Tanzania government Signs Agreement to Protect Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor

The Tanzanian government has signed a contract to protect the Kwakuchinja Wildlife Corridor, located between Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara National Park, to prevent encroachment and reduce conflicts between wildlife and humans.

Faraja Ngerageza, Assistant Regional Administrative Secretary for Economic Affairs and Production in Manyara, spoke to the press after the signing of the agreement between the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism through the Wildlife Division and the Chem Chem Foundation. She emphasized that the corridor will be preserved due to its importance.

Ngerageza stated that the Kwakuchinja Corridor has significant economic benefits for the Manyara region and the nation as a whole, making its protection crucial.

"The region has completed its procedures for conserving the corridor to promote conservation and tourism activities. The area has been surveyed, and all boundaries have been set," she said.

The region is currently providing education to residents living near the area on engaging in conservation-friendly activities.

Felix Mwasenga, Wildlife Officer for Manyara, noted that the corridor spans 137 kilometers and includes the villages of Vilima Vitatu, Kakoi, Minjingu, and Olasiti. He added that 20.9% of the area is within villages, while 116% falls under the Burunge Community Wildlife Management Area (WMA).

Earlier, during the signing ceremony, Eligi Kimario, Assistant Director of the Wildlife Division, mentioned that the agreement was timely to reduce conflicts between wildlife and humans in the area. The corridor is protected to allow wildlife to move safely between Tarangire and Manyara National Parks without causing conflicts.

Kimario also noted that conflicts have arisen in the past due to some residents building houses and farming within the wildlife corridor.

Under the agreement, the Chem Chem Foundation is expected to build the capacity of conservation staff responsible for protecting the corridor and to assist in its conservation.

Charles Sylivester, Coordinator of the Chem Chem Foundation, stated that the organization aims to work with the government to protect and conserve the Kwakuchinja Corridor. The five-year agreement is expected to greatly support conservation efforts and tourism in the country.

Various leaders, including those from Burunge WMA and conservation organizations, participated in the signing ceremony in Babati.