Tanzanian govt issues directives to bolster Ngorongoro conservation efforts

Karatu. The minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Pindi Chana, has issued four key directives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and impact of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA).

Dr Chana isshed the directives during the swearing-in ceremony of the new NCAA Commissioner, Dr Elirehema Doriye, held here on Monday.

Dr Doriye, appointed on 7 May 2024, succeeds Richard Kiiza in a role pivotal to the conservation and promotion of one of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations.

The ceremony was marked by strong affirmations of the government’s commitment to preserving Ngorongoro’s natural and cultural heritage while driving sustainable tourism growth.

Embracing technology for progress

Dr Chana’s first directive focused on harnessing the power of technology.

She urged the NCAA to adopt cutting-edge information and communication technology (ICT) systems to streamline operations, enhance conservation efforts, and boost financial accountability.

Empowering employees

The minister also called for better support for the NCAA’s workforce, emphasising the need to uphold their rights, provide regular training, and address entitlements.

Infrastructure development to boost tourism

Another key directive focused on infrastructure development.

Dr Chana called for significant improvements to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area’s infrastructure, including the upgrading of roads, bridges, and entry gates.

Such enhancements are crucial for attracting more tourists to the area and ensuring that visitors can access the region’s world-famous attractions with ease.

This push for better infrastructure is seen as a critical step towards supporting the government’s broader tourism goals.

A push for domestic tourism

Dr Chana issued a clarion call to intensify efforts in promoting domestic tourism, an area she argued requires more robust attention.

“I want you to step up initiatives to increase the number of Tanzanians visiting attractions within the Ngorongoro Crater,” she urged, highlighting a stark imbalance in the tourist demographic.

Citing recent statistics, she revealed that between July and November 2024, over 550,000 tourists from abroad visited Ngorongoro, compared to only 201,000 domestic visitors.

“This demonstrates that our President’s efforts have outpaced ours. Step up local campaigns to promote the attractions here and encourage Tanzanians to visit,” she added.

Aligning with national goals

Dr Chana affirmed that implementing these directives would not only expand the tourism sector but also align with the government’s ambitious targets of welcoming five million tourists and generating $6 billion in revenue by 2025.

She further tasked Dr Doriye with fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to him by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, particularly safeguarding Ngorongoro’s resources while promoting its unique cultural heritage.

A commitment to sustainable conservation

In his address, Dr Doriye pledged to prioritise sustainable conservation for the benefit of future generations.

He vowed to strengthen collaboration with communities within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to devise strategies for protecting wildlife, forests, and cultural assets.

Board confidence and strategic focus

Chairman of the NCAA Board of Directors, Retired General Venance Mabeyo, expressed full confidence in Dr Doriye’s ability to deliver on these priorities.

He urged the Commissioner to focus on three pillars: sustainable conservation, tourism development, and community welfare.

“We rely on your leadership, vision, perseverance, and patriotism in managing these priorities,” General Mabeyo stated, assuring the board’s unwavering support in executing the outlined directives.