Breakthrough as three reports elevate Tanzania to new heights
TANZANIA: THIS quarter, Tanzania has received significant recognition through two key reports.
The first, the State of the World’s Migratory Species 2024, authored by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), highlights Tanzania’s exceptional status in migratory species conservation.
The report praises Serengeti National Park as “the largest remaining migratory system on earth,” renowned for its mass wildebeest migrations. UNESCO describes it as “one of the most impressive nature spectacles in the world,” hosting around 2 million wildebeests, 900,000 Thomson’s gazelles and a diverse range of other wildlife, including major predators like lions and leopards. The park also boasts over 500 bird species, making it a critical site for biodiversity.
Additionally, the report highlights the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, noting it supports one of the world’s largest populations of migratory ungulates and apex predators, emphasising its ecological significance.
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The second report, launched by Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Angellah Kairuki on April 22, 2024, details results from a wildlife census. It reveals that Tanzania leads Africa in rhino populations, with 225,000 out of the continent’s 401,000 rhinos. It also has the largest lion population at 17,000, although it ranks third in elephants, with 60,000.
Tanzania’s rich natural resources attract visitors and investors alike. The UN Tourism highlights the country as a promising investment environment, particularly in its nature-based tourism sector, which has grown at an average of 6.5% annually over the past decade.
The SDG Investor Map, developed in partnership with the UN Capital Development Fund and UNDP, identifies 13 investment opportunities across five priority sectors: agriculture, renewable energy, infrastructure, services, and education. This tool helps investors align with sustainable development goals.
Political stability and improved business conditions enhance Tanzania’s appeal as a safe destination for visitors and investors.
The third significant report concerns the discovery of 46 geometric rock art sites in the Lake Victoria Region, submitted to UNESCO for potential World Heritage Site designation. This discovery links Tanzania with Uganda and Kenya, showcasing a rich cultural heritage. These sites, still used by local communities, emphasise the importance of safeguarding this heritage for future generations.
Overall, these reports highlight Tanzania’s remarkable achievements in wildlife conservation, investment potential, and cultural heritage, solidifying its status on the global stage.
