Wildlife control central to tourism growth plan – Kijaji
ARUSHA: THE government is intensifying efforts to control dangerous and destructive wildlife through increased use of technology, expansion of ranger posts, provision of modern equipment and continued strengthening of security in conservation areas.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji made the remarks in Arusha, while inaugurating the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) new Board of Directors.
She directed the new board to ensure that the authority carries out its responsibilities in line with the targets and objectives of the National Development Vision 2050 and to ensure that the goal of increasing tourist arrivals to eight million by 2030 is achieved.
“The ministry is committed to effectively supervising the implementation of government directives by working with the highest level of efficiency, focusing on its contribution to the national economy and aligning its activities with the National Development Vision 2050, which prioritises tourism growth and increased tourist arrivals by 2030,” Dr Kijaji said.
She said the ministry has high expectations of the board in enhancing conservation outcomes, increasing tourist numbers and revenue and creating more opportunities for citizens to benefit from wildlife resources in their respective areas.
Dr Kijaji noted that TAWA has continued to strengthen its performance year after year.
In the 2024/25 financial year, the number of visitors to areas managed by the authority for photographic tourism and tourist hunting rose to 240,967, compared to 194,480 visitors recorded in the 2023/24 financial year.
She added that revenue collection in the 2024/25 financial year reached 87.32bn/-, up from 75.96bn/- collected in 2023/24.
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Despite these achievements, the minister said one of the major challenges facing TAWA remains inadequate tourism-supporting infrastructure in conservation areas, including roads and bridges, accommodation facilities and airstrips.
She noted that the situation affects conservation and tourism operations by discouraging visitors from accessing attractions under the authority’s management.
Dr Kijaji directed the TAWA Board to develop strategies to improve infrastructure in conservation areas in order to add value, attract investors and draw more tourists.
On his part, the Chairperson of the TAWA Board, retired Major General Hamis Semfuko, said the new board will operate with a high level of professionalism, noting that it comprises experts in conservation and tourism as well as specialists from other key sectors.
He said the board is committed to increasing the number of tourists visiting attractions managed by the Authority.
The Acting TAWA Commissioner for Conservation, Mr Mlage Kabange, said that in implementing the minister’s directives, the authority will prioritise improvements to its infrastructure to attract more tourists and investors, with the goal of increasing government revenue year after year.
