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Tanzania: Tourist Hunting Banned in Wetlands
10 JUNE 2014



Dodoma — THE government has banned tourist hunting in the Wembere wetland and intensified a campaign against poachers for abusing the area's ecosystem, the National Assembly heard.

Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Mahmoud Mgimwa, when answering a question by Dalaly Kafumu (Igunga-- CCM), said although the Wembere wetland was not one of the country's parks, the Environment Act of 2004 protected such areas against destruction.

He further said that the international RAMSAT treaty to which Tanzania was a signatory directed all signatories to support communities surrounding wetlands in the sustainable use of the swamplands.

In his question, the legislator sought to know whether the government was aware of the importance of the Wembere wetland in the world's ecosystem, saying between 1960 and 1980, the wetland offered reproductive and settlement space for migratory birds from European and Asian countries.

The deputy minister said it was in recognition of the importance of swamplands in the country that the government in 2000 ratified the RAMSAT treaty which calls on member countries to manage and ensure sustainable use of wetland resources.

"The Wembere wetland has national and international importance in preserving birds and wild animals," said Mr Mgimwa, adding that the area, which is used by farmers, livestock keepers and fishermen for income-generating activities, boasts of 177 bird species and over 2,000 bird types.

He said the Ministry of Tourism and Natural Resources would continue working closely with the Vice-President's Office (Environment), as well as the Prime Minister's Office (Regional Administration and Local Government) to ensure sustainable use of resources in Wembere and all other swamplands.

What was the trophy fee on a tourist?

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