The following contains excerpts from the report Framing Opportunities for Conservation by Understanding Safeguards in The Belt and Road Initiative (FOCUS-BRI).
Tanzania is host to an incredible amount of biodiversity. Its 55,000 confirmed species represent 1/3 of total plant species and 1/5 of large mammal species in Africa.
Aside from its inherent ecological value, this staggering biodiversity also provides significant economic opportunities. Tanzania’s unique ecological makeup is a vital driver of tourism, especially across its vast network of protected areas. This network includes such iconic locations such as Seregeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Kilimanjaro National Park.
The stewardship of these areas and their resources is taken very seriously, as evidenced by the robust suite of policies that have been passed for the protection and conservation of valuable ecosystems within the national borders. The following are a sample of relevant national policies that highlight the importance of ecological connectivity through the lens of biodiversity protection and climate change adaptation:
- Tanzania’s Wildlife Conservation Regulations (Wildlife Corridors, Dispersal Areas, Buffer Zones, and Migratory Routes) (2018): Approves regulations that, in consultation with local authorities, allow the designation and special management of wildlife corridors, dispersal areas, buffer zones, and migratory routes. Also directs the Director of Wildlife to develop a priority corridor action plan that considers biological and ecological importance, wildlife populations, and the integrity of Tanzania’s Protected Area System. The related Tanzania Wildlife Corridor Assessment, Prioritization, and Action Plan was published in 2022.
- National Climate Change Response Strategy (2021-2026): Plans to reduce deforestation, improve energy availability and diversification, and increase the efficiency of major energy-consuming sectors, including power generation, manufacturing, and transportation.
- National Adaptation Programme of Action (NAPA) (2007): Prioritizes sectors vulnerable to climate change such as agriculture and food security, water, energy, forestry, health, wildlife, tourism, and industry. Each prioritized sector includes six priority areas or projects which can address climate change (ex. enhancing the development of buffer zones and wildlife migratory routes).
- Tanzania National Development Plan (2016/17- 2020/21): Focuses on creating a high quality of life where all Tanzanians prosper in peace, stability, and unity. Highlights the creation of good governance practices and the transparent rule of law, so people are empowered to hold leaders and public servants accountable. Also increases the standard of education and works toward creating a competitive economy capable of producing sustainable growth and shared benefits from the country’s abundant natural resources.
Please note: This digest is intended to provide up-to-date information on policy development from a neutral, unaffiliated position as it relates to connectivity and corridor science and management.
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