Why Chem Chem Safari won the conservation, tourism award in Africa

GOING by the Wildlife Policy of Tanzania-a national policy prepared with a vision to promote the conservation of biological diversity,
Judges celebrate Tanzanian Chem Chem for winning the international African Travel and Tourism Association award in London, England, recently.

TANZANIA: GOING by the Wildlife Policy of Tanzania-a national policy prepared with a vision to promote the conservation of biological diversity, administer, regulate and develop wildlife resources, involve all stakeholders in wildlife conservation and sustainable utilisation, as well as in fair and equitable sharing of benefits, the government has offered a fair and favourable climate for several organisations to do business with the locals so that at the end of the day, they conserve the environment.

Aligning to this, the Conservation and Tourism Non-Governmental Organisation, Chem Chem Safaris, located in the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Babati District in Manyara Region, has won the award for wildlife protection, empowering the surrounding rural communities, tourism and conservation in the 50,000-acre land that belongs to the communities set it aside for conservation and wildlife protection.

Operating three exclusive safari camps, Chem Chem Safari was awarded for ethical wildlife tour experiences in respecting animal welfare (captive and wild), educating tourists and demonstrating a significant contribution to natural habitat conservation and reduction of human wildlife conflict.

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The award given by the international African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) in England caters for organizations and countries globally, which manage wildlife conservation and environmental conservation.

Announcing the prize, ATTA President, Nigel Vere Nicoll, said that they received a large number of private and government institutions focusing on tourism and wildlife conservation and as well as good community co-existence as recognized by the World Tourism Federation and judged competitors on these basis.

“After the judges went through the merits of each institution and also received comments from tourists who visited those areas, the Chem Chem was the first overall winner due to being able to involve the community in the Burunge WMA area in conservation and tourism and more so benefiting the community,” he pointed out.

Other institutions announced as winners, in the presentation of the awards held in London, England, are from the countries of England, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana.

One of the judges (name withheld) comment: It’s amazing to see how Chem Chem acknowledges that successful conservation requires community involvement. Their impact report highlights impressive numbers, showcasing their intertwined efforts for both conservation protection and community empowerment.

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Speaking to journalists, the General Manager of the Chem Chem Institute, Clever Zullu said that the victory of the award for conservation and tourism that involves the community, which they have obtained, is the result of the great efforts of the government and other stakeholders to promote the tourism and conservation sector in the country.

“We thank Chem Chem for getting this award which means a lot in our tourism and conservation activities, which involves the community to a large extent” he said

Zullu said that the victory is also the result of the good work of President Samia Suluhu Hassan to open up the country in tourism and attract thousands of tourists from the world to come to Tanzania.

“We will continue to cooperate with the government and the tourism and conservation institutions of Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority |(TAWA), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) but also Burunge WMA to develop tourism and conservation in this area for the benefit of the present and future generations,” he added.

On his part, Chem Chem Hotel Manager, Elizabeth Omboi and the head of the various services department at the hotel, Peter Corneli, said that the victory means a lot to them and will attract more tourists.

“We have been doing local tourism activities by involving the community, we give support in the education, health, environment sectors and even support groups of mothers in entrepreneurship activities” said Omboi.

On his part, Corneli said that among other reasons that have been attracting tourists to visit their hotels in Tanzania are good natural and delicious food prepared to tourists’ standards so that Tanzania becomes a destination of the visitors.

Secretary General of Burunge WMA, Benson Mwaise, said Chemchem’s victory is a prize for Burunge WMA, being one of the institutions that have invested in the area.

“We have been comforted by this victory, the world has recognized our efforts in conservation but also the community’s participation in tourism and conservation activities, this is a very big thing” he added.

Other institutions that have received these local awards are Chumbe Island in Zanzibar, British African Institute, Lemala Camps and Lodges Tanzania.

Other organizations are African Monarch Lodges of Namibia, How Many Elephants of England, Gamewatchers Safari&Porini Camp of Kenya and Lets Go Travel Uniglobe of Kenya.

The fountain award as the first winner is expected to be presented in the country soon and witnessed by the government and tourism industry stakeholders.