UNESCO Tanzania Secretary General Highlights the Government's Efforts in Ecological Conservation

 

Professor Hamis Malebo, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for UNESCO Tanzania (third from left), poses for a photo with Tanzanian government officials during the ongoing United Nations meeting in New York, USA.

The Secretary General of the National Commission for UNESCO Tanzania, Professor Hamisi Malebo, has emphasized the Tanzanian government's commitment to protecting ecological systems within the country. 

Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Professor Malebo outlined the steps being taken to address environmental and human-wildlife conflict challenges in areas such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

During his address to the Third Committee on Indigenous Issues, Prof. Malebo stated, "Although the Maasai community has coexisted with wildlife for generations, there are growing concerns about ecological threats and hazardous conflicts between humans and wildlife." He highlighted the government's inclusive approach to engaging local communities in seeking sustainable solutions.

"With the best of intentions, the government involved the residents of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to find solutions to security, economic concerns, and environmental preservation, without infringing on their rights," he added.

Prof. Malebo pointed out that Tanzania's land ownership system, governed by the 1999 Land Act and the Village Land Act, ensures that land remains a public asset, with the President holding it in trust for the nation. 

He explained that Tanzania’s framework aims to prevent social divisions, saying, “Tanzania does not subscribe to the concept of ‘indigenous peoples,’ a view shared by several countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.”

He also reminded the assembly that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

"In recent years, human population growth and expanding activities in the area have posed a threat to the ecosystem, particularly in efforts to conserve wildlife and indigenous flora," Prof. Malebo said. 

He emphasized the importance of voluntary relocation efforts to safeguard the environment while enhancing the livelihoods of local communities. 

"The Ngorongoro-Serengeti ecosystem is unique globally, showcasing the natural wonder of the great migration of wildebeests, zebras, and other wildlife. This phenomenon is vital for Tanzania and the world," Prof. Malebo explained.

He further illustrated the conflicts caused by human settlements within protected areas, noting, "Farming, livestock grazing, collecting firewood, and traditional medicine practices have increasingly led to injuries and fatalities among residents due to wildlife attacks. These human-wildlife conflicts have become commonplace in Ngorongoro."

Prof. Malebo concluded by stressing that the conservation of this unique ecosystem is a responsibility shared by Tanzania and the global community, as human activities within protected areas continue to escalate conflicts over land use.