The Tanzania National Parks have managed to raise more than 500 billion/- in revenues, beating their previously set annual targets of 430 billion/- by over 70 billion/- and counting.
The money collected from mostly tourism activities should be in the range of USD 197 million.
That was revealed during the occasion in which the Tanzania National Parks was observing the international ‘World Rangers Day,’ here.
TANAPA has apparently used the ‘World Rangers Day,’ occasion to honor the essentially unsung heroes who have been working day and night to safeguard the country’s protected areas.
The Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Board Member, Dr Robert Fumagwa insisted on the importance of recognizing the contribution of rangers in the country.
“The recognition or appreciation for the rangers should not just be verbal but need to be actively translated into actions by rewarding their work, offering them more incentives and doing all we can to ensure their safety,” stated Dr Fumagwa.
On his part the Tanzania National Parks’ Commissioner of Conservation Musa Nassoro Kuji pledged monetary rewards of 1 million Tanzanian shillings to each and every ranger being among the gestures to mark the ‘World Rangers Day 2025,’ which was observed at the Tarangire National Park.
The awarded rangers include longest serving wardens, those who were involved in dangerous operations and managed to save lives as well as those who did outstanding humanitarian acts.
Representing fellow rangers, Agostino Bura and Asha Mnkeni received the monetary presents on behalf of other wardens as the representative from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Fidelic Kimario, looked on.
“These are the people who actually sustain the conservation concept through a series of sleepless nights and risking their lives, limbs and health,” pointed out the Conservation Commissioner.
Tanzania has dedicated nearly 40 percent of the country’s geographical land into conservation precincts ranging from National Parks and Game Reserves to Forested zones.
But keeping the area protected for more than 65 years of the republic’s existence would not have been possible without the equal dedication of rangers that have been working hard against all odds.
They work under challenging environments facing danger from poachers, hostile natives and even the wild beasts they are meant to protect.
And as if that is not enough, for the last 65 years rangers have been enduring all harsh weather elements from heavy rains, freezing cold, scorching sun and windy storms, in most cases without even the basic protective gears.