.

“Following the conclusion of the three-day Governing Council Meeting of Parties to the Lusaka Agreement, which was closed by Tanzania’s Minister for Natural Resources, Ambassador Pindi Chana, we felt it was fitting for our international guests to experience the Ngorongoro Conservation Area firsthand,” said Mr Wakulyamba.

He added that the delegates toured several parts of the Crater, including a designated picnic spot, commonly used for rest and meals, marking the end of their visit.

The delegates, representing countries such as Zambia, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa and others, shared a common goal of strengthening collaboration in wildlife and forest resource protection.

Mr Wakulyamba praised the outcomes of the meeting, especially the agreements made to increase cooperation in conservation efforts.

“Conservation is a global issue that requires nations to work together to combat wildlife and forest crimes. One of the major aims of the Lusaka Agreement is to unite African countries in safeguarding their natural resources,” he said.

Kenyan Member of Parliament for Meru County, Ms Elizabeth Kailemta echoed these sentiments, underscoring the uniqueness of Africa’s wildlife and forest heritage.

“I was thrilled by our visit to the Ngorongoro Crater. We saw not only the Big Five lions, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes but also wildebeests, zebras, hippos and a variety of birds, including flamingos and ostriches,” said MP Kailemta.

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She expressed her amazement at seeing wildebeests up close for the first time, something she had previously only witnessed on television or read about in books dating back to the 1970s.

Ms Kailemta commended Tanzanian conservation officers for their serious efforts to preserve wildlife, forests and even smaller creatures such as ants.

She also raised concerns about illegal activities, such as ant smuggling and urged the protection of Africa’s natural resources for future generations.

“I will definitely return to Tanzania with my family to show them the beauty of Arusha and the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s an incredibly beautiful place,” she affirmed.

As a member of Kenya’s Parliamentary Committee on Tourism and Wildlife, Ms Kailemta called for increased government budgets for wildlife protection and stricter penalties for poaching, particularly regarding elephants and rhinos’ horns.

She also emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation, noting that wildlife migrates freely between nations.

“Africa must stand united to tackle transboundary wildlife and forest crimes,” she said.

Director of the Lusaka Agreement Task Force Mr Edward Phiri described the Ngorongoro Crater as one of the world’s natural wonders.

“We are pleased to see a thriving ecosystem with many species in their natural habitat. This reflects the commendable work Tanzania is doing in conservation,” Mr Phiri said.

He noted the mission of the Lusaka Agreement, which is to unite African nations in fighting transnational wildlife and forest crimes.

He also noted that the agreement remains open for accession by all African states, with the aim of expanding its membership.

“The Task Force is working diligently to encourage countries to ratify the agreement. We have a strategic plan to promote unity in conserving our continent’s natural heritage,” he explained.

Mr Phiri also stressed the recent transition of the Governing Council presidency from Kenya to Tanzania, expressing hope for continued collaboration and support among African nations.

Representing the Speaker of Parliament, Irene Kitoti, a Member of the East African Youth Parliament from Tanzania, expressed her appreciation for the Lusaka Agreement and its role in preserving Africa’s wildlife and forests.

She also encouraged young people to explore the many opportunities in tourism as a means of economic empowerment and urged them to visit natural attractions like the Ngorongoro Crater.