Govt stresses collaborative efforts for sustainable environmental management
KILIMANJARO: THE Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has pledged continued collaboration with various conservation stakeholders to ensure sustainable environmental and wildlife management across the country.
This assurance was made by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Pindi Chana, during the opening ceremony of the 4th Africa Congress for Conservation Biology (ACCB), held at the College of African Wildlife Management (CAWM-Mweka) in Moshi, Kilimanjaro region.
Ambassador Chana emphasised that the partnership between the government and conservation stakeholders is essential for achieving sustainable conservation and maintaining the good work initiated by past leaders for the nation’s benefit.
“The Government recognises the importance of this Congress as a platform for disseminating research findings and sharing real field experiences in Africa. Therefore, my Ministry will continue to support conservation stakeholders, including CAWM-Mweka,” she stated.
She further noted that her Ministry acknowledges the importance of a diverse range of stakeholders in the wildlife and tourism sectors, who are the primary users of research findings generated over the years. “Your participation in this Congress is, therefore, crucial,” she added.
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Ambassador Chana encouraged wildlife managers, tour operators, conservationists and development partners to continue engaging in ACCB congresses to address ongoing conservation challenges in Africa collaboratively.
Additionally, the Minister praised the Society for Conservation Biology, Africa Region (SCB-AR), for selecting CAWM-Mweka and the SCB-Tanzania Chapter to co-host the significant event.
“As a country, we are honoured by your decision to choose Tanzania. I encourage the Society and other international organisations to continue using Tanzania as a prime location for hosting international meetings,” she said.
Professor Yunus Mgaya, Chairman of the CAWM-Mweka Governing Board, highlighted the college’s role in training, research and consultancy services, noting that hosting the Congress underscores its importance as a Centre of Excellence for Wildlife Training in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Prof Mgaya also mentioned that this year’s Congress attracted over 170 participants, including eight world-renowned keynote speakers, focusing on critical issues such as sustaining conservation achievements, enhancing conservation financing and supporting rangers and local communities.
CAWM-Mweka Rector, Prof Jafari Kideghesho, shared that since its establishment in 1963, the college has trained over 11,000 graduates from 28 African countries and 26 countries worldwide.
