Wildlife management areas lack good governance - stakeholders

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INNOCENT-THE BLOGGER-BOY

The Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Mr Lazaro Nyalandu.

 Wildlife conservation and tourism Stakeholders are urging for concerted efforts to empower and develop Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).

 

Addressing a WMA and Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism meeting yesterday in the tourist hub Arusha, Advocate John Kasegenya said most WMAs lack good governance.

 

He therefore suggested the establishment of a team of experts that will be responsible for advising Authorised Associations (AAs), community-based organisations (CBOs) that represent participating members of villages forming the WMAs, on issues related to operations in those areas.

 

Advocate Kasegenya said lack of good governance is among key factors that need redress for the survival of the WMAs.

 

“If we have agreed not to graze cattle in a particular area, this has to be respected by all WMA members,” the chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato), Wilbard Chambulo, said. 

 

He suggested the need for WMA members to create an enabling environment for investors and tourists visiting the protected areas.

 

He added that WMAs and investors should work in harmony for the development and sustainability of conservation as well as tourism.

 

The AAs are responsible for providing services to their members and non-members so as to improve their social and economic welfare.

 

The Wildlife Conservation Act No.5 of 2009 gives powers to local communities to sustainably utilise wildlife resources on their village land. Procedures and guidelines for establishing and managing WMAs are contained in the Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) Regulations of 2012.