Commissioner Wakulyamba made the remarks over the weekend when speaking during a graduation ceremony for 114 Village Game Scouts (VGS) at the Community Based Conservation Training Centre (CBCTC)-Likuyu Sekamaganga in Namtumbo District, Ruvuma Region.
The training was sponsored by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism through the World Bank funded project—the Resilient Natural Resource Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) for purposes of enhancing conservation activities, control poaching and to reduce Human Wildlife Conflicts (HWC). The project covers Ruaha, Mikumi, Udzungwa and Nyerere National Park.
The Deputy PS warned that stern legal measures will be taken against anyone encroaching the forests for agricultural and livestock grazing activities. He said measures will be taken against villagers using traditional weapons to attack or kill wild animals.
“We need to protect our natural resources and the environment since we depend on one another. We survive because of the environment; the presence of animals and forests is for our own benefit,” he added, urging VGS to avoid the use of excessive force during arrests.
Wakulyamba said the government recognizes the vital role played by VGS in reducing HWC and controlling poaching, noting that they are presence at national parks have proved efficiency. He also advised them to join entrepreneurs’ groups to be able to benefit with government empowerment loans offered at district level.
“We aim to empower VGS through provision of working tools and assisting them to form groups where they can establish income generating activities,” he remarked.
He also urged the youth to share the acquired knowledge with their fellow villagers so that they are aware of the techniques on how to scare away the fierce and destructive wild animals.
He said the government has started working on the various challenges facing the college including improvement of infrastructures. He said the college will soon be connected with electricity services through the Rural Energy Agency (REA).
Namtumbo District Commissioner, Ngolo Malenya called upon VGS to be security conscious and avoid engaging in corrupt acts when executing their duties.
Malenya said: “Namtumbo District has water sources that contributes 18 percent of water to the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, hence the need for trained village game scouts to enhance protection of forests and water sources.”
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Eastern Zone Conservation Commissioner, Massana Mwishawa said so far a total of 354 VGS have been trained at the college. He said the training was conducted in three phases whereas the first batch had 120 youth, second batch 121 and the last batch 114.
Mwishawa noted that HWC is among the major challenges in the conservation sector, with the problem affecting both humans and wildlife. He said to end the problem, the government embarked on various initiatives including implementation of the National Human Wildlife Conflicts Management Strategy-2020/2024.
“The need and importance of involving the community in conservation activities has been stated in the 1998 National Wildlife Conservation Policy,” he stressed.
Earlier, Jane Nyau, Principal at CBCTC – Likuyu Sekamaganga said they have achieved the goal by 94 percent after conducting successful training to 354 VGS out of the set goal to train 376.
Nyau appealed to the government to fast track connecting the college with electricity services to reduce operation cost associated with the use of generator . She said the college also offers one month tailor made courses to village leaders.
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