Wildlife Fund spends 6.65bn/- for dams in reserves, satellite tracking collars, wildlife census

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DAR ES SALAAM: THE Wildlife Fund under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has spent about 6.65bn/-to strengthen wildlife conservation efforts across the country.

A statement from the ministry earlier today, February 2, 2026, in Dar es Salaam noted that the funds have been used for various activities, including the construction of water dams in game reserves, procurement of satellite tracking collars, facilitation of a national wildlife census, and infrastructure projects such as the construction of libraries and office buildings for conservation institutions.

Elaborating, the ministry stated that from the total amount, 750m/- was allocated to the College of African Wildlife Management-MWEKA to improve learning infrastructure through the construction of a modern library, noting that the existing laboratory can accommodate only 80 students despite the college having more than 1,500 students.

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The ministry went forward and stated another 750m/- was allocated as the first tranche of a total 1.5bn/- earmarked for the 2025/26 financial year for the construction of a new headquarters building for Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) noting that the project aligns with the government’s leadership philosophy of “Work and Humanity,” which emphasises improving workplace infrastructure.

Moreover, the ministry said that a total of 3.9bn/- was spent on the implementation of the national wildlife census, which was conducted by TAWIRI.

“The census plays a key role in determining wildlife population size, distribution and trends, informing conservation planning, assessing ecosystem health, combating poaching, addressing human–wildlife conflict and guiding tourism investment,” the ministry stated.

Additionally, he said that 1.2bn/- was allocated to the Wildlife Management Authority for the construction of 10 water dams in game reserves, aimed at improving water availability for wildlife.