Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Best Places to Spot…
»
Black Rhino
Ngorongoro Crater
»
Uluguru Bush Shrike
Uluguru Mountains
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Red Colobus Monkey
Jozani Forest, Zanzibar
»
Wild Dogs
Selous GR, Ruaha NP
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Pemba Flying Fox
Pemba
Although Tanzania has one of the highest proportions of protected land of any African coun-
try (about 40% is protected in some form), limited resources and corruption hamper con-
servation efforts, and poaching, erosion, soil degradation, desertification and deforestation
whittle away at the natural wealth. According to some estimates, Tanzania loses 3500 sq km
of forest land annually as a result of agricultural and commercial clearing, and about 95% of
the tropical high forest that once covered Zanzibar and Pemba is now gone. In the national
parks, poaching - which has increased markedly in both the northern circuit and in Selous
Game Reserve in recent years due to corruption, increased demand and insufficient enforce-
ment - and inappropriate visitor use, especially in the northern circuit, threaten wildlife and
ecosystems.
In coastal areas, dynamite fishing remains a threat, although significant progress has been
made in halting this practice.
On the positive side, progress has been made to involve communities directly in conser-
vation, and local communities are now stakeholders in several lodges and other tourist de-
velopments.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN TANZANIA
Tourism is big business in Tanzania. Here are a few guidelines for minimising
strain on the local environment:
»Support local enterprise.
»Buy souvenirs directly from those who make them.
»Choose safari or trek operators that treat local communities as equal partners and
that are committed to protecting local ecosystems.
»For cultural attractions, try to pay fees directly to the locals involved, rather than
to tour- company guides or other intermediaries.
»Ask permission before photographing people.
»Avoid indiscriminate gift-giving; donations to recognised projects are more sus-
tainable and have a better chance of reaching those who need them most.
»Don't buy items made from ivory, skin, shells etc.
