The challenge of coexistence: Tanzania’s quest for harmony between humans, wildlife

PWANI: “ANYONE who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young,” Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, once quoted.

This means that learning new things constantly is the best way to keep our minds youthful. Today, as the sun rises over the picturesque Bagamoyo District in the Coast region of Tanzania, it will cast a golden glow over the tranquil waters of the Indian Ocean.

A sense of excitement and anticipation will fill the air as 25 journalists from across Tanzania will be gathering for a two-day tailor-made training on Human Wildlife Conflicts (HWC) and biodiversity conservation.

Organised by the Journalists’ Environmental Association of Tanzania (JET) in collaboration with the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit’ (GIZ) Mitigation of HWC in Tanzania Project, the training aimed at equipping journalists with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively report on the complex issues surrounding human-wildlife conflicts in the country.

The training is expected to have a series of presentations on the causes and mitigation strategies of HWC, essential considerations for managing conflicts, and the role of the Tanzania Wildlife Authority in combating HWC.

The training, which will include trainers and conservation experts from GIZ and JET, will provide valuable insights and practical tips on how to produce impactful stories on HWC and engage with local communities.

JET Executive Director, Mr. John Chikomo, told the ‘Daily News’ that the training would focus on increasing awareness among local communities on HWC issues in the Ruvuma landscape.

“One of the key objectives of the training is to increase awareness among local communities on HWC issues in the Ruvuma landscape, a hotspot for human-wildlife conflicts in Tanzania,” he said.

He further noted that through interactive sessions and group discussions, the journalists will learn about the importance of accurate and gendersensitive reporting on HWC, as well as the role of community empowerment in reducing the impacts of conflicts on livelihood security.

In line with that, he stated that the training will also emphasise the power of storytelling in raising awareness and fostering positive change.

Moreover, he noted that, “Participants will be encouraged to use multimedia tools and innovative storytelling techniques to engage audiences and shed light on the challenges faced by local communities living in close proximity to wildlife.

” Throughout the two days, the journalists will delve into topics such as resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, and habitat connectivity, gaining a deeper understanding of the interconnected issues at play in conservation efforts.

Furthermore, they will also have the opportunity to network with resource persons from the conservation sector and media houses, paving the way for future collaborations and knowledge sharing.

According to him, by the end of the training, the participants will not only broaden their knowledge and skills but also gain a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to reporting on HWC and biodiversity conservation.

Thus, armed with new tools and perspectives, they will be ready to step into the field and make a positive impact through their stories.

“It is clear that this training will plant the seeds for change and inspire a new generation of storytellers committed to shining a light on the delicate balance between humans and wildlife in Tanzania,” he elaborated.

Literally, the journey towards sustainable coexistence has begun, and journalists are poised to play a vital role in shaping a brighter future for all.

Apparently, Tanzania, a land brimming with natural wonders and diverse ecosystems, has designated approximately 33 per cent of its territory as protected areas.

These vast expanses are home to some of the most vital ecosystems globally and play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity and large wildlife populations.

However, the coexistence of humans and wildlife has presented challenges, with human-wildlife conflicts emerging as a pressing concern.

In recent years, the encroachment of a growing population on land and natural resources for agriculture, livestock rearing, and infrastructure development has heightened the clashes between people and wildlife.

The fringes of protected areas and wildlife corridors have witnessed a surge in property damage and personal injury caused by wildlife, leading to retaliatory responses that pose a threat to species conservation.

Recognising the need for harmony between human development and wildlife conservation, Tanzania launched the National Human Wildlife Conflict Management Strategy (NHWCMS 2020–2024).

This initiative seeks to foster coexistence, protect communities’ rights to development and wellbeing, and mitigate the impacts of human-wildlife conflicts.

One of the focal points of this strategy is the Ruvuma landscape, identified as a hotspot for human-wildlife conflicts.

To address this, the project “Mitigation of Human Wildlife Conflict in Tanzania” has embarked on a multi-pronged approach to improve conflict management.

Capacity building lies at the core of the project’s efforts, with a focus on empowering the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism and the Wildlife Division to implement the NHWCMS effectively.

Furthermore, the project aims to enhance coordination among key stakeholders through the formalisation of a response command structure and the establishment of a comprehensive database for problem animal information.

At the grassroots level, the project endeavours to empower communities to mitigate the negative impacts of humanwildlife conflicts on their livelihoods and security.

This includes tailored training, research on community perceptions and vulnerability, and the introduction of locally accessible grievance handling mechanisms, fostering accountability and resilience within affected communities.

The project also recognises the importance of education and media in raising awareness and integrating content relevant to human-wildlife conflict and mitigation into their work.

By strengthening the capacity of educational institutions and media outlets, the project aims to amplify the reach and impact of initiatives aimed at fostering coexistence.

By engaging with the rural population in specific districts, the project seeks to create a harmonious coexistence where both humans and wildlife can thrive.

Through these concerted efforts, Tanzania is striving to pave the way for a future where the natural wealth of its protected areas can be enjoyed sustainably, benefiting both its people and the diverse wildlife that calls these regions home