WCS recognised for good performance, community engagement

TANGA: THE Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has been honoured as the best-performing non-governmental organisation (NGO) in government and community engagement for the 2023-2024 in the Tanga region.

The WCS received an award for its outstanding marine and sea conservation achievements. Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr Batilda Burian, presented the awards during the Tanga NGO Forum held at the Regional Commissioner’s Conference Hall in the City.

WCS has worked in partnership with local communities and government entities to protect coral reefs, improve small-scale fishery management, and enhance community livelihoods across a Trans-Boundary Conservation Area (TBCA) spanning approximately 6,000 square kilometres in northern Tanzania and southern Kenya.

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In Tanzania, their activities have focused on the communities of Ndumbani, Moa, and Jasini. The organisation is currently implementing another initiative, “Bahari ni Urithi,” in the Tanga and Muheza districts, where it has made significant strides in revitalising the local fishing industry.

As part of this project, WCS constructed modern drying racks that help traders add value to their products by protecting them from rains with special canvases provided by the organisation.

WCS also offers training on ocean conservation, fostering a deep understanding of the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.

Dr Johnson Mshana, the Project Coordinator, highlighted the positive impact of these conservation efforts, noting that they have led to an increase in fish stocks and the introduction of alternative livelihoods such as tourism operations.

“We have increased fish stocks, and dolphins are now being sighted at Moa and Ndumbani, which is expected to attract more tourists and help communities recognise the importance of protecting marine resources,” he said.

In her opening remarks at the Forum, Dr Burian praised WCS and other NGOs for their efforts to collaborate with the government and communities, complementing the government’s initiatives to promote development in line with President Samia Suluhu’s “4Rs”— Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding.