Dodoma. The government of Tanzania has received a consignment of modern patrol equipment valued at Sh240 million to bolster efforts to combat poaching and mitigate human-wildlife conflicts.
The aid is part of broader conservation and anti-trafficking initiatives.
The handover, held in Dodoma on Monday July 14, was officiated by the minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Dr Pindi Chana.
The equipment, comprising 20 motorcycles and seven surveillance drones, was provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the “Combating Illegal Wildlife Trade” (IWT) project.
“These tools will strengthen our patrol capabilities in the fight against poaching and the illegal wildlife trade,” Dr Chana said.
“I urge officers to put them to effective use in conservation efforts and in securing protected areas across the country.”
According to the minister, the support forms part of Tanzania’s continued partnership with development agencies to protect its rich biodiversity.
She noted that as a result of ongoing interventions—including the IWT project—the elephant population in the country increased from 43,000 in 2014 to over 60,000 by 2022.
The IWT project, implemented in collaboration with UNDP, aims to address poaching and illicit wildlife trade through strategic investments in law enforcement, intelligence gathering, capacity building, and community engagement.
Dr Fortunata Msoffe, Acting Director of Wildlife at the Ministry, said the project has played a key role in enhancing the capacity of Wildlife Protection Units and community-based patrol groups (Task Coordination Groups—TCGs) across ecological zones.
“The project has enabled training for rangers, expanded the use of intelligence-led conservation, and fostered collaboration among various protection and security agencies,” she said.
Dr Msoffe further highlighted the project’s contribution in addressing human-wildlife conflict through initiatives such as beekeeping, promotion of unpalatable crops to deter wildlife, and income-generating activities aimed at improving livelihoods in adjacent communities.
Gender equity and community inclusion remain key pillars of the programme.
Speaking during the event, UNDP Representative Mr Godfrey Mulisa said the support reflects the organisation’s satisfaction with the Sixth Phase Government’s commitment under President Samia Suluhu Hassan to promote sustainable tourism and step up anti-poaching operations.
“Tanzania has shown commendable political will in addressing wildlife crimes and promoting eco-tourism,” said Mr Mulisa.
“This partnership demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting biodiversity and strengthening resilience at community and institutional levels.”
Tanzania is globally recognised for its rich natural heritage, with over 30 percent of its land area designated as protected.
However, the country remains vulnerable to wildlife crimes, particularly poaching and trafficking of ivory and other animal products.
Projects such as IWT are seen as crucial in reversing past losses and ensuring the sustainable management of wildlife resources for present and future generations.
