Towards Sustainable Wildlife Management Areas in Tanzania

Abstract

Within the last few years, Tanzania has witnessed mushrooming growth of "wildlife management areas" (WMAs). These are broadly meant to halt (or reduce) loss of wildlife populations, and ensure that local people benefit from their conservation. However, human pressure is rapidly increasing and causing management problems in the WMAs. Some human land-use activities also limit wildlife dispersal, potentially destabilizing wildlife population dynamics. In addition, poor resource use diversification and lack of creativity constrain sustainable use of natural resources in the WMAs; consequently, their contribution to sustainable livelihoods is seriously undermined. A key question is how WMAs can be a sustainable and competitive land-use option that meets their predetermined objectives? Without doubt, a road map to sustainable WMAs should responsibly engage the government, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations in a joint effort towards realization of simple and flexible WMAs establishment process, quality wildlife habitat, and reduced human pressure on the wildlife resources, as well as successful and sustainable wildlife-based enterprises.

Wildlife Resources of Ethiopia: Opportunities, Challenges and Future Directions: From Ecotourism Perspective: A Review Paper

“…For example, Ethiopia had only two protected areas (namely; Awash and Simien Mountains National Park) before 40 years and today has more than 55 protected areas (including 21 national parks) [19] (Figure 2) to protect and conserve the natural ecosystems and wildlife heritage of the country [10] [29] ( Table 2). Conversely, those protected areas are exposed to severe pressure, which threatens their existence and sustainability due to anthropogenic effects [19] [30]- [32]. The geographical distribution of protected areas of Ethiopia presented on ( Figure 2).…”

Conservation Challenges of Gibe Sheleko National Park, Southwestern Ethiopia

“…They also described the park was clearly demarcated due to little regional conservation attention and limited budget. The establishments of core, buffer and transitional zones in protected areas, as well as the establishment of policies and practices are vital for a park's protection [10] [14] [16].…”

“…However, these protected areas are exposed to severe pressure from anthropogenic activities (fire wood collection, farming, over exploitation, bush fire by the investors and farmers around the park, charcoal production and harassing wild animals) that threaten their existence and sustainability [10] [11]. Anthropogenic activities are directly influencing wildlife survival across different regions [10] [12]. In addition, poor protected area conservation management strategies and policies coupled with limited community participation in conservation practices have significantly affected biodiversity.…”

“…For example, Ethiopia had only two protected areas before 1970 but today has more than 55 protected areas to conserve its natural ecosystems and wildlife heritage [9]. However, these protected areas are exposed to severe pressure from anthropogenic activities (fire wood collection, farming, over exploitation, bush fire by the investors and farmers around the park, charcoal production and harassing wild animals) that threaten their existence and sustainability [10] [11]. Anthropogenic activities are directly influencing wildlife survival across different regions [10] [12].…”

“…Conservation policies are crucial for the development of sustainable wildlife tourism and the preservation of resources [13]. Many countries, such as Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and South Africa, have adopted participatory approaches to conserve their wildlife resources for sustainable utilization, including community-based conservation of protected areas [10] [14]. However, in the eastern parts of Africa, such practices are major challenges due to confrontations with local communities [15].…”