BY MATUKIO DAIMA APP
The Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Pindi Chana, is expected to be the guest of honor at the closing ceremony of the 60th-anniversary celebrations of Ruaha National Park, located in the Iringa region.
The celebrations, set to take place from October 1st to 7th this year, will be held within Ruaha National Park.
Speaking to the press today in the lead-up to the celebrations, the Head of Ruaha National Park, Godwel Ole Meing'ataki, mentioned that the preparations will be preceded by various community activities and educational programs about the importance of the park.
He emphasized that the park is committed to strengthening relationships with different communities, including people with disabilities, by providing them opportunities to visit the park and offering support to families in need.
"I take this opportunity to invite all Tanzanians, especially Iringa residents, to the 60th-anniversary celebrations of Ruaha National Park, which will take place from October 1st to 7th, 2024, with the grand finale on the 7th," said Meing'ataki.
He announced that the guest of honor at the closing event, Ambassador Dr. Chana, will officially launch balloon tourism, a new service aimed at attracting more tourists to the park by offering them the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Ruaha from the sky.
During the celebrations, Ruaha National Park will collaborate with various stakeholders from the Iringa region, including traditional and religious leaders, in special tours to visit the park.
Meing'ataki noted that a special tour for the Chief of the Hehe tribe and his traditional leaders, along with religious leaders, has been organized to enhance understanding and cooperation in environmental conservation.
Additionally, there will be a special forum on the 60th anniversary, focusing on discussing the park’s history, achievements, existing challenges, and recommendations on how to strengthen conservation efforts.
The park has also arranged a tour for people with disabilities from the Iringa region to give them the opportunity to visit and witness the attractions in Ruaha National Park.
Furthermore, residents living near the park, especially those in vulnerable situations, will receive support and education about the importance of preserving natural resources and the economic benefits that can be gained from sustainable tourism.
In another development, Meing’ataki revealed that there will be a sports bonanza at Tungamalenga, aimed at educating the public about conservation through entertainment.
Speaking about the achievements, Meing’ataki said Ruaha National Park has made significant progress since its establishment in 1964.
Initially, the park covered 9,500 square kilometers, but it has since expanded to 19,822 square kilometers, contributing greatly to the economic growth of the Iringa region and the nation as a whole. Ruaha prides itself on hosting a large population of diverse wildlife.
The park is currently estimated to have about 15,000 elephants, 20,000 buffaloes, over 8,000 lions, along with other animals and various bird species. This has made Ruaha one of the key attractions for both local and international tourists.
Meing’ataki added that major improvements have been made to the park’s infrastructure, including reception areas, accommodations, and roads, significantly enhancing the efficiency of providing excellent services to visitors.
Apart from being a major tourist attraction, Ruaha National Park plays a crucial role in the national economy.
The Great Ruaha River, which flows through the park, is a vital water source for the Mtera Dam, which greatly contributes to the country’s electricity generation.
Therefore, the conservation of this river ensures sustainable power production, which the nation depends on.
Ruaha National Park also significantly contributes to foreign exchange earnings through tourism.
Tourists visiting the park pay various fees, including entry, accommodation, and other services, which generate substantial revenue for the country.
In the lead-up to these celebrations, Meing'ataki called upon Tanzanians to come out in large numbers and participate in the celebrations by visiting Ruaha National Park.
It is important, he said, for Tanzanians, especially children, to develop a culture of appreciating and valuing local attractions to cultivate a generation that is aware of the importance of conserving natural resources and the nation’s heritage.
The Chairman of the Chadema party for Iringa Urban constituency, Frank Nyalusi, said that the celebrations will open up great economic opportunities for the people of Iringa, and they should seize the tourism opportunities.
He added that the construction of a 104-kilometer tarmac road from Iringa town to Msembe, at the park's entrance, is underway, and Iringa Airport is nearing completion, which will boost tourism.
Meanwhile, tour guide Salafino Lanzi stated that the celebrations are a great opportunity for them as the number of tourists is expected to increase.
The 60th anniversary of Ruaha National Park marks a significant milestone in the country's conservation and tourism sector, making it an opportune time for all Tanzanians to participate in efforts to preserve and protect the country's natural heritage for future generations.
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