TZ, US partnership in conservation commended
THE Director of Wildlife in the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources, Dr Maurus Msuha has commended Tanzania and the United States (US)’s partnership in promoting conservation and areas of connectivity in the country.
Speaking at an Inter-Ministerial Dialogue on Sustainable Investments and Private Sector-led Efforts to Combat Wildlife Trafficking in Areas of Connectivity in Tanzania here recently, Dr Msuha lauded the joint efforts of improving biodiversity conservation by building sustainable livelihoods and supporting natural resource management.
The Director of Wildlife further commended Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF) for organising the timely dialogue aimed at promoting collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors in promoting sustainable investment practices and combating wildlife trafficking.
“Conservation must pay and it is when we work together, that is the private and public that we can meet both for conservation and investment goals,” Dr Msuha explained.
He equally welcomed more sector-specific dialogues on different value chains, assuring that the government will continue to work closely with the private sector by ensuring a conducive business and investment environment.
Earlier on, TPSF Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Raphael Maganga appreciated the continued support of USAID’s Tuhifadhi Maliasili Activity in conserving threatened wildlife habitat in Tanzania.
According to Mr Maganga, the initiative seeks to create awareness among Private Sector Organisations (PSOs) on the importance of corridors in biodiversity conservation and national development.
“It is the role of all private sector players to ensure that their companies align their policies to conserve the environment not only for the current generation but the future as well”, he said.
In his rejoinder, Environment and Natural Resources Management Team Leader with USAID Tanzania, Mr Nathan Sage, noted that the US government had over 60 years conservation partnership with Tanzania, and over the past five years, USAID has invested over 100 million dollars in conservation, through working with both the government and private sector players.
The dialogue brought together the public and private sector players, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, tourism players including banks, transport players, manufacturers and others.
