Conservation in Serengeti National Park - Wildlife Preservation and Community Engagement

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Origins of Serengeti National Park

Established in 1951, Serengeti National Park stands as Tanzania’s foremost national park. A decade later, the first President of the Republic of Tanzania – the late Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere – declared: The survival of our wildlife is a matter of grave concern to all of us in Africa… In accepting the trusteeship of our wildlife, we solemnly declare that we will do everything in our power to make sure that our children’s grandchildren will be able to enjoy this rich and precious inheritance.- Julius Nyerere – First President of Tanzania 1964 – 1985 This declaration laid the groundwork for conservation in post-independence Tanzania. By 2014, Tanzania had allocated over 57,000 square kilometers to national parks (16 in total), many of which are integral to a much larger network of protected areas. Tourism plays a crucial role in raising international awareness about wildlife conservation issues, and the physical presence of tourists helps deter illegal poaching activities, aiding park rangers in their wildlife management tasks.

The Serengeti Ecosystem – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Serengeti National Park (encompassing 14,750 km2) is the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, which is twice its size and includes the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, various smaller Tanzanian wildlife reserves, and the Masai Mara National Reserve in neighboring Kenya. This globally renowned natural landscape hosts the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world, where over six million hooves traverse the open plains, as countless zebras and gazelles join the wildebeest in a 1,000 km annual circular journey for fresh grazing. This awe-inspiring event unfolds in a unique scenic backdrop of ‘endless plains’: 25,000km2 of treeless expanses, remarkably flat short grasslands dotted with rocky outcrops (called ‘kopjes’) interspersed with rivers and woodlands.

Efforts in habitat restoration are crucial to maintaining the ecological balance and supporting the diverse species of flora that inhabit the Serengeti.

The park is also home to one of the most extensive and diverse predator-prey interactions globally, offering a particularly impressive aesthetic experience. Additionally, the park boasts high biological diversity with at least four globally threatened or endangered animal species: black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah. It is no surprise that Serengeti National Park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was recently recognized as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa by Africa Geographic.

Administration of Serengeti National Park – Tanzania National Parks

Management and administration of Serengeti National Park, along with all other parks and protected areas in Tanzania, are overseen by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). Although the government established TANAPA, it is not government subsidized and must pay corporation tax. The parks are required to be self-sustaining through visitor fees and other revenue sources. All income is reinvested into the organization. In Serengeti National Park, TANAPA collaborates closely with non-governmental organizations such as the Serengeti Conservation Project.

TANAPA’s primary mission is conservation. They are committed to preserving Tanzania’s rich natural heritage and providing secure breeding grounds where its fauna and flora can flourish, thereby counteracting the effects of deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization in other parts of the country. Their focal areas of conservation work include:

Sustainable Tourism

TANAPA is dedicated to low-impact, sustainable tourism through various ecotourism initiatives to safeguard the environment from irreversible damage while establishing a premier ecotourism destination. Human activity is meticulously monitored, and all development is strictly regulated. Buildings within the parks must be unobtrusive, and waste disposal is carefully managed. Park visitors and facilities are strategically distributed to prevent animal harassment and minimize human impact on the environment. Even in Tanzania’s most visited park, the Serengeti, over 7,000 square kilometers – nearly half the park’s area – remains a wilderness zone with no roads.

Community Involvement

TANAPA is actively working to engage local communities in the stewardship of their precious habitat. Many locals are employed within the parks by lodges and tour operators – and by organisations within TANAPA, particularly in the fight against poaching. Villagers are also encouraged to develop cultural tourism projects to generate their own financial benefits from park visitors.

Furthermore, TANAPA collaborates with communities to teach sustainable environmental management, assist with tree planting, establish nurseries, and promote awareness of both cultural and wildlife conservation. Additionally, a portion of park revenues is allocated to support community development initiatives, such as schools, health dispensaries, water schemes, and roads.

Looking to the Future – Conservation in Serengeti National Park

Supporting research projects is a vital aspect of TANAPA’s commitment to the future. Scientists conducting research in Tanzania’s parks continue to discover previously unknown species of butterflies, birds, beetles, and plants. Regular surveys are conducted to monitor animal distribution and numbers, assess water quality, do wildlife research identify disease outbreaks, and detect invasions by exotic species.

Developing innovative conservation strategies is essential for the long-term preservation of the park’s biodiversity.

By using education, providing educational materials, teacher training for schools, and showing conservation videos in Swahili in villages, TANAPA is leading the way in educating local populations. Moreover, schools and community groups are offered free visits to the parks to emphasize the importance of preserving these habitats.

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) is also in the process of acquiring additional land to expand certain parks and elevate the status of traditional migration corridors connecting protected areas. Including other reserves, conservation areas, and marine parks, Tanzania has formally protected more than one-third of its territory.