A team of experts from the Republic of Cuba, accompanied by conservation specialists from Tanzania's Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has visited the Ngorongoro Crater to assess the impact of invasive plant species in the area.
Speaking during the visit on February 18, 2025, Dr. John Bukombe from the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) stated that the visit marks the initial phase of efforts to address the challenge of invasive plants in protected areas.
"These experts will work with us to find ways to tackle the challenge of invasive plants, which are negatively affecting the natural vegetation within the crater.
This issue has significantly contributed to the disappearance of indigenous plant species that serve as food for wildlife," said Dr. Bukombe.
Lohi Zakaria, Acting Manager of the Wildlife Management and Research Unit and Senior Conservation Officer, highlighted that the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) has been making efforts to control invasive plants within the protected zone. However, these efforts have not yielded the expected results.
"We have tried controlling these plants by clearing them and creating pathways, but these methods have not been successful. We believe that the arrival of these experts marks a positive step toward finding a lasting solution," said Zakaria.
Dr. Orlando Enrique Sanchez Leon, head of the Cuban delegation, noted that they had observed the presence of invasive plants in the crater and suggested that human-wildlife interactions might be contributing to their spread.
However, Dr. Orlando emphasized that his team is committed to working closely with the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and local experts to develop effective strategies for controlling invasive plant species within protected areas.
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