By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has strengthened wildlife protection, expanded conservation technology and deepened engagement with communities surrounding national parks over the past five years, positioning the institution to play a bigger role in the country’s tourism economy and long-term sustainable development agenda.
The achievements, outlined by TANAPA Chief Conservation Commissioner Massana Mwishawa (pictured above) during a briefing to editors organised by the Office of the Treasury Registrar (OTR), reflect increased investment in law enforcement, wildlife monitoring, institutional capacity and infrastructure supporting conservation and tourism.
Among the most significant gains has been the strengthening of anti-poaching operations, with the institution recording more than 31,000 patrols across the national parks during the five-year period.
According to Mr Mwishawa, TANAPA conducted 31,314 patrols against a target of 31,440, representing more than 98 percent implementation of its planned operations.
The operations resulted in the arrest of 30,559 suspects linked to poaching activities, the recovery of 105 firearms, the confiscation of 65,860 livestock found illegally inside national parks and the removal of 10,971 wire snares set to trap wildlife.
The performance, he said, was supported by improved operational equipment, better access to resources and enhanced training for conservation personnel.
Beyond strengthening law enforcement, TANAPA has recorded progress in restoring populations of endangered wildlife species, an achievement with important implications for biodiversity protection and Tanzania’s international tourism appeal.
As a result of the vigilance, black rhino population, which stood at 128 in 2021, have increased to approximately 170, according to the Commissioner. He also highlighted the recovery of the country’s black rhino population from just three animals recorded during the 1980–1985 period to more than 70 today.
Chimpanzee populations have similarly increased, rising from 196 in 2021 to 288 in 2026. The animals are found in Mahale Mountains, Gombe and Rubondo Island national parks.
These conservation gains are particularly important because rare species constitute some of Tanzania’s most valuable tourism attractions. Their protection helps sustain the country’s competitive position in the international wildlife tourism market while safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.
TANAPA has also invested in wildlife breeding and restoration programmes, including efforts to rebuild populations of African wild dogs at Mkomazi National Park. The initiative involves breeding the animals before releasing them into their natural habitats to support population recovery.
Technology transforms conservation operations
A major feature of TANAPA’s transformation has been the adoption of modern technology to improve surveillance, wildlife monitoring and security.
Over the past five years, the institution has acquired 40 drones, which are used for aerial patrols, tracking animal movements, collecting geographical information and helping conservation officers respond to wildlife-related incidents.
The technology has also improved efforts to manage human-wildlife conflicts, particularly where elephants and other animals move towards settlements and agricultural areas bordering protected areas.
In addition, TANAPA uses GPS collars to monitor the movements of selected wildlife, including lions and elephants, allowing officers to identify potential threats and intervene before animals cause damage to communities.
The institution has established three modern communication and monitoring centres, one in Serengeti National Park and two in Mkomazi, alongside the construction of 10 radio communication towers in Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mkomazi and Nyerere national parks.
The investments are intended to strengthen communication between field officers and control centres, improve surveillance and facilitate faster responses to security incidents.
TANAPA is also developing a vehicle-monitoring system, initially targeting Serengeti, to regulate tourist vehicle speeds, discourage off-road driving and improve visitor safety.
The proposed system is expected to help reduce wildlife accidents while enabling park authorities to locate vehicles that become stranded or encounter difficulties inside protected areas.
Communities become partners in conservation
Another important achievement has been the expansion of community development initiatives targeting villages surrounding national parks.
Recognising that conservation cannot succeed without the support of neighbouring communities, TANAPA has invested in social and economic infrastructure, including health facilities, staff housing for medical personnel, classrooms and teachers’ houses.
The institution has also supported water infrastructure, including the construction of livestock watering dams, helping communities address water shortages, particularly during dry seasons.
Road improvements in selected rural areas have further helped communities access markets and transport agricultural and livestock products.
Environmental education, tree planting and the distribution of seedlings have complemented these initiatives, strengthening community participation in environmental protection and climate change mitigation.
The approach reflects TANAPA’s broader recognition that communities living alongside protected areas should benefit from conservation rather than view it as an obstacle to their economic activities.
Tourism investment and wider economic opportunities
TANAPA manages 21 national parks distributed across Tanzania, covering some of the country’s most important natural and ecological assets.
These include Nyerere National Park, covering approximately 29,276 square kilometres, Serengeti, with 14,763 square kilometres, and Ruaha, with 19,822 square kilometres.
Together, the parks support biodiversity, protect important water catchments and provide the foundation for Tanzania’s wildlife-based tourism industry.
Mwishawa said the institution was continuing to create a favourable environment for private-sector investment in tourism infrastructure, including accommodation facilities and services for domestic and international visitors.
Such investments generate employment opportunities for tour guides, drivers, hospitality workers and other service providers while creating markets for locally produced agricultural and livestock products.
TANAPA is also seeking to encourage hotels operating inside national parks to source more supplies from Tanzanian farmers, livestock keepers and manufacturers, strengthening linkages between tourism and other productive sectors.
The strategy is consistent with the country’s long-term development ambitions under Tanzania Development Vision 2050, which places emphasis on employment creation, private-sector participation and sustainable economic growth.
For TANAPA, however, the challenge extends beyond increasing tourist numbers and investment. The institution must also balance commercial tourism activities with ecological protection, particularly as population growth and competing land-use demands intensify pressure on wildlife habitats.
Commissioner Mwishawa acknowledged that human-wildlife conflict remains a major challenge requiring coordinated action between conservation authorities, local communities and other government institutions responsible for land-use planning, livestock management and rural development.
He said TANAPA would continue strengthening partnerships with communities and other stakeholders to protect wildlife corridors and reduce conflicts.
The institution’s five-year performance demonstrates how conservation investments can deliver benefits extending beyond protected areas, supporting tourism, employment, environmental security and community development. As Tanzania pursues its ambition of building a stronger and more competitive economy, the ability to protect its natural heritage while unlocking its economic value will remain central to TANAPA’s contribution to national development.
