RUAHA NATIONALPARK :CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF SOUTHERN TOURISM GOLDMINE..

By Francis Godwin, Iringa

L OCATED in southern Tanzania, Raaha Na tional Park is one of the largest and mest sational parks in the African con stimificant national tinent. Its history in deeply connected to Tan zamaccmiervation efforts and the development of wildlife protection

The park was officially established in 1964 The government has been prioritising wildlife conserva tomas part of foi natiorial development strategy, and Ruaha is one of the symbols of this commitment.

Ruaha National Park expanded its honders to pro tect a boxxader range of ecosystemy nemy and wildlife le hab tats. In 2008 the Usangu Game Reserve, which in chuded the Urangu wetlands, was annexed to Rosha making it the largest national park in Tanzama and one of the largest in Alica

is expansion was significant for hoth comervation and the local communities since it is a home to one of the larjast populations of elephants in Africa, as well as large herds of buffalo, lions, and a variety of hied species. The Usanni Wetlands, now part of the park are crucial for the the repon's water supply and biodiver

The park is a key player in ecotourism, affering visitors unique experiences such as game drives hird watching, and walking safaris. It is a major water canchiment area, with the Great Fosaha River plaving a vital role in Tanzania's agriculture and hydroelectric power production

Ruaha National Park will celebrate its 60th anniver sary from October lst to 7th 2004. The event will mark a milestone in the country's history of wildlife preser vation and sustamable tourism

This milestone offers a chance to reflect on con servation achievements, the importance of natural resources, and economic opportunities the country's tourism sector offers.

Dr Pindi Chana. Mmister for Natural Resources and Tourism is expected to grace the event and launch a number of new services including hot air balloon Youn, to enhance visitor experiences

Tourishi is crucial to Tanzania's economy because It feels growth, creates jobs, supports conservation, enhances infrastructure, and promotes cultural hern age, making it a cornerstone of the country's develop ment

Tourism is among the key drivers of the country's economy, contribuong approximately 17 percent of the country's Cross Domestic Product (GDP) I is the Jargest foreign exchange earner as the influx of inter mational

tourists provides a steady flow of foreign cur

Tourisin creates jobs for a large portion of the popu ulation, directly employing hundreds of thousands of Tanzanians Jobs range from tour guides, hotel staff, and park rangers. For communities, especially those

Tourism has spurred national infra-

strucnire improvements, including roads airports, and facilities within the park. enhancing visitor services and revenue Beyond tourism, Ruaha's river system súp ports the Mtera Dam, which supplies cru cial electricity to Tanzania Preserving the river is essential for both environmental and economic reasons President Sania, Sulutu Hassan's pro

motion of Tanzania's tourism through the

documentary The Royal Tour has brought global attention to Ruaha National Park and other attractions, mcreasing tour iar numbers Domestically, the hint has encouraged Tanzatmans to explore their country's beauty, boosting local tourism

The parka chief conservator. Godwell Ole Mengataki, said the celebrations will include tours of various groups such as people with disabilities religious leaders, traditional elders, and other distinguished quests

Ruaha National Park chief conservator Godwell Ole Meng'ataki

For decades the northern regions of Tanzania have capitalized on tour ism, with generations embracing and promoting it. Improved infrastructure hat fuelled this growth. However, the

timation for local and foreign tourists

The event will alst engage tradinon al and religious leaders in discussions about conservation efforts. Ruaha Ne tional Park plays a crucial role in irin

is anticipated to attract both interna tional and domestic tourists, boosting employment and small businesses Infrastructure upgrades are under way, including the 104-kilometer road

of the celebrations," he said. The symposium aims to dheuas the chailenges and opportunities in the tourism sector, while also introducing the new hota and increase the park's accessibility

The celebrations also emphasize com munity involvement, particularly with lo cal families and people with disabilities Children and youth will participate in edu cational programs to foster conservation. awareness

Ruaha National Park is not only a locat economic engine but also a national one The park draws international visitors, generating substantial revenue through entrance fees, accommodation, and other services. It is renowned for its vast wildlife SHEI population, including elephants, buffaloes. and lions, making it a top destination for tourists

"We have also invited various stakebold ers itu the tourism sector, including schol ars, touriant experts, investnes, conserva tlonists and the local community to attend.