DAR ES SALAAM, June 27 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian parliament on Tuesday endorsed a resolution to deduct 478 square kilometers from the Ruaha National Park, one of the largest national parks in the country, to be used for human activities.
The deduction of the park, which covers an area of 20,226 square kilometers, will provide space for farmers and livestock keepers living close to the protected area to engage in various economic activities, Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism Mohamed Mchengerwa told the House in the capital of Dodoma when he presented the resolution for approval.
In addition, the parliament approved another resolution aimed at changing the Kigosi National Park into a forest reserve to allow human activities, including research, beekeeping, fishing, and other traditional activities.
The lawmakers said the two resolutions will help reduce conflicts between residents and the protected areas as well as stimulate economic development.
Mchengerwa said the deducted land will benefit residents in 29 villages adjacent to the Ruaha National Park. "There will be special areas for farming, grazing and other activities, greatly preventing land conflicts."
On the Kigosi National Park, Mchengerwa said the government decided to revoke its national park status to provide more opportunities for people to engage in economic activities.
The park was established in 2019 to improve conservation and promote tourism, facilitate research as well as provide practical education to citizens visiting the reserve, said the official, insisting that the establishment of the Kigosi National Park, however, prevented human activities, including beekeeping, fishing and traditional activities, making it difficult for people living close to the park to undertake economic activities.
