CITW Tanzania: Addressing human-wildlife conflict in partnership with TANAPA

“We’re building a conservation economy with empowerment programs that work to create self-sustaining communities”, writes Doctor Tipay, Wilderness Tanzania Community and CITW Project Co-ordinator. “Our commitment to protecting both the environment and the communities that share it is reflected in our strategic approach, which cuts across Wilderness’ three key Impact pillars: Educate, Empower, and Protect”, he adds. 

CITW Tanzania is actively conducting monthly community conservation workshops focused on addressing human-wildlife conflict in partnership with local schools and neighbouring communities. Collaborating closely with the outreach department of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), specifically the “Ujirani Mwema” initiative, these workshops aim to foster understanding and co-operation among community members regarding the challenges posed by wildlife interactions. The workshops cover critical topics such as sustainable practices, wildlife behaviour, and conflict mitigation strategies, equipping participants with knowledge and tools to coexist peacefully with their wildlife neighbours.

The rationale behind these community conservation workshops is to empower local residents, enabling them to take active roles in wildlife management and conservation. By fostering dialogue and sharing experiences, CITW Tanzania and TANAPA work to build a sense of stewardship over local natural resources, helping residents understand the importance of wildlife conservation in maintaining healthy ecosystems and livelihoods. The noticeable increase in attendance at these workshops reflects a growing recognition of these issues within the communities. For instance, between January and April 2024, the maximum participation was about 10 to 15 members per session, but today, the numbers have risen to approximately 25-30 attendees. This trend not only highlights increased awareness but also a strong desire among community members to learn and engage in conservation efforts.

The small yet significant impact we observe through these workshops includes a heightened understanding of wildlife dynamics and a shift in attitudes toward conservation. As more community members participate, we are beginning to see local leaders emerging who advocate for sustainable practices within their communities. Additionally, the workshops help establish a network of informed individuals who can share their knowledge and experiences, further spreading awareness of human-wildlife conflict issues. Continuous support from TANAPA and active participation by community members bolster the effectiveness of these initiatives, contributing to a collective effort to mitigate wildlife conflicts and promote coexistence. As our workshops continue to grow in attendance and engagement, so is our optimism about the positive changes in community attitudes towards wildlife conservation and the collaborative efforts to safeguard local ecosystems.

Established in 1959, the primary role of the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is conservation. Tanzania’s 22 national parks, many of which form the core of a much larger protected ecosystem, have been set aside to preserve the country’s rich natural heritage and to provide secure breeding grounds where its fauna and flora can thrive, safe from the conflicting interests of a growing human population. TANAPA values the role played by communities in conservation, taking different approaches to provide conservation education to various conservation stakeholders. Furthermore, the organization extends financial support to communities bordering national parks for implementation of community development projects through Support for Community Initiated Projects. These projects focus on education, health, transportation and water supply. The TANAPA Income Generating Project aims is to effectively contribute to poverty alleviation for the communities living around the national parks, while gaining their support for conservation.